The Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC) is a 700-acre preserve located in the Kokosing River Valley of central Ohio. Our mission: to conserve natural diversity and engage people of all ages with nature. The BFEC also provides opportunities for education and research.
Plan a Visit
With over 11 miles of trails, there are countless opportunities to explore on your own. Every type of habitat has a unique character that is constantly changing with the seasons. We're open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours.
Public Programs
We offer public programs and events such as star gazing, full moon hikes, prairie tours and an annual nature photography contest. The center regularly hosts field trips for Knox County elementary schools.
Stay Informed
Sign up for our quarterly newsletter and stay informed about upcoming events programs and more.
An Environmental Leader
The Knox County Chamber of Commerce honored the BFEC with the Environmental Sustainability Award for 2021. This award honors the Knox County business or organization that has done the most during the year to introduce sustainable practices into its operations or to promote awareness of sustainable practices and encourage their use.
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We bought a “bear proof” trash can (to keep out the racoons). Now a (fake) bear is loose on the hiking trails! Help us find him, take a photo and post it to our Facebook page — you might be one of our lucky prize winners!
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Calling all elementary students! Stop by the Brown Family Environmental Center resource center to pick up a BINGO card, then take a self-guided hike around our trails.
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Join us for a talk by Sandy Reed who visited the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and Antarctica as a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow with National Geographic and Lindblad expeditions.
Explore the BFEC in Pictures
Kenyon College
Gambier, Ohio 43022