PEACOCKS
How many of you have brought friends or loved ones to visit the old “Peacock House” at Hart Park? Built in 1939 as part of the New Deal initiative to put Americans back to work during the Great Depression, the house originally served as living quarters for the park’s on-site ranger. Though it has sat vacant for many years, soon construction will begin to restore this historic adobe building and open it to the public as the new Kern River Parkway Nature Center. Lots of exciting changes are in store, but don’t worry – the peacocks will still have a home here!
MISSION
At the Kern River Parkway Nature Center, our mission is to inspire connection, understanding, and stewardship of Bakersfield’s beautiful Kern River through hands-on education and interpretation.
LOCATION
The the Kern River Parkway Nature Center is located on the south bank of the lower Kern River among the lush grounds of Hart Memorial Park in Bakersfield, California. For years, the adobe building has affectionately been known to many as “The Peacock House.” Now recognized for its historical significance, the adobe is being restored.
When construction is complete, visitors will be able to tour the Nature Center’s exhibits and native plant garden, attend programs and presentations, and discover the many different organizations and opportunities for connecting to nature in Kern County.
HOURS & SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Nature Center hours of operation for summer: Friday-Sunday 10am-4pm (*subject to change)
If you would like to hold a gathering in the center or participate in volunteering with KRPF, please send us an email at [email protected]
For upcoming activities please see our events page: https://kernriverparkway.org/calendar/
GET INVOLVED/FOLLOW US
If you have ever visited the old “peacock house” on the east end of the park, you have gazed upon the Nature Center’s future home.
At the heart of the Nature Center will be a variety of exhibits and programs that highlight the history and natural science of Bakersfield’s one and only life-giving Kern River, which has shaped this unique landscape we call home. The adobe will also serve as a visitor’s center where travelers from both near and far will find information about all nature and outdoor-related places, organizations, and businesses in Kern County. We cannot wait to help visitors connect to the magic and beauty of our own backyard!
Be a part of our journey as we build community around the celebration and stewardship of our precious common ground. Follow the Kern River Parkway Nature Center on Facebook to receive updates, invites to outreach events, and the latest news about our progress.
Together, we will build beautiful things in Bakersfield.