Take a moment to stop, look and explore the world around you. You might be surprised by what you find.

Discovery Place Nature is excited to share our newly renovated Naturalist Lab that is meant to inspire visitors to embrace their inner naturalist, fueling the curiosity and wonder of the outdoors.

Check out the Memory Map that will lead you on a virtual walk through the woods, as if you were hiking through our Paw Paw Nature Trail. You’ll get to explore creatures and items that could be found in your very own backyard.

Stop by the Sci Pod, a mobile activity cart with interactive activities where you are encouraged to touch skull models, investigate scat samples and maybe even get a little messy with dirt and water activities.

Take a closer look at nature under the Wentz-scope, an easy to use microscope that will make nature larger than life! The scope is fully equipped with laminated specimens from the North Carolina region, such as bugs, snake skins and other tiny creatures.

The Naturalist Lab also features photography of regional wild flowers captured by the late John Weil, a naturalist who lived in the Dilworth neighborhood. The photos were donated by John’s family, in memory of his love of North Carolina nature.

This versatile space will be used for public experiences as well as for classes and workshops. Stop in and explore the Naturalist Lab today!