Since 1981, we have been helping people maximize their experiences with nature.
View our 2023 Annual Report here
Our Mission
The Waterloo Natural History Association is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide both educational and recreational opportunities to people visiting the Waterloo Recreation Area. The Association is composed of concerned citizens who want to support environmental education and help promote the area as a valuable community resource. In order to achieve these goals we depend on your support through donations, memberships and volunteer help. All donations over $5.00 are 501c3 charitable donations and are tax deductible.
The WNHA sponsors public programs at the Discovery Center covering a wide range of topics to help people learn more about their natural world. In addition, there is an annual Maple Sugar Festival every spring.
The WNHA and the Parks Division of the Department of Natural Resources have a unique partnership. As a support organization for the Waterloo Recreation Area, the WNHA sponsors projects and provides services which supplement and complement those offered by the DNR. The WNHA sponsors public programs at the Discovery Center covering a wide range of topics to help people learn more about their natural world. In addition, there is an annual Maple Sugar Festival every spring. Whether you explore the dark, tangled recesses of the black-spruce bog, or enjoy listening to the chorusing of woodland frogs, the Waterloo Natural History Association will help you discover the natural environment of the Waterloo Recreation Area.
Read our Bylaws here (last updated October 18, 2023).
The Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center is located at 17030 Bush Road about three miles west of downtown Chelsea. A recreation passport for your vehicle is required for entry. If you didn’t get one when you registered your vehicle with the Secretary of State, they are available at the Discovery Center. The cost is $11.00 and provides unlimited access to any Michigan State Park for an entire year.