An oasis tucked away in the city of Palmetto, the Cochran Mill Nature Center is a natural treasure of the South Fulton area.

The nature preserve, which sits on 800 acres of land, is a private, nonprofit, which provides numerous opportunities for environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation services.

The center also includes a 6,000 square foot lodge and a one acre wildlife pond.

The lodge is where many of the ongoing exhibits and programming for the center are held.

Aside from wildlife rehabilitation and the environmental education, the center also holds special events and nature day camp programs.

Special events range from events themed around holidays and other seasonal programs.

Nature day camp programs are typically a week-long and are designed for children within the ages of 4 to 13. These camps feature environmental education and outdoor activities.

The Neighbor compiled a few upcoming events at the center below:

Reptilian fun

As apart of its monthly homeschooled days, the center will host its first event of the year Monday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Themed reptiles, the day will feature the four types of reptiles that call the nature center its home.

Children of all ages will be able to learn about different characteristics of reptiles and identify venomous snakes.

Attendees will also be able to take a photo with Marigold, the 12-foot resident python.

The cost is $6 per student and $9 per adult and nature center member.

Reservations are required. Each session lasts an hour and a half.

Animals in winter

February’s homeschooled day will feature a presentation on animals that thrive during the winter season at the center.

Sessions will be held at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Details on the day are forthcoming.

Check www.cochranmill naturecenter.org for updates.

The center is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is $3 per adult and $2 per child between the ages of 3 to 12. The nature center is at 6300 Cochran Mill Road in Palmetto.