The Center for Native and Urban Wildlife on the campus of Scottsdale Community College will offer an open house for interested members of the public on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Natalie Case manages the education and outreach programs for CNUW.

She told Northeast Valley News that the open house events will run through May 8 and offer a fun and educational experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

“Maybe you have grandkids at home and you want to go do something fun and educational—well, we’ve got a nature center with live animals,” Case said.  “We’re showcasing some of the wildlife you might see around the Phoenix area and our local deserts.  We can’t keep mammals or birds, so we focus in on reptiles, amphibians and bugs…but those are all the things that need a little extra love anyway.”

Located very near the center of campus, between the Science Lecture and Computer/Math buildings, Case said the nature center, known as Toad Hall, houses between 40 and 50 exhibits, including Gila monsters, frogs, toads, turtles, a variety of lizards and a collection of insects.

In addition to, and next door to the nature center, is a dinosaur exhibit and only a few paces away, visitors can experience the wildlife-demonstration gardens featuring birds, ponds and butterfly habitat.

During open house hours, visitors can browse through the exhibits at their own pace or request a personalized tour through the facility with one of the nature center guides.

Along with getting to know our desert neighbors, Case said the open house events will inform the public through a series of educational displays.  The theme for the Jan. 24 open house display is scheduled to focus on helping to avoid bird strikes against windows.

Volunteer Ian Berlin told NEVN that visitors to Toad Hall get a much more personal experience than they would at a zoo or similar large attraction.

Groups of more than 10 people should email Case at natalie.case@scottsdalecc.edu to help the center better accommodate visitors.