The Natural History Institute (NHI) stands at a pivotal moment. Our programs are growing, attendance is high, and the need for connection to nature, especially here in our community, has never been greater. That need is particularly urgent in the Mogollon Highlands, an extraordinary but under-recognized region, and NHI is the only organization fully dedicated to studying, protecting, and sharing it through research, conservation, art, and community learning.

Now, through our Evergreen Campaign, we are asking our community to help us raise $60,000 by December 31, 2025—funds that will sustain and expand programs, strengthen accessibility, and launch exciting initiatives in the Mogollon Highlands.

Our Mission

Inspiring Stewardship and Lifelong Learning by Connecting People with Nature

Natural history, the careful, curious study of the natural world, is more than a field of science. It’s a practice of attention and care that fosters understanding, a sense of belonging, and responsibility. At NHI, we blend science, art, and community engagement to help people not only learn about nature, but also connect with it in ways that inspire action.

Why We Exist: The Mogollon Highlands

Stretching from northwestern Arizona into New Mexico, the Mogollon Highlands is where deserts meet mountains, and biodiversity thrives in a landscape of continental importance. Yet this region remains largely unrecognized and under-protected.

NHI’s work is specifically devoted to documenting, celebrating, and protecting the Mogollon Highlands, a vital ecoregion of regional and national importance. By connecting people with its landscapes through research, art, and community education, we cultivate the understanding and care this place deserves.

Your Gift in Action

Every gift makes a tangible difference in connecting people to nature:

$100 – Provides supplies or materials for one educational program
$500 – Hires an expert field trip leader to guide a small group in hands-on learning and discovery
$1,000 – Funds a full Speaker Series talk, reaching dozens in person and thousands online
$2,000 – Supports a whole art gallery exhibition blending art, science, and natural history for public education and inspiration
$3,000 – Funds interactive workshops and classes that offer hands-on experience in natural history techniques
$5,000 – Supports a research or conservation project in the Mogollon Highlands
$7,500 – Expands our collaboration with Nature Niños Prescott, a free bilingual nature play program for families with young children, fostering outdoor exploration and lifelong connections to nature
$10,000 – Be the exclusive NHI Speaker Series Title Sponsor, funding a full year of 12–14 inspiring presentations that educate, engage, and connect our community with the natural world
$25,000 – Sustains our core programs—research, conservation, education, and community gatherings—ensuring NHI remains a trusted hub for connecting people with the natural world
$50,000 – Provides visionary support for NHI’s long-term mission, empowering us to grow our impact, expand access to nature, and lead the way in conservation and community learning across the Mogollon Highlands

With your help, we can continue inspiring curiosity, connection, and care—ensuring that our community has opportunities to engage deeply with nature and contribute to its protection.

Evergreen Campaign: Always Growing, Never Ending

Supporting Research, Conservation, and Community Learning in the Mogollon Highlands