In the historic district of downtown Ogden sits 152 acres of native Utah plant and animal species in a natural preserve. The Ogden Nature Center offers trails, wildlife watching, community classes, the most environmentally friendly education buildings in Utah, and lively annual events.

In 1975, the Ogden Nature Center set out on a lofty mission to "unite people with nature and to nurture appreciation and stewardship of the environment," according to the center's Web site. With this mission in mind, the center opens the preserve for the public year-round. Discover the 1.5 miles of walking trails surrounded by Utah's native plant species, wander around Black Bird Pond -- a clever wall board with small holes allows bird watchers to peer through, optimizing the chance to view wild birds without scaring them off.

While on the trail, you will discover two fantastical tree houses. It seems the Ogden Nature Center has thought of everything -- one of the tree houses is wheelchair accessible. Here, I came thrillingly close to two spotted fawns before they retreated into hiding. Wander the trails to the observation tower for views at great heights -- you will spot deer, goats and a variety of birds.

If fawns and bunnies don't impress you, the birds of prey certainly will. This is the closest you might ever come to our national bird, the powerful and majestic bald eagle. Equally impressive birds for viewing are the golden eagle, red-tailed hawk and owls. All the birds are part of the Bird Rehabilitation Program, which serves orphaned or injured birds of northern Utah. The birds are not captured for public entertainment. Staff members assure visitors that they are in safe and nurturing hands.

The Ogden Nature Center is committed to educating the public on sustainable practices and to foster an appreciation for nature. That is why there are community classes for people of all ages. The Preschool Discovery Days Program allows toddlers to learn about plants and animals in the natural preserve. Wild Wednesdays get kids excited about science by encouraging interaction with nature and focusing on a particular topic, such as animals with scales, famous explorers or mammals. Classes for adults are available as well, including yoga, grant writing and nature journaling. Check the Web site for the latest community classes.

Classes are held in the "greenest building in Utah," the L.S. Peering Education Center, boasts Brandi Botsworth, special events director for the center. When they come, visitors learn how materials, otherwise thrown in landfills, can be recycled and used in innovative ways, from the goat hair and recycled fibers in the carpet to blue jeans in the walls for insulation. The concrete masonry units are constructed from cement and the difficult-to-dispose-of by-product coal fly ash. Even the laminate on the counter tops is made from recycled craft bags.

Further, visitors will discover how the building reduces waste by cutting the carpet into tiles, using a heat chimney to cool the building and an under-floor hot water system to heat the building.

This innovative structure stands as the supreme example that being environmentally responsible does not mean giving up on comfort, aesthetics and attractive design. Beautiful beams made from the original wood from the Lucin Cutoff Trestle bridge that crossed the Great Salt Lake in the early 20th century support the building while enriching the space with historical significance. Large, energy-efficient windows allow for streams of natural, full-spectrum rays of sun to light the building.

Modern design elements are implemented with clean, simple lines and soothing color. While designed to foster an environment for learning, discovering the building itself is an educational experience and is pleasing to the senses.

While the Ogden Nature Center is open year-round, the annual events may be the necessary push for you to visit the center. The Creatures of the Night is a popular event in which the whole family can learn about native nocturnal species of Utah, such as owls, bats and spiders. This event is today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the center. See the Web site for further details on this and other upcoming events.

If you go info:

What: Ogden Nature Center

Where: 966 W. 12th Street, Ogden

Info: (801) 621 7595, www.odgennaturecenter.org

Directions: Coming from Utah County, travel on I-15 North. Take exit No. 344. Travel east about 1.5 miles.

Admission: Adults 12 and older, $4; seniors, $3; children 2-11, $2; and children under 2, free