On a scale of 1-5 I give the ESC a 10! My daughter and I spent countless hours there walking around and just hanging out. We lived less than a mile from it and we both have the best memories so we decided to go back and it is pretty much unchanged from 20 years ago. It only takes a couple of hours if you want to go inside too which I do recommend but we especially loved the grounds and shaded paths and recovering animals who had been wounded in some way. She attended a week's camp there and learned all about the weather amongst many things and still talks about the things she learned like seeing a tree trunk and counting the rings and the effects of hurricanes on trees, etc. Take a picnic and enjoy the serenity and the freedom of allowing your kids to run and rip!

On a scale of 1-5 I give the ESC a 10! My daughter and I spent countless hours there walking around and just hanging out. We lived less than a mile from it and we both have the best memories so we decided to go back and it is pretty much unchanged from 20 years ago. It only takes a couple of hours if you want to go inside too which I do recommend but we especially loved the grounds and shaded paths and recovering animals who had been wounded in some way. She attended a week's camp there and learned all about the weather amongst many things and still talks about the things she learned like seeing a tree trunk and counting the rings and the effects of hurricanes on trees, etc. Take a picnic and enjoy the serenity and the freedom of allowing your kids to run and rip!

Finally had the chance to visit The Environmental Studies Center today! This place is wonderful. From what I understand the guided tours are only for paying school groups. The grounds are beautiful and everyone was so friendly and helpful. What a bargain, for a $2.00 donation to be able to see the animals that are native to our area.

I took my three home-schooled children on a field trip to the Environmental Studies Center on April 5, 2013. The Center grounds are beautiful, but the lady in the classroom need to find a new job. She was rude and nasty for no reason. My children love science and animals so we toured the grounds by ourselves. We were told by some friends how nice it was and that we would have a guided tour to explain what they do there. We didn't have any of that. Needless to say, I will NEVER go back and I will tell everyone I know not to go. Jason Smith recommended this place. I appreciate his recommendations for things to do outdoors with my children. I give this outing a complete thumbs down. I will be taking my children to Baldwin County for field trips....

Free, great educational place to visit

For years I have been going to the Environmental Studies Center. I love to see the animals they get in and the constant improvements to the facility to ensure the comfort of the animals they house. My favorite are the deer. They walk right up to the fence wanting attention from the people coming to see them. Also when the lazy racoons are up, it's cute to watch them playing with their baby toys. Over the last few years, many new things have been added and the dam has been rebuilt. Of course this place is smaller than a zoo but it is never crowded and there is no admission. They do have a box inside for donations but it's not required if you don't have the money to spare at the time. The indoor area is a great learning place for all ages and it seems no matter how many times I go there, I always learn something new and never tire of going there.