Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art

What Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art does

The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1993 in Millersburg, Pennsylvania, operating a 500+ acre campus in the Susquehanna Valley that combines nature conservation, arts programming, and environmental education. Its core mission is to honor the legacy of Pennsylvania wildlife artist Ned Smith (1919-1985) by housing and exhibiting the roughly $2.3 million permanent collection of his original paintings, drawings, manuscripts, and journals through three gallery spaces: the permanent Ned Smith Gallery, the Olewine Gallery (featuring rotating exhibits by artists such as John James Audubon, Joel Sartore, and Arthur Singer), and the Romberger Gallery for regional artists. The center maintains 9+ miles of public trails, the Nature's Discovery Play Area, and the DeSoto Amphitheater, and produces a year-round calendar of educational programming, summer camps for ages 4-16, the Discovery Series, and special events including an outdoor concert series (entering its 12th season in 2026), an annual Nature & Wildlife Art Auction (running 30+ years), a Rugged Trail 5K Run, an Annual Gala, and Great Outdoors Bingo. It also operates a long-running Northern Saw-whet Owl research program coordinating 120+ banding stations across North America via Project Owlnet, and in July 2024 designated a 30-acre Wild Mushroom Conservation and Education Area (WMCEA).

The center serves a diversified mix of customers: families with children, schools and educational organizations, local businesses, arts patrons, and nature enthusiasts across Central Pennsylvania and the broader Mid-Atlantic. Revenue is generated through a hybrid nonprofit model that includes annual individual/household memberships, individual donations (including through Pennsylvania's EITC program), event ticket sales ($25-$40 concerts, $50 trail run, $150 gala, $30 bingo), summer camp fees ($24-$190), facility rentals for weddings and events, symbolic owl adoptions, art auction consignments (minimum 40% consignment fee), and a tiered Community Partners Program that includes Platinum-tier support from Wilsbach, Waste Management, and MidPenn Bank alongside presenting sponsors such as MI Windows & Doors and Tröegs Brewing Company. Free admission to galleries and trail access underpin its community-led go-to-market motion, with operational technology limited to a Neon One nonprofit platform for ticketing, memberships, donations, and volunteer management.

Name

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art

Legal name

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art

Website

https://nedsmithcenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Millersburg, Pennsylvania that preserves the art collection of wildlife artist Ned Smith, operates 500+ acres of trails and three galleries, and delivers nature conservation, arts, and education programming to Central Pennsylvania families, schools, and visitors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Nature and Art Education Center

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Museums (71211)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Interpretation & Education Centers (Visitor Centers, Museums) (THAAAFAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Sanctuaries & Rescue Centers (Visitor Operations) (THAAAFAA), Recreation & Activity Services (Hiking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing—Guided/Authorized) (THAAAGAF), Historic Preservation & Landmarks Conservation (BPAGAHAE), National Park & Protected Area Tours (THAJAIAA)

Keywords

• Nature education programs
• Wildlife art galleries
• Summer day camps
• Outdoor concert series
• Conservation research center

Headquarters

HQ city

Millersburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Individual and household memberships provide recurring revenue and grant members benefits such as discounts on events, camps, and merchandise. A 20% veteran discount is offered.
2. Donations: Individual donations support the center's mission. The center participates in Pennsylvania's EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) program for businesses.
3. Event Revenue: Ticket sales for concerts ($25-$40), trail run registrations ($50), gala tickets ($150), and bingo events ($30) generate revenue while supporting conservation efforts and trail maintenance.
4. Summer Camp Fees: Day camps for ages 4-16 with fees ranging from $24-$190 depending on program duration and membership status. Scholarships are available.
5. Community Partnerships: Business partners pay to join the Community Partners Program, gaining visibility, engagement opportunities, and connections while supporting the center.
6. Gun Club Memberships: Millersburg Gun & Conservation Club memberships are sold at the center, with badges valid through December 31, 2026.
7. Owl Adoption: Symbolic owl adoptions are available as a way to support the Northern Saw-whet Owl research program.
8. Art Auction Consignments: Nature and wildlife art auction with consignor fees (minimum 40% consignment fee). Features regional and national artists including Ned Smith originals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates a 500+ acre Susquehanna Valley campus featuring three gallery spaces, 9+ miles of public trails, the DeSoto Amphitheater concert venue, and a Nature's Discovery Play Area. It sells year-round educational programming (summer camps for ages 4-16, school field trips, Discovery Series workshops), recurring memberships, event tickets (concerts, trail run, gala, bingo), a Nature & Wildlife Art Auction, Community Partner business sponsorships, event facility rentals, and a gift shop. Conservation research is conducted through the Northern Saw-whet Owl Research Program (since 1997, coordinating 120+ Project Owlnet banding stations) and the 30-acre Wild Mushroom Conservation and Education Area established in 2024.

