The Center’s outdoor Critter Classroom, renamed the Dean Neubek Critter Classroom in 2020, is dedicated to the life of Dean Neubek, a young man who grew up in Bellaire and spent countless joyful hours at the Nature Discovery Center. A ceremony celebrating the renaming of this space was held in 2021.
This special part of our park is a favorite stop for park visitors, as it houses our box turtles, rabbit, and quail in screened enclosures. The recently added Bunny Throne is also an enticing photo op as well as the perfect setting for imaginative play. There is also a small lawn surrounded by bench seating, creating a wonderful spot for teaching programs outdoors. Planned improvements to the Dean Neubek Critter Classroom include a whiteboard teaching space and additional plantings of native plants that are attractive to local wildlife.
