Scouts

GEHC GREEN POWER PATCH

The GEHC Green Power Patch is a self-guided program for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts!

Come earn the GEHC Green Power Patch by experiencing our exhibits, nature trails, and multi-media theater. We have included some fun activities for you to complete as you explore our exhibits. Learn about the heritage of Gwinnett County and what we can do as a community to conserve our natural resources. Upon arrival at the Center, proceed to the Ticket and Information Desk to pick up a Green Power Patch booklet. This program is a self-guided program. The cost is $5 per student ($8 out of county) and includes Center admission and a patch. Once the booklet is completed, patches may be picked up at the Ticket and Information Desk.

*Rentals, special events, and special programming may limit access at certain times to the Blue Planet Theater and other exhibits that are a component of the Green Power Patch. Scout troops should ALWAYS call ahead (770.904.3513) when scheduling this program to determine availability.

For more information or to register for programs please contact the registrar at 770-904-3513 or registration@gwinnettEHC.org.

Click here to register for a Boy Scout program.

Click here to register for a Girl Scout program.


BOY SCOUT PROGRAMS

We require two leaders with each troop at all times; leaders meeting this requirement are admitted free. Additional siblings and adults are required to pay the same fee as Scouts. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as some of programs include time outside. Registration and payment must be made one to two weeks in advance. Scheduling is subject to staffing availability. A minimum of 10 scouts is required with a maximum of 20 per group. If you have a small group, you may combine with another group to meet the minimum group size requirements.You may extend your visit by packing a lunch to eat at the outdoor pavilions; check with the registrar about pavilion availability. Boy Scout programs are priced below. Please note that the program cost does not include admission to the Center or the badge.


WEBELOS PROGRAMS AT THE GEHC

Forester Activity Badge

Unravel the mysteries of life in the forest. Is it really more than just a bunch of trees? Find out how trees grow, what makes the forest tick, and how you can improve where you live with trees by making an urban forestry plan. Cost: $11 base price per scout, $8 Gwinnett County price

Naturalist Activity Badge

Are you curious about the natural world? Join us as we investigate our grounds in search of plants and signs of animals to complete the requirements of the Naturalist Activity Badge. Cost: $11 base price per scout, $8 Gwinnett County price

BOY SCOUT PROGRAMS AT THE GEHC

Older Boy Scouts/Varsity Scouts/Venturers

At this time there are currently no available programs. However, there may be the request for collaboration on an Eagle Scout project and these requests are currently facilitated by Coral Bass. Please contact Coral for questions or more information at coral.bass@gwinnettcounty.com or 770-904-3525.

Night Treks

January 9 (6-7:30pm) “Campfire Under the Stars”

Join us for a chilly trek this January. Find out what the animals of the EHC forest do to survive during the long winter. A campfire stop on the hike will give you a chance to warm up on this cool, special night!

February 6 (6-7:30pm) “Love to Hike”

Do you love the outdoors, love to hike trails, and love to walk under the stars? If so, we would love for you to join us for a relaxing evening as we explore the wintertime forests of the EHC!

March 6 (6-7:30pm) “Searching For Green”

Join us for a discovery hike as we search the trails for all the awakening colors of the forest, telling us that winter is swiftly departing and making way for a green spring!

April 11 (7:30-9pm) “Whoo Flies in our Woods?”

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no…it’s an OWL! Come explore the forest and learn about a few of our local feathered friends that call the forest of the EHC their home.

May 8 (7:30-9pm) “Mothers in the Forest”

Ever wonder if animal mothers take care of their babies? Come trek with us between the green trees, through the blossoming springtime forest floors, and under the evening sky as we learn why forest mothers are so important.

June 5 (8-9:30pm) “Fireflies and Frogs”

Join us for a warm evening trek into the EHC forest and down to the stream in search of nocturnal animals that entertain us with their lights and sounds! Learn about the fireflies and frogs that call our forest their home.

July 10 (8-9:30pm) “Insects Everywhere!”

Do insects ‘bug’ you? If you wonder why all those buzzing, flying creepy crawlers exist then come to the EHC for a night trek to seek out their homes and learn how our forest plants and animals depend on them for survival!

