The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, operated by Nokuse Education Inc. on the 55,000+-acre Nokuse Plantation, announced today that for the first time in its history, it will welcome the public every Friday, year-round, beginning September 4, 2026. Previously accessible primarily through scheduled school field trips and special events, the Center will now offer standing weekly public admission, giving visitors of all ages the chance to explore its trails, exhibits, and ambassador animal habitats through self-guided exploration, animal chats, animal encounters, hikes, feedings, and other hands-on activities.
The expanded access reflects the Center’s ongoing mission to connect the community with the natural world and build on its work as one of Northwest Florida’s leading environmental education resources. Home to more than 40 ambassador animals and serving more than 6,500 K-12 students and community members each year, the Biophilia Center has long offered educational programming for schools and groups; the move to permanent, year-round Friday public hours makes that experience accessible to individual visitors and families on a regular, ongoing basis for the first time.
General admission for Public Fridays is $15 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 4–12, and free for children 3 and under. School field trips are also welcome on Fridays at a rate of $10 per student and chaperone, with teachers and bus drivers admitted free. All ages and grade levels are welcome, and schools are encouraged to schedule visits in advance.
For visitors who plan to attend regularly, the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center also offers an updated Bio Membership program, which includes free weekly Friday admission along with additional benefits such as free entry to select annual events, gift shop discounts, and more.
“We’ve always welcomed schools and groups to experience Nokuse Plantation, but Public Fridays lets anyone walk through our gates and connect with these animals and this landscape any week of the year. It’s a simple idea, but it’s one we’ve wanted to do for a long time, invite our neighbors in to see what we get to see every day.” –Daniel Milana, Director of Development and Communications
The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center encourages residents and visitors throughout Walton, Okaloosa, Bay, Holmes, Washington, and surrounding counties to take advantage of the new weekly public access. Individuals and schools interested in scheduling a visit can call (850) 835-1824 or email information@eowilsoncenter.org.
About the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center
The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, operated by Nokuse Education Inc., is an environmental education facility located on the 55,000-plus-acre Nokuse Plantation preserve in Freeport, Florida. Founded in 2009, the Center is home to more than 40 ambassador animals and serves more than 6,500 K-12 students and community members annually through hands-on educational programming focused on Florida’s native wildlife and habitats.
