About Us

THE MISSION OF ASBURY WOODS is to provide all members of our community with opportunities to experience, study and enjoy nature. Our purpose is to inspire participants to feel a greater sense of environmental awareness and to act in an environmentally responsible way.

Asbury Woods Nature Center operates through a public-private partnership between the Asbury Woods Partnership, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the Millcreek Township School District.

Since its inception in 2000, the Asbury Woods Partnership has provided an increased portion of funding for Asbury Woods Nature Center annually.  The Partnership currently provides funding for 50% of Asbury Woods Nature Center’s operating budget through the generosity and support from our community. The remaining 50% is provided through the Millcreek Township School District, the legal and governing entity for Asbury Woods, who also provides support for curriculum, technology and maintenance.

The Asbury Woods Partnership is governed by a 15 member volunteer board that supports the Center’s programming and capital needs with fundraising, advocacy and long-range planning.  Specifically, the Partnership provides funding for community programs, trails and exhibits through philanthropic donations, memberships and grants.  Additional income comes from earned revenues including gift shop sales, program fees and special events.

The Partnership is proud to have recorded the following achievements in our first decade:

  • 2000 “Friends of Asbury Woods Nature Center” (former name of the Asbury Woods Partnership) filed articles of incorporation and by-laws.
  • 2000 Launched a successful 3.8 million capital campaign for Nature Center renovations and expansion.
  • 2006 Completed Asbury Woods Nature Center’s Strategic Plan that outlines goals for programs and financial and environmental sustainability.
  • 2008 Entered into a new operating agreement with Millcreek Township School District and changed its name to the Asbury Woods Partnership, with 501(c)(3) status.
  • 2010 Established permanent endowment with The Erie Community Foundation.
  • 2010 Established formal estate planning program for donors through The Erie Community Foundation’s Elisha H. Mack Community Bequest Society Mack Society.
  • 2010 Received “Charles H. Bracken Excellence in Nonprofit Governance Award” from the Non-Profit Partnership.

Asbury Woods Nature Center has a dedicated staff of four full-time, nine part-time and eight summer seasonal staff. Our staff is recognized locally, statewide and nationally for their professionalism and knowledge.  A strong pool of over 140 active volunteers help in all aspects of the operation of the Center.

For more information or to learn how you can get involved in supporting the efforts of the Asbury Woods Partnership, please call (814) 835-5356.  You may also visit our contributions page to make a donation.

The official registration and financial information for the Asbury Woods Partnership Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 1-800-732-0999 or at www.dos.state.pa.us/char.  Registration does not imply endorsement.

Sept 1 - May 31
CLOSED MONDAYS

Tues. - Sat.
10 am - 4 pm
Sun. Noon - 4 pm

June 1 - August 31
Mon. - Sat.
10 am. - 5 pm
Sun. Noon - 5 pm

Trails Open Daylight Hours

4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506

(814) 835-5356

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