August 1 (8-9:30pm) “Summer, Please Don’t Go!”

As Summer slowly draws to and end and kids are heading back to school, come join us for a relaxing, fun evening trek through the trails of the EHC and roast a marshmallow or two around a campfire, sharing warm weather memories!

September 25 (7:30-9pm) “McDaniel Farm Night Hike”

Come explore the colorful evening trails of the McDaniel Farm with us as we discover how the plants and animals in the forest are adapting to prepare for the upcoming seasonal changes.

November 21 (6-7:30pm) “Beaver Moon”

Join us for a chilly stroll through the woods and down to the stream to discover where our forest friend,the beaver, lives. Learn all about this furry, chewing friend and why his hard work in our woods makes him a Keystone Species!

December 11 (6-7:30pm) “Holiday Hike”

Bring the family out for a brisk evening trek along the trails at the EHC. Enjoy the quiet beauty of the forest, and discover a few plant and animals that enjoy a winter lifestyle!

Membership

Become a GEHC Member Today!

Join today and enjoy unlimited free admission to the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center.

Join over the phone 770-904-3500 or in person at the GEHC!

A GEHC Membership is a great way to inspire, educate and entertain the whole family! By becoming members, you and your family will help us further the conservation of the environment for the generations that follow. You will help us pass on the knowledge and benefits of active conservation, as well as educate and preserve our cultural heritage. Get involved with our hands-on exhibits, programs for adults, families and kids, and over eight miles of walking and hiking trails! There is something for everyone at the GEHC!

Join Today!

Basic Membership

  • Individual – $50.00
  • Family of 4 or less – $65.00
  • Family of 5 or more – $80.00

Benefits Include:

  • Unlimited museum admission to GEHC for one year
  • Unlimited access to GEHC trails
  • 10% discount on Imaginarium Gift Shop purchases
  • 10% discount on GEHC facility rentals
  • Monthly membership e-newsletter
  • Two free guest passes for one time use
  • Special invitations to member only events
  • Sneak previews to exhibits before they open to the public
  • Discounts to various GEHC programs
  • Fully tax deductible as allowed by law

 


Family Plus Package – $125.00

Benefits Include:

  • All benefits of Basic Membership Package
  • PLUS Membership in NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum) providing admission and discounts to select museums across North America Click here for a list of reciprocal museums
  • Early registration for summer camps and 10% discount on summer camp registration and/or birthday parties
  • Four free guest passes for one time use
  • Fully tax deductible as allowed by law

Family Max Package – $250.00

Benefits Include:

  • All benefits of Family Plus Package PLUS
  • Behind the Scenes Tour with GEHC Executive Staff (Tour must be arranged in advance)
  • Eight free guest passes for one time use
  • Family name listed on GEHC donor wall and GEHC website
    • Names added to wall bi-annually
    • Name limited to 40 characters

Corporate Partners

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have an interactive museum to yourself? The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center can make it happen for your company!!

We believe partnerships should be beneficial to all involved.  That’s why the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Foundation likes to help its partners by providing a unique setting for corporate events or gatherings.

In appreciation for its valued contributions, the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center recently hosted Cisco employees and their families for the company’s annual picnic.  More than 1,100 people enjoyed a fun filled Saturday complete with music, entertainment, educational activities, programs, and much more.

Check out this video that hi-lights many of the activities that took place at Cisco’s great event. The event proved to be a great way for the Center to give back to a sponsor and a fun and entertaining way for Cisco to recognize its employees! Just think, your employees could be experiencing something similar in the near future! We look forward to working with you on your next corporate event!

The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Foundation works very closely with its corporate partners to promote its mission of transforming the concepts of science and history into interactive, learn-by-doing experiences that encourage a visitor’s natural curiosity and sense of wonder about themselves and the world around them.

If your company is interested in supporting the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center by becoming a corporate sponsor, please contact Jason West, Director of Development at 678-765-4662 or walter.west@gwinnettcounty.com. We would love to discuss how we can give back to your firm and your employees.

