By Lori Leath Smith
For many local residents, it’s easy to drive along State Road 20 and not fully realize that just beyond the trees lies one of the most extraordinary environmental education centers in the country.
I had the special opportunity recently to visit the amazing E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center. And, believe me, it isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a point of pride for our local communities and a powerful example of how our area is helping lead the way in conservation, education and environmental stewardship.
Located in Freeport on the Nokuse Plantation, the center opened in 2009 thanks to the vision of the late M.C. Davis, a Walton County conservationist who believed deeply that people protect what they love. His mission was simple, but profound: give children and families the opportunity to experience nature firsthand, and they will grow up wanting to protect it.
That philosophy is rooted in the concept of “biophilia,” a term coined by famed biologist Dr. E.O. Wilson, meaning a natural love for living things. It’s a fitting name for a place that has quietly been changing lives in our own backyard for more than 15 years.
Today, the center operates as a nonprofit environmental education facility serving thousands of students each year, many from Walton and Okaloosa counties. Fourth- and seventh-grade students regularly visit for immersive field experiences that go far beyond a typical field trip. Here, learning happens outside — in the woods, along trails, and through hands-on discovery.
“The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center lets children and adults explore a unique ecosystem that inspires curiosity and play with the benefit of having a knowledgeable staff available to answer the questions that naturally arise when engaging with nature. Sharing our passion for nature and conservation is our foundation,” says Executive Director Nicole Schafer.
For local families, it’s especially meaningful knowing that children in our own community have access to this kind of experience. Many students leave with not only new knowledge, but a genuine appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us every day.
And that beauty is something special.
The Biophilia Center sits within the longleaf pine ecosystem, one of the most diverse and endangered habitats in North America. Thanks to restoration efforts on the Nokuse Plantation, millions of longleaf pines have been replanted, bringing this critical ecosystem back to life. It’s a quiet but powerful success story happening right here at home.
Visitors to the center can encounter native wildlife, including birds, reptiles, pollinators and the beloved gopher tortoise — a keystone species that plays an important role in the health of the ecosystem. Inside, interactive exhibits and “animal ambassadors” help bring these lessons to life in a way that resonates with all ages.
Beyond its educational programs, the center also supports broader environmental initiatives, hosting researchers, educators and conservation leaders who are working to protect Florida’s natural resources. Its sustainable practices — from conservation efforts to environmental programming — reflect the same values it teaches every day.
For those who haven’t visited yet, the center is open to the public on select days and through special events and seasonal programs. It’s a perfect outing for your family, grandparents (like me) with visiting grandchildren, or anyone looking to reconnect with nature just minutes from home.
Did you know? The Nokuse Plantation surrounding the center spans more than 50,000 acres, making it one of the largest private conservation efforts in the Southeast — and it’s right here in Freeport.
In a fast-growing area where so much is changing, the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center stands as something steady and lasting — a reminder of what makes this community so special.
It’s not just a destination. It’s part of who we are.
Summer Kickoff
Mark your calendar for the public’s first “non-event” opportunity to come in for the season—
E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center’s Summer Kickoff on May 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This family-friendly fundraiser will feature live music by Jennifer Alvarado, food trucks, bounce houses, animal chats, raffles, and access to the Reptile Room. Admission is $15 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 4–12, and free for Bio-members. Guests are encouraged to bring a towel and spare clothes for water activities, and come ready to celebrate the start of summer surrounded by nature.
Photos: Jeff Talbert
