The Ruth Tucker Ayers Harris Watershed Discovery Center
The Ruth Tucker Ayers Harris Watershed Discovery Center
About the Watershed Discovery Center
About Ruth Tucker Ayers Harris
Ruth Tucker Ayers Harris, a 38-year member of the Watershed Council, passed away on December 27, 2021. As a watercolor artist and conservationist, Ruth loved nature—everything about it. She enjoyed bird watching and woodland hikes until the last weeks of her life. During her life, she gave Northern Michigan a nature preserve in her family’s name for young and old to explore. Upon her death, Ruth left a bequest to the Watershed Council to help ensure the future health of our waterways. We are proud to name the Watershed Discovery Center in her honor.
WATERSHED DISCOVERY CENTER HOURS
Admission
Directions and Parking
The Ruth Tucker Ayers Harris Watershed Discovery Center is located at the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council main office at 426 Bay Street, downtown Petoskey.
For downtown parking options, please visit the Downtown Petoskey Parking Guide. Please contact us for special accommodations.
Plan Your Visit
- All ages are welcome! Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
- For the safety of the fish and other wildlife, dogs are not allowed in the Watershed Discovery Center.
- Food is prohibited in the Watershed Discovery Center. Beverages in enclosed containers with a lid are allowed.
- For safety, we ask that strollers are parked outside the building. A bike rack is available for bikes or to lock personal equipment.
- For security reasons, only credit cards and checks are accepted at the gift shop.
- Restrooms are available for visitors with a baby-changing table.
School and Small Group Tours
Beginning fall 2024, the Watershed Discovery Center will offer free tours for local schools and homeschoolers. Tours will last approximately 1.5 hours and will include educational information in the discovery center tailored for each age group, followed by a hands-on activity or craft to explore concepts learned during the tour. Due to space constraints, tours are best suited for groups of up to 12. Larger groups may be split to accommodate up to 20 students. Contact our office for more information or to schedule a tour.
Volunteer Oportunities
Volunteer opportunities are available for the Watershed Discovery Center including:
Weekend fish feeding & care
Docents (tour guides)
Cleaning & disinfecting of exhibits and aquarium glass
For more information on volunteer opportunities and training sessions, contact Andrea Coronado at acorondo@watershedcouncil.org, 231.489.7272 or fill out a volunteer form at https://watershedcouncil.org/about-us/join-our-team/volunteer/
Address
426 Bay St, Petoskey, MI 49770
