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Ogden Nature Center reports growth, habitat work and plans for 50th anniversary
Summary
The Ogden Nature Center reported increased memberships, habitat restoration, and a multimillion‑dollar capital campaign plan as it prepares a 50th anniversary celebration April 26.
Laura Westturn, executive director of the Ogden Nature Center, presented the center’s annual report to the council on Jan. 21, outlining land stewardship, education programs and new infrastructure work.
Westturn said the center re‑vegetated roughly 40 acres during the year, constructed stormwater treatment wetlands, built three beaver analogs and hosted multiple community service days. She told councilors the center’s outreach programs served about 27,737 people and that field trips brought 7,562 students to the site in the reported year.
Nut graf: The Nature Center reported operational wins — including a nearly 14 percent rise in memberships and completion of a new picnic grove — and said it is preparing a capital campaign to fund infrastructure upgrades, preservation, and a sensory garden in the visitor approach area.
Westturn described program highlights such as a wellness series with Intermountain Healthcare, bird‑focused events, summer concerts, a new stargazing program and standard annual events like Earth Day and a birdhouse competition. She said the center expects about 50,000 annual visitors and that the board is moving forward with a multimillion‑dollar capital campaign to update visitor infrastructure and support long‑term stewardship.
Councilors and staff praised Westturn’s first year in the role. The council’s representative on the Nature Center board described Westturn’s approach as collaborative and noted a study showing the center can support a capital campaign; Westturn said planned campaign priorities include entry gate improvements, the area between the education building and visitor center and a new sensory garden.
Westturn also covered internal operations: she said the center updated policies, improved employee reviews and added staff wellness days and professional development. She noted partnerships that reduced costs — including donated assessment work and building painting — and listed new sponsors and program partners that contributed to increased revenue.
The council took no formal action during the work session. Westturn invited councilors to the center’s 50th anniversary celebration on April 26 and said AmeriCorps interns had just started their terms.
Ending: The Nature Center said it will return with more information as the capital campaign progresses and as planning for the 50th‑anniversary events continues.