Volunteer

The GEHC is looking for some great volunteers! If you have an interest in heritage, culture, science, hiking, recreation, the environment, nature, and much more, the GEHC is the place for you to spend some quality time improving the community.  We can’t wait to put you to work!

If you need to complete court-mandated community service hours, email volunteer@gwinnettEHC.org to inquire about community service opportunities. Please include your name, phone number, email address, number of service hours needed, and any physical limitations you have.

Download the Waiver of Liability

GEHC Weddings

Are you looking for a unique venue for your special day? Might stunning nature views and a state-of-the-art facility enhance your celebration?

The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center is the perfect setting for your celebration! There are a variety of spaces and options to choose from. Please look at all of the different spaces we have available! If you would like time to experience our spaces in person, or if you have any questions, please call our Event Coordinator, Lisa Howell, at 678.765.4664 or email her at lisa.howell@gwinnettcounty.com.

We feel confident that we can make your day unique and wonderful! We look forward to speaking to you about your upcoming wedding!

WEDDING CEREMONY PACKAGE

If you are interested in having your ceremony and reception with us, the best option is to add on the Wedding Ceremony Package for $500 –  no matter the ceremony location inside or outside.  Our Wedding Ceremony Package includes set-up and breakdown of your chairs at your ceremony site, a dressing room for the bride and groom, and a sixty minute rehearsal at your ceremony site during our normal business hours 1 – 2 days before your wedding.  This is an ideal choice because guests can enjoy the splendor of the Center and grounds as they go from the ceremony to the reception.

COCKTAIL HOUR

If you are interested in having a cocktail hour between your ceremony and reception (completely optional), we have a number of fantastic spaces!
Cocktail Hour Space Choices: the Bridge, the Main Exhibit Hall, and the Dining Area.

RECEPTION SPACES

Both the Ivy Room and Blue Planet offer splendid views and is the perfect backdrop to your special day.  Another great option is to rent the entire Center, allowing your guests to mingle, experience our Museum, and celebrate you.

Blue Planet is a room all its own and is our largest room that can seat up to 225 people.  There is plenty of room for buffet/drink service, and dancing.  If you want to concentrate the seating in Blue Planet, then a buffet and bar can be set up in the Dining Room.

Ivy Room seats between 120 – 140, depending on the dance floor and how your food is served.  If you are looking at a reception of around 150 people, renting the Dining Room and Ivy Room together is ideal.

McDaniel Farm

Are you looking for a natural and unique setting for your fun event? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Does your event include pony rides, a petting zoo, open picnic spaces or a natural backdrop? If so, one of the serene options at McDaniel Farm in Duluth will be perfect for your next occasion! McDaniel Farm has a large pavilion with lights and grills for family reunions, birthday parties, and picnics. There are also five different Event Lawns that can be rented for everything from wedding ceremonies, petting zoos, or large games of tag! Give Lisa Howell, our event coordinator, a call at 678.765.4664 or email her at lisa.howell@gwinnettcounty.com to reserve your space or make an appointment today!

Standard Rental Pricing

Pavilion Rental (2-4-hr minimum)
Resident: $60/hr
Non-Resident: $90/hr
Non-Profit: $45
*The minimum rental time during normal business hours (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday) is two (2) hours.  Any rental after 5pm and on the weekend, the minimum is four (4) hours.

Event Lawn Rental (4-hr. minimum)
Resident: $30/hr
Non-Resident: $45/hr
Non-Profit: $22.50/hr

Wedding and Reception Package

In-County Rate – $90/hr (4 hr. minimum)
Out-of-County Rate – $135.00/hr (4 hr. minimum)

Package Includes:

4 hours at each location (this includes set-up, breakdown, and wedding/reception of each location)

Ceremony Sites:  House lawn or Porch, Barn, or Event Lawn
Reception: Event Lawn or Pavilion
Additional Time: Pavilion: $60/hr; Lawn, Farm House or Barn: $30/hr

Rehearsal not included, but can be purchased at above rental prices but must be done between normal business hours .

