At Charlotte's Quest Nature Center volunteers dedicate their time, talents, and resources to help teach environmental education and to make the public aware of their surroundings and the precious natural resources that we need to preserve for future use. The Manchester Parks Foundation promotes this awareness and advances the welfare of our natural resources through volunteer training services, fundraising, field trips, and other activities or demonstrations.

The Manchester Parks Foundation is the motivating force behind this undertaking in the small town of Manchester. Spear-headed by then Manchester Councilperson Charlotte Collett in 1993, Manchester's nature center was born. Charlotte a retired Manchester Elementary School teacher, wanted the awareness and the wonders of our enviroment taught to the Manchester Elementary School students and to the general public. School officials were contacted and shown possible plans by the town for an outdoor learning facility adjacent to the school's property. When asked if they would use the facility schoolteacher Charles Pearce and Principal Robert Bruce couldn't jump at the chance fast enough. A small Interpretive Building was erected on the more than 60 acres of land that Charlotte's Quest calls home. Pine Valley Park and the Walnut Street pond are comprised in this acreage.

The building and the surrounding land were purchased through Open Space money that the town was able to receive.

Fundraisers are important to the success of Charlotte's Quest, as well as, the consistant usage of the area by schools, day care facilities, and the general public. Field trips are available by calling and scheduling a time that is suitable. For available dates you may check out our online calendar by linking from our website at www.charlottesquestnaturecenter.com. Our one major fundraiser each year is our annual Spring Fest the first Sunday in May. Vendors, exhibitors, games, environmental presenters and more bring in funds for the operation of Charlotte's Quest.