Highlands Center Celebrates 30th Birthday with Community Party and Prescott National Forest Permit Signing

The Highlands Center for Natural History will celebrate its 30th birthday on Thursday, November 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with an evening of food, music, stories, and activities at the Highlands Center. The community is invited to join the celebration of three decades of connecting people with nature, inspiring discovery, and caring for the lands we call home. A highlight of the evening will be the signing of the Highlands Center’s renewed Special Use Permit with Prescott National Forest, reinforcing a partnership that continues to support the Highlands Center’s mission. 

“It’s humbling to celebrate 30 years as a nonprofit while beginning another 30 years of partnership with Prescott National Forest. Some of our founders, now in their 90s, are still volunteering and guiding, a remarkable example of lifelong dedication to nature and community. There’s so much good work ahead, and we invite everyone to join us in shaping the next 30 years,” said Sarah Vincent, Executive Director of the Highlands Center for Natural History. 

The November 19th birthday party will bring together friends, families, supporters, and newcomers for an evening celebrating everything the Highlands Center has meant to the Prescott community. Guests are invited to enjoy the beautiful setting, good food and music, reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and share the stories and memories that have shaped the Highlands Center over the past three decades. More than an anniversary, the evening will be a chance to celebrate the people and partnerships behind the Highlands Center and to look ahead together to an exciting next chapter that continues connecting people with nature for generations to come. 

“The Prescott National Forest is proud to join the Highlands Center in celebrating 30 years of success providing nature education to our community in Arizona’s Central Highlands,” said Jason Williams, District Ranger of Prescott National Forest. “We look forward to the next 30 years as the Highlands Center continues to expand their capacity to provide connection to nature in our community.” 

The Highlands Center’s anniversary theme, 30 years of helping people discover the wonders of nature and a continued partnership with Prescott National Forest, reflects both the organization’s history and its plans for the future. 

The celebration is free and open to the public, and advance registration is encouraged. Special VIP tickets are also available, offering guests an enhanced experience that includes a private reception, onsite parking, and special food and beverages. Because general onsite parking is extremely limited, public attendees should park in the designated lots near the Costco gas station and use the free shuttle to the Highlands Center. Accessible parking and other designated spaces will be available onsite. The Highlands Center is located at 1375 S. Walker Road in Prescott. 

EVENT INFORMATION 

Highlands Center 30th Birthday Party 

Thursday, November 19, 2026 

4:00–7:00 p.m. 

Highlands Center for Natural History 

1375 S. Walker Road 

Prescott, Arizona 

Admission: Free and open to the public 

For Registration, go HERE

 More information: www.highlandscenter.org 

Parking: Guest parking will be available in the designated lots near the Costco gas station, with complimentary shuttle service to and from the Highlands Center. 

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About the Highlands Center for Natural History

For 30 years, the Highlands Center for Natural History has connected people of all ages with the natural world through education, outdoor experiences, and opportunities to explore, learn, and build a lasting connection with the Central Arizona Highlands. The Highlands Center is located

in Prescott, Arizona, and works to inspire curiosity, foster an appreciation for the natural world, and strengthen the relationship between people and the lands around them.