At the time contract is signed 50% of the total rental fee and $150 security deposit due; balance paid 30 days prior to rental; eligible to receive up to $125 of security deposit back post event.

3251 McDaniel Rd
Duluth, GA 30096
770-814-4920

GEHC 5K Trails

With nearly 10 miles of trails, the GEHC offers fantastic mixed surface trail options for your next 5K event! We encourage all races to create their own event-specific course, but the GEHC also has a 5K course and a 1 Mile Fun Run Course available. Trails vary from fairly easy to very strenuous, so your course can vary accordingly! Your organization will love holding your next 5K race at the Center! Call Lisa Howell at 678.765.4664 or email her at lisa.howell@gwinnettcounty.com for more information.

Don’t forget that the Center opens at 9am, so your participants and their families can purchase tickets and visit the museum after they run!

Daycare Programs

DAYCARE PROGRAMS AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL & HERITAGE CENTER

These programs are perfect for kids ages 4-12! All programs are two (2) hours in length and can be scheduled Monday through Sunday, unless otherwise indicated, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Prices:  $8 (Ages 13+) $6 (Ages 3-12)

NEW! Blackbeard’s Treasure Hunt:

This exciting pirate adventure will have young visitors following clues along the EHC trails that will lead them to one of Blackbeard’s undiscovered Treasures!  Your young pirates will follow compass bearings, discover local flora and fauna, and gain exciting pirate history. Participants will also create a pirate medallion and participate in a Pirate Gold Rush activity.

Forest and Stream Fun:

Explore the GEHC forest on a scavenger hunt and learn all about the animals that live in the trees and crawl on the forest floor. Then take a walk in our stream for some wonderful, wet fun!

Brilliant Butterflies and Phenomenal Pollination:

Did you know more than 160 kinds of butterflies have been found in Georgia? Fly with us as we learn about our most beautiful of pollinators – butterflies. We will discover the crucial and amazing process of pollination and learn what you can do to help pollinators in your own backyard. Join us in this daycare program to explore the diversity of butterflies, play games, and make butterfly crafts.

Georgia Animals in my Backyard:

No matter where you live, there are an abundance of critters that crawl on the ground, bound through the trees, and timidly emerge when night falls. Join us to learn about squirrels, hawks, owls, opossums, deer, and other animals that you could find right in your own backyard. We will play games to learn about the interconnectedness of species in a food web and habitat needs, and also make a fun craft. A special, live animal guest will also join us in this wonderful daycare program!

Wacky Weather Science:

How do tornadoes and hurricanes form?  Snow in the summertime?  Is sunblock really important? These and other weather questions will be answered through fun experiments and crafts. Choose two of these areas to explore with your group – Sunny Day, Snowy Day, Windy Day, Rainy Day, and Lightening. Join us for this exciting program that lets kids be meteorologists for a day! Includes weather related experiments and crafts, Discovery Dome movie, H2O room, short hike, Blue Planet movie (optional).

Up in Space:

Most every kid wants to be an Astronaut at some point during their childhood. During the ‘Up in Space’ daycare program, we will give children a taste of space! Children will learn all about an Astronaut’s training in our Discovery Dome Theater.  They then will learn some basics of space with an interactive solar system demonstration and Oreo cookie moon phases.  A fun rocket craft will get kids blasting off for fun.

Dancing Dragonflies:

Clocking speeds of 36 miles per hour, dragonflies are pretty fast for a group of insects that are 300 million years old. Be a part of the dragonfly delight as we literally look through the eyes of a dragonfly, craft our own, and see if we could survive a day in the life of a dragonfly.

Turtle Tales:

Are those hard-shelled cuties your favorite of the reptile family? Then the Turtle Tales program won’t slow you down! Learn about Georgia’s most interesting turtles, make a turtle craft, then take a hike to visit the habitat of some of our local turtles. And don’t forget a visit with Bubba our resident Red-eared Slider!

Weird Science:

What makes things bubble, ooze, bounce and bang? Put on your lab coats and be a scientist for a day! This interactive adventure includes HANDS ON science experiments that will amaze children of all ages.

