Pioneers Park Nature Center 4.19

Pioneers Park Nature Center, established in 1963, is a 668acre nature preserve located at the intersections of South Coddington and West Van Dorn Streets in Lincoln, Nebraska and is operated by the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department.AboutThe Nature Center is located in the southwest corner of Pioneers Park. The 668acre sanctuary includes sections on two sides of Haines Branch Creek. There are eight total miles of trails, several ponds, two interpretive buildings and regular activities throughout the year. The Chet Ager Building, contains a variety of exhibits including live animals, a bee skep, and a large herb garden next to the building.The newest addition to the center is The Prairie Building with prairie and live animal displays and a meeting auditorium. The building includes some straw bale construction, a green roof, and other sustainable building practices and is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certified. There are four miles (6 km) of trails through native Nebraska prairie grasses, woodlands and wetlands. A herd of bison, along with elk, white-tailed deer, turkey vultures, and owls are exhibited in their natural Nebraska habitat along the nature center trails.