The new and improved Irvine Nature Center is opening this month in Owings Mills.

The grand reopening celebration will take place with activities for families Sept. 13 and 14 at the new site on Garrison Forest Road. Visitors will get a chance to visit the new “green” building, property and exhibit hall designed in partnership with the Maryland Science Center. There will be stations to showcase Irvine’s programs and activities, puppet shows, story times, meet the animals and carnival-style games.

“We are very excited about the opening of the brand new, state of the art green facility,” said Christina Royster-Hemby, director of marketing and membership. “Our goal is to provide a community resource for children and adults in the area of environmental education, and we have a very full weekend planned.”

Irvine opened in 1975 and has operated since then in leased facilities on the grounds of St. Timothy’s School in Stevenson. When a portion of that property was sold by the school, the state of Maryland donated 116 acres in Caves Valley, formerly part of the Rosewood Center, to the non-profit.

The new site includes wetlands, woodlands and meadows and will eventually have a series of trails and numerous demonstration gardens. The new building was built with green features including rain barrels, low-flow fixtures, a vegetated roof and geothermal heat pump systems, according to a press release. The center will have hands-on indoor and outdoor learning opportunities for both school groups and individuals.

A grand opening gala will be held for adults Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $125.

For details visit www.explorenature.org.