BACKYARD
NATURE CENTER
We believe in the power of a walk in the woods.
We witness the impact of bringing animals and people together. We inspire individuals of all ages to explore, respect, and protect nature.
OUR HISTORY
1975 Founded in an old barn at St. Timothy’s School in Stevenson, MD by Olivia Irvine Dodge
1977 Summer Nature Camp at Irvine welcomes its first day campers
1993 Irvine launches its Environmental Education Outreach Program serving students in the city of Baltimore and surrounding counties
2008 Irvine Nature Center moves to its new campus on 116 acres in Owings Mills, donated by the State of Maryland
2010-11 The Nature Preschool and Outdoor Classroom open
2015 Irvine acquires 93 acres adjacent to its new site
2016 $3.5 million endowment campaign and 66 acre wetland restoration completed
2018 New and expanded Native American site added to Bauer Preserve
2022 Cultivating Community, Irvine’s second capital campaign, launches
2025 Irvine celebrates 50 years of service to the community... inspiring people to explore, respect and protect nature
THE CULTIVATING COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN IS A $10,000,000 INITIATIVE TO SUSTAIN AND ENHANCE OUR:
DEEPENING OUR COMMITMENT TO
NATURE EDUCATION
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY
IS ABOUT THE NEXT GENERATION.
The Nature Preschool at Irvine Nature Center exemplifies the profound impact that outdoor education has on early childhood development. Rooted in a philosophy that honors each child’s developmental stage and individual learning journey, the program uses nature as both a classroom and a teacher. Our students develop their minds and bodies with foundational skills like autonomy, problem-solving and perseverance, communication, and a profound curiosity - all critical to sustaining a deep love for learning and academic growth.
American children have less time outdoors than ever before. Our celebrated Nature Preschool and other Early Childhood Education programs provide early learners with immersive experiences and a deeper connection to the natural world. Complementing their outdoor adventures, indoor classrooms will provide space for additional STEM instruction, animal encounters, creative arts, imaginative play, and rest.
The decline in outdoor play is linked to rising rates of anxiety, attention disorders, and obesity in children
Outdoor play stimulates brain development in the areas of executive functioning, creativity, and emotional regulation
Nature-based learning builds self-confidence and fosters environmental literacy*
Children who spend time in natural environments show:*
• Higher levels of creativity and problem-solving
• Improved social interactions and empathy
• Greater resilience and independence
Nature education enhances cognitive development, academic performance, and concentration in children.* EACH DAY, KIDS AVERAGE OR LESS IN NATURE
* National Wildlife Federation
CREATING STRONG COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
OUR CAMPAIGN COMMITMENT: AN EXPANDED NATURE LEARNING SPACE
( $ 3,000,000)
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY IS ABOUT EDUCATION.
Through this effort we will renovate and expand our Nature Preschool to feature three classrooms and gathering spaces geared specifically to our students age 3-5.
The need for full-time preschool programming in the Baltimore area has grown significantly over the last decade. With two-person working families more prevalent, Irvine seeks to fill a gap in our community’s needs. As parents and caregivers search for a safe and nurturing home for their child’s development, our accredited program provides an alternative to traditional indoor schools and honors their child’s inner voice and innate connection to nature.
With a large and growing waitlist, three indoor classrooms and a dedicated outdoor gathering space provide the opportunity to enroll up to fifteen additional students. This expansion also creates a dedicated classroom for fulltime students which supports the entirety of the program. Increased enrollment enables us to hire 2-3 additional full-time preschool teachers and provide additional stability for our part-time staff. To ensure we provide families a quality nature education experience, we must be able to recruit and retain knowledgeable, dedicated, and passionate educators in our area. This expansion offers us this incredible opportunity.
Expanded Classrooms
Dedicated Outdoor Learning Space
The expanded space also establishes a dedicated outdoor Nature Preschool space for enrolled students. Currently, preschoolers must share their outdoor space with Irvine public programming. A dedicated space enriches exploration and learning by allowing students to return to their projects, creations, and inquiries day after day. This continuity fuels longerlasting learning, provides our students greater agency over their space, and builds confidence and connection.
To continue being effective educators and teaching the future stewards of the environment, our space must grow with us. We will allocate $3,000,000 of our campaign to fulfill our Nature Preschool expansion.
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY IS ABOUT ENGAGEMENT.
At Irvine, we believe that meaningful connections with nature should be accessible to all; every season, every age, every community.
