Nature’s Place

Nature's Place at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre is an Interpretive Centre, with a mandate to educate, inspire and expand our understanding of our place in nature.  Built in 2007, it was originally designed to have the least amount of impact on the environment.

R.D. Lawrence

The exhibits and programs at Nature's Place are based on the philosophy of Ronald Douglas (R.D) Lawrence (1921-2003).

Between 1966 and 1971, Lawrence published six books and collected research for several future projects. Lawrence released Paddy in 1974 which was met with immediate success and was eventually published internationally.  During his lifetime, Lawrence observed and documented movement, growth pattern and
behavior of countless animals. He was concerned with the human influence towards the natural world.

In 1984, Lawrence and his wife Sharon moved to Gooderham, Ontario and purchased a 100-acre property which was called Wolf Hollow.  Wolf Hollow became a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary. 

“Nature is careless of the individual but careful of the species. We have reversed the maxim; we are careful of the individuals and careless of the species. That is the road to extinction. If you kill the species, the individual will follow.” —R.D. Lawrence

White Pine Cones

The white pine cone is our symbol. White pines were plentiful during the 1800s in the Haliburton Highlands but were logged nearly to extinction. Now this symbolic pine cone is a constant reminder of our impact on nature.

Nature Interpretive Interactive Displays

Visitors are encouraged to experience interactive displays and exhibits that reflect different facets of the unique ecology of the Haliburton Highlands.

Visitor Information

Nature's Place is part of the Minden Hills Cultural Centre. Make sure to also visit the Agnes Jamieson Gallery, the Minden Hills Museum & Heritage Village, and Minden Hills Branch of the Haliburton County Public Library.

Address

176 Bobcaygeon Road, Minden, Ontario, K0M 2K0

Admission

Admission is by donation.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

2026 Open Season

Nature's Place will be open from May 16 to October 10, 2026.