November
- Monday – Thursday: 10am – 2pm
- Friday & Saturday: 10am – 3pm
- Sunday: 11am – 2pm
The Fleming Environmental Center (FEC) is a welcoming space where visitors of all ages can connect with nature through engaging and interactive programs. Our goal is to inspire curiosity and a love for the natural world in everyone who visits.
At FEC, we offer a variety of hands-on educational experiences that allow visitors to learn about the environment in a fun and engaging way. Our programs are designed to cater to visitors of all ages, from young children to adults. Our experienced educators are passionate about environmental education and are committed to providing visitors with an enriching and memorable experience.
The center is conveniently located on the rightmost end of the front porch, making it easily accessible for visitors. As the public portion of our campus, FEC is open to everyone and we welcome visitors from all over the world.
In addition to our programs and activities, visitors to FEC can also enjoy the Bald Head Woods trailhead, which is located within walking distance. This scenic trail is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the island and experience the diverse ecosystems that can be found here.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from out of town, we invite you to come and explore the natural world with us at the Fleming Environmental Center.
Our center is home to a variety of native animals to Bald Head Island, including box turtles, corn snakes, yellow-bellied sliders, and musk turtles. Come see these fascinating creatures up close and learn more about them.
Our exhibits and displays change throughout the year, so there is always something new to discover. From information about local flora and fauna to educational displays on environmental topics, there is something for everyone at the Fleming Environmental Center.
Our center features interactive technology that allows visitors to learn about the natural world in a fun and engaging way. With photos and descriptions of different species, visitors can learn about the animals and plants that call Bald Head Island home.
The animated sandbox is a unique feature that teaches visitors about topography and bathymetry. By shifting and moving the sand, visitors can change the layers of the earth and understand how water flows. Plus, it’s a fun and therapeutic activity for all ages!
Watch your drawings come to life with the Draw Alive activity! Choose your favorite sea creature, color it in, and write your name. Then, scan it in and watch it appear on the screen before your eyes!
In partnership with the NC State GIS Department, we offer the Tangible Landscape program. This program allows visitors to interact with a 3D landscape model and learn about the impact of different environmental factors on the terrain.
Gather around our beautiful tree ring circle for a memorable experience, surrounded by nature while enjoying social activities such as games and storytelling. Come together with friends, family, and loved ones to enjoy the natural beauty of this special gathering space.
Playful interaction with loose parts activates children’s imaginations and creativity and helps them learn early STEAM skills through hands-on combining, counting, sorting, rearranging, stacking, and more. The fundamental value of loose parts is that they are, well, loose—an essential quality and best practice.
Creating a wildlife garden provides countless opportunities to teach children about environmental stewardship. Watching and observing raised wildlife encourages STEAM skill sets as children learn about life cycles, animal behavior, and local ecosystems. Raised beds provide an inclusive observation experience for all children while at the same time prevents children from inadvertently running through healthy plants.
The Bald Head Island Conservancy offers a variety of nature-based activities for individuals, families, and groups. The Nature Building Station provides children with the opportunity to engage in natural construction using materials such as sticks, tree limbs, and large leaves. This encourages open-ended and imaginative play, allowing children to construct whatever their hearts desire.
Earth play, through dirt and sand, is a universal, early childhood activity from toddlerhood through the older school years. The manipulable quality of dirt and sand stimulates endless play sequences, such as digging and sculpting. This combines imaginative, social, and constructive play that also support informal STEAM learning.
For those who enjoy hiking and exploring, the Bald Head Wood Nature Trails provide an excellent opportunity to connect with nature. Managed by the N.C. Division of Coastal Management in partnership with the Bald Head Island Conservancy, this 191-acre parcel of undeveloped land protects the island from storm winds, providing a natural barrier for the interior of the preserve and the outlying beaches, homes, and communities. The Conservancy offers a trail map to guide visitors through the area.
