Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center
At the southern end of the Columbus RiverWalk, the Center offers a view of the ecoregion of West Central Georgia and the Chattahoochee Valley and provides access to samples of the area's rich communities of plants and animals. Opened in 1995 as a collaboration among Columbus Water Works, Columbus State University, and the City of Columbus, the Center provides exhibits, displays and nature trails, and also offers formal and informal programs about the ecology and natural history of the region. Interpretive and hands-on programming is provided by Columbus State University professional staff, contributing faculty, student assistants, and volunteers.
The Center includes two classroom-laboratories, an 86-seat auditorium, state-of-the-art instructional media, the Natural History Discovery Center, indoor and outdoor exhibits of living reptiles and fish, a stream habitat supporting various plants and animals, a pollinator garden, bee hives, and environmental art.
Mission & Core Values
The Mission of Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center is to be the leader in environmental stewardship and sustainability through dynamic educational programming and applied research.
We value:
- Commitment to excellence
- Community relationships
- Learning through engagement
- Environmental sustainability
- Academic integrity
- Respect for the environment and people
