Learning Resource Center

Overview

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is a nature center located in Fort Island Park. Inside the LRC there are environmental education displays and a small collection of program animals.  Scheduled programs take place inside the building and/or outdoors in the park.  When the center is open it is free to the public.  When visiting please enjoy our displays, activity room, monthly crafts, and learning about our live educational animals.  We also engage in limited wildlife rehabilitation and we have several active conservation programs within the park. One of our summer highlights is the ever growing pollinator garden next to the building.

In 2023 we are also installing a prairie meadow plot on the other side of our stream opposite the trailhead.  This 30' by 50' area has been tilled and we expect to begin the first seeding spring of 2023.  If you would like to help with this project please contact park staff.

If you would like to be a Phenology observation volunteer in 2023 please contact park staff to learn more about this new project.  Volunteers will be assigned various planted areas throughout the park to monitor as the seasons progress and record stages of plant growth, bloom/seed cycles, and death of plant species along with wildlife/insect observations at each site.  This information will added to a national database called Nature's Notebook.

Volunteers are always appreciated as well to help maintain our pollinator gardens around the building during the spring, summer and fall months.  Please let us know if you'd like to help with this endeavor.

Also coming in 2023 we will be applying for a new permit for wildlife rehabilitation of small mammals.  We will be seeking volunteers to aid us in this most important work as we strive to continue to grow and contribute in new ways our services for the betterment and conservation of wildlife within the natural environments in which we live and coexist.

2023 HOURS: Closed on Sundays

WE ARE STILL CURRENTLY SHORT-STAFFED.  NORMAL HOURS OF OPERATION MAY VARY AS JOB DUTIES REQUIRE.  WE APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE DURING THIS TIME UNTIL WE ARE ONCE AGAIN FULLY STAFFED.  PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR CURRENT OPEN HOURS.  THANK YOU!

Hours reflect times the LRC is open to the public.  Typically the LRC is open  M-F 10am-4:30pm (closing for lunch) and Sat 10-2 (Saturdays currently only as staffing available).  We are closed during scheduled programs.  The Naturalists are often called away on city business, wildlife calls, vet visits, and for other reasons.  Therefore, hours are subject to change.

Please register for all programs by going to Fairlawn Parks and Recreation (activityreg.com)

Building is closed during scheduled programs. Boardwalk Map (PDF)

The Naturalists offer environmental education programming for students, scout troops, adults and families. The nature classes and camps are held in this building and the surrounding park. If you would like to request a program or a visit for your group please contact a Naturalist or click the link to request a program toward the bottom of this page and send it to the Naturalist.

More information on:

• Nature Education Programs
• Girl Scout Badges and Journeys
• Cub Scout and Boy Scout Badges
• School and Community Visits

Requesting a Program with the Naturalists

We encourage groups to participate in our programs and learn about the natural world. Some of the programs we offer are Boy Scout and Girl Scout badge work, school and community visits, and Naturalist led hikes. Request a program (PDF)

Please submit the completed form via the following options:

Phone: 330-668-9518
Fax: 330-668-9520 (currently down)
Mail: City of Fairlawn
Parks and Recreation
Attn: Troy Dunn, Naturalist & Field Biologist
3487 South Smith Road
Fairlawn, OH 44333