We believe we are more than a destination; we are a lifeline to nature for thousands of children and families, especially those from Baltimore City and surrounding areas who may have limited access to green spaces. Through immersive programs, handson environmental education, and inclusive community events, Irvine opens doors to discovery, learning, and wellness. Our work helps expand horizons for young minds, fostering a lifelong connection to the natural world while nurturing curiosity, confidence, and environmental responsibility.
Research affirms what we see every day: time in nature improves mental health, reduces stress, and strengthens community bonds. As a trusted resource and gathering place, Irvine plays a critical role in building healthier, more resilient communities, one experience at a time.
CREATING STRONG COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
OUR CAMPAIGN COMMITMENT:
NEW ALL–SEASON COMMUNITY SPACE ($5,000,000)
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY IS ABOUT EXPERIENCES.
Our future 5,300-square-foot multi-purpose space will feature an all-season venue designed to deepen community connection and expand access to nature for all. This thoughtfully crafted addition will serve as a vibrant hub for year-round events, from wedding receptions and corporate gatherings to lectures, workshops, and hands-on learning experiences. Event and program rentals are a vital source of income for Irvine Nature Center, directly supporting our mission to connect people with nature. These gatherings provide essential financial stability while also introducing new audiences to Irvine’s work—sparking interest, growing membership, and inspiring deeper participation in our environmental education programs.
The existing event tent is less conducive to year-round events, and the new facility seeks to double our attendance and event opportunities within the first two years of opening. This $5,000,000 investment is more than just a building, this space is a gateway, opening Irvine’s doors wider to families, schools, organizations, and individuals across the region, and offering transformative opportunities to connect with nature, learn, and grow.
SUSTAINING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPUS
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY IS ABOUT PRESERVATION.
Preserving and restoring the natural habitat at Irvine is not only vital to our mission, it’s essential to the health of the greater Maryland ecosystem and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Nestled within 211 acres of forest, meadow, and wetland, Irvine plays an important role in protecting native wildlife, filtering local waterways, and sustaining biodiversity in one of the most ecologically significant regions on the East Coast.
By expanding and enhancing the habitats of our animal ambassadors, restoring native landscapes, and investing in longterm sustainability through our endowment, we are fortifying Irvine’s campus for generations to come. This work ensures that our community, especially children and families, can continue to experience the wonder of nature, while contributing to the resilience of the environment that sustains us all.
OUR CAMPAIGN COMMITMENT:
INVESTMENT INTO OUR ENDOWMENT AND PRESERVATION PROGRAMMING
($2,000,000)
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY IS ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY.
We will invest a minimum of $2,000,000 into our endowment to ensure the long-term preservation of Irvine’s campus and the continued vitality of our mission. This investment will support the renovation and expansion of natural habitats across our grounds and within our exhibit hall, creating enriched environments for our beloved animal ambassadors and enhancing the educational experiences they provide. Strengthening our endowment is not just about financial security, it’s about ensuring that Irvine remains a thriving, resilient center for environmental education and conservation for the next 50 years and beyond.
The ripple effect of our work extends far beyond our trails, impacting the health of the Chesapeake Bay, supporting biodiversity across Maryland, and contributing to a national movement for environmental stewardship. By investing in our endowment today, we are securing a sustainable future for Irvine and the communities we serve.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CAMPAIGN CO–CHAIRS
At Irvine Nature Center, we believe that nature is not just a place, it is a powerful force for education, connection, and healing. The Cultivating Community campaign is a bold and transformative step forward in our mission to connect people with nature, inspire environmental stewardship, and preserve the ecosystems that sustain us all.
This initiative expands our reach and deepens our impact as we continue to serve as the largest independent nonprofit environmental center in the Baltimore region. With your support, we will welcome more visitors, offer year-round opportunities for learning and celebration, and provide enhanced spaces for our beloved Nature Preschool, ensuring that even our youngest learners can grow, explore, and thrive in a nurturing, nature-based environment.
We are restoring native habitats, enriching the homes of our animal ambassadors, and investing in our endowment to secure the long-term sustainability of our campus and programs. The impact of this work will reach into classrooms, neighborhoods, and natural spaces to empower young minds, foster meaningful connections, and advance the health of our regional environment.
But we cannot do this alone. Now is the time to act.
Cultivating Community is a commitment. A commitment to our children, our community, and our environment. We invite you to join us in cultivating a future where every child has access to nature, every community has a place to connect, and every acre of land is protected for generations to come. Together, let’s build our legacy.
With gratitude,
Anna Smith
George K. Reynolds
Cultivating Community Campaign Co-Chairs
Theodore W. Bauer
Honorary Campaign Chair
