Unleash Your Inner Naturalist: E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center

For those looking to explore beyond the beach, there’s a natural world of wonder just waiting to be discovered north of Choctawhatchee Bay in Freeport.

Nestled within the 54,000-acre Nokuse nature preserve, E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is an environmental education facility dedicated to teaching guests about biodiversity and conservation. With free programs and engaging environmental science lessons, the center is a popular field trip destination and a must-see for summertime visitors, open to the public on select days in June and July.

Founded in 2009 by Walton County conservationist M.C. Davis, the center is dedicated to promoting biodiversity, sustainability and ecological restoration. And while their mission is global, they take a local approach when it comes to conservation education, offering an immersive educational experience for students from neighboring school districts.

With over 20 distinct environmental science lessons, the center welcomes approximately 100 students per day, completely free of charge, for two or four-day programs. This project-based approach provides hands-on learning opportunities, encouraging students to engage with the world around them.  From immersive overnight programs like Naturalists Outdoors to summer day camps, E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center fosters a deep connection with the natural world and the organisms in it.

This ecological hub is also a gathering place for local and regional scientists, presenting a myriad of opportunities for research and symposium-style meetups. This is due in part to the center’s unique Longleaf Pine ecosystem. This ecosystem is considered the sixth most biodiverse area in the nation, and the Longleaf Pines themselves sustain a wide variety of native plants and animals. From tortoises and rabbits to woodpeckers and squirrels, this biodiversity makes Nokuse the perfect place to study the natural world.

Whether you're a passionate nature enthusiast or just looking to learn a little bit more about the world around you, E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center offers an immersive experience that will leave you inspired. Become an eco-conscious explorer today!