DAYCARE PROGRAMS AT MCDANIEL FARM

These programs are perfect for kids ages 4-12! All programs are two (2) hours in length and can be scheduled Tuesday through Saturday, unless otherwise indicated, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Prices:  $8 (Ages 13+) $6 (Ages 3-12)

Click here to register.

FUN ON THE FARM

Learn about different farm animals and their role on a farm. Make homemade ice cream, which you will then get to taste while making a fun farm animal craft.

PLANT A SEED

Discover and learn about the trees, plants, vegetables, and herbs that call McDaniel Farm home! Take a nature hike, do some gardening, and make a special craft using plants and herbs.

LADY BEETLES

Come meet your favorite beetle, the lady beetle (also fondly known as the ladybug). Explore their world with crafts, meet live Lady Beetles, and release a few to help protect McDaniel Farm gardens from pests.

BACK WHEN I WAS A KID

Enjoy a tour of the McDaniel Farm property and imagine what life was like as a kid growing up on a farm. Spend time playing games and participate in the daily chores and activities on a farm.  Don’t forget to bring your muscles and your patience!

DAYCARE PROGRAM AT THE YELLOW RIVER POST OFFICE AT HUDSON-NASH FARM

Price: $8 (Ages 13+) $6 (Ages 4 – 12)

HISTORY HEROES

Forward March! Step back in time as you explore the Civil War at the Yellow River Post Office historic site. Participate in mock drills and write letters using a quill pen as you experience the daily life of a soldier.

Discovery Dome Programs

Discovery Dome Theater

The GEHC is ready to take you to SPACE!  Explore the galaxy and the stars while spending some quality instructional time in our unique Discovery Dome Theater, a portable planetarium available on our campus as part of a guided museum tour.  The Dome can also travel to your school for outreach programs or science nights.  This exceptional visual experience allows students to experience space and space concepts in a new way!

The following is a list of shows available for study in our Discovery Dome Theater:

  • Astronaut
  • IBEX Search for the Edge of the Solar System
  • Saturn – The Ring World
  • Heart of the Sun
  • Amazing Astronomers of Antiquity
  • Ultimate Universe
  • Force Five Extreme Weather
  • Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope

Click here to download show descriptions

Discovery Dome Outreach

Outreach programs provide students with high quality, high interest instruction and provide teachers with the convenience of a field study.  The Discovery Dome Theater can be used as an outreach program at their own school.

Discovery Dome Outreach Pricing

The cost is $8 per student for 30-89 students.  Programs can be scheduled for classes of less than 30 students for $240.  For groups of 90 students or more, the rate is discounted to $5 per student.  Travel charges may apply to out of county locations.

Click here to register for a Discovery Dome Outreach Program

Science Nights

Are you looking to spice up your school’s Science Night?  A GEHC educator will bring the Discovery Dome Theater to your school and set it up for multiple, short viewings during the evening!  Kids and parents alike will enjoy the visual encounters with space!  Science night shows are typically 20 minutes each.  Available shows are listed above.

Pricing for Science Night Programs:

For schools that participate in a GEHC field study during the academic year, a flat rate of $250 is charged.  For schools that have not visited the GEHC, the cost is $450 for a two (2) hour program.  (If the program exceeds two (2) hours, a $75 fee for each additional 30 minutes may apply.)  Travel charges may apply to out of county locations.

Click here to register for a Science Night Program

$20 out of county travel fee for programs within 10 miles of the GEHC.
$30 out of county travel fee for programs within 11-20 miles of the GEHC.
$40 out of county travel fee for programs within 21-30 miles of the GEHC.
$50 out of county travel fee for programs within 31-40 miles of the GEHC.

Discovery Dome at the GEHC

  • View the stars with GEHC’s Discovery Dome.  Explore the galaxy, and let your mind drift into space in the unique dome!
  • Discovery Dome shows are available as a part of the GEHC K-12 Museum Tours and as part of Guided Group Tours of the museum.
  • The Discovery Dome shows are also shown as part of admission to the GEHC on Saturdays!
  • This exceptional visual experience allows visitors to experience space and space concepts in a new way!