Product overview

The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art is a nonprofit cultural institution offering a multi-faceted portfolio of products and services centered on nature conservation and art appreciation. The organization operates three gallery spaces (Olewine Gallery, Ned Smith Gallery, and Romberger Gallery) for rotating art exhibitions. Educational offerings include summer camps for ages 4-16, year-round educational programs for schools, and the Discovery Series for families and adults. Entertainment programming features the DeSoto Amphitheater outdoor concert series (May-August), Gallery Series indoor performances, and annual special events including a Nature & Wildlife Art Auction, Trail 5K Run, Gala, and Great Outdoors Bingo. Conservation research includes the Saw-Whet Owl Research Program (operating since 1997) and the 2024-established Wild Mushroom Conservation and Education Area (WMCEA). The Center also offers memberships, a Community Partners business sponsorship program, facility rentals for events, and maintains 500+ acres of public trails and a Nature's Discovery Play Area.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Summer Camps Program Seasonal day camps for children ages 4-16 offering hands-on nature exploration, art, science, and theater experiences; multiple themed sessions including Grandparent & Me, Day Camps, and a Shakespeare Camp performed with Gamut Theatre at the DeSoto Amphitheater.
• Educational Programs Year-round hands-on, inquiry-based environmental and arts education programming for children and adults, including school field trips and workshops at the Center's Millersburg campus.
• Discovery Series Family and adult-targeted events including art workshops, citizen science programs, and hands-on nature experiences offered as part of the Center's year-round education programming.
• DeSoto Amphitheater Outdoor Concert Series Annual outdoor concert series at the only amphitheater in Northern Dauphin County, featuring tribute acts and regional and national performers from May through August at the Center's Millersburg campus.
• Gallery Series Indoor Performances Intimate indoor performances in the Ned Smith Gallery featuring local and national talent with complimentary beverages and appetizers, sponsored by Carole DeSoto.
• Nature & Wildlife Art Auction Premier annual wildlife art auction with a minimum 40% consignment fee, featuring regional and national artists including Ned Smith originals; operates as the Center's flagship art-focused fundraising event.
• Tröegs + NSCNA Rugged Trail 5K Run Annual trail run event held on the Center's 9+ miles of trails and supporting conservation efforts and trail maintenance, featuring craft beer from Tröegs Brewing Company, live music, and food vendors.
• Annual Gala Elegant annual fundraising gala featuring cocktails, dinner, live music, and auctions at the Country Club of Harrisburg, raising operating support for the Center.
• Great Outdoors Bingo Annual community bingo event featuring prizes for outdoor enthusiasts, supporting the Ned Smith Center through ticket and raffle revenue.
• Membership Program Individual and household membership program with annual dues, providing recurring support; benefits include discounts on events, camps, and merchandise, with a 20% veteran discount via code VETERAN20.
• Community Partners Program Business partnership program (Platinum tier and below) offering visibility, engagement opportunities, and community connection for local businesses that sustain free public access to galleries and lands.
• Art Galleries (Olewine, Ned Smith, Romberger) Three gallery spaces offering free public admission: Olewine Gallery hosting world-renowned artists, permanent Ned Smith Gallery housing the $2.3 million collection of Ned Smith originals, and Romberger Gallery showcasing local and regional artists.
• Nature's Discovery Play Area Nature-inspired outdoor play space featuring a tree fort, pebble play-pit, and burrow for shelter-building, open year-round as a free family attraction on the Center's campus.
• Event Facility Rentals Indoor and outdoor venue rentals for weddings, reunions, meetings, and events across the Center's 500+ acre Susquehanna Valley property.
• Northern Saw-whet Owl Research Program Northern Saw-whet owl banding research program coordinating 120+ Project Owlnet banding stations across North America to study owl migration patterns, led by Director of Owl Research Programs Scott Weidensaul.
• Wild Mushroom Conservation and Education Area (WMCEA) 30-acre designated conservation area featuring educational signage and citizen science initiatives for documenting fungi on NSCNA property; a dedicated site for fungi and lichen education within the Center's lands.
• Owl Adoption Program Symbolic owl adoption program supporting the Saw-whet Owl Research Program, providing donors with educational materials and recognition tied to conservation funding.

Quantifiable outcome

• Free admission to galleries and lands supported by community partnerships
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• MI Windows & DoorsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the 2026 DeSoto Amphitheater Concert Series, providing significant support that enables affordable family entertainment. Receives VIP early entrance and special recognition at all shows.
• Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts - Creative Sector Flex FundcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides additional support for the DeSoto Concert Series alongside community members as supporting sponsors.
• Pennsylvania Game CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGenerously donated Ned Smith's $2.3 million collection of artwork. Long-standing relationship includes support for the permanent Ned Smith Gallery. Cooperative agreement for hunter access on center lands.
• Project OwlnetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe center coordinates an informal network of 120+ owl banding stations across North America through Project Owlnet, contributing to collaborative migration research.
• Project SNOWstormminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRelated owl research organization focused on Snowy Owl migration studies, linked as an additional resource on the center's research page.
• Tröegs Brewing CompanycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual presenting sponsor of the Rugged Trail 5K Run. Provides beer brewed specially for the event. Partnership supports trail maintenance and conservation efforts.
• Carole DeSotoflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason sponsor of the 2026 Gallery Series indoor performances, enabling intimate performances with complimentary beverages and appetizers.
• Gamut TheatrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on Shakespeare in the Woods summer theatre program for youth, with performances held at the DeSoto Amphitheater.
• Millersburg Area Working Together (MAWT)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to participate in the Millersburg Cherry Blossom Festival in May, part of the center's 2026 event calendar expansion.
• Wilsbach (Waste Management)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Community Partner providing support that enables free year-round access to galleries and lands.
• Waste ManagementflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Community Partner supporting the center's mission and free public access programs.
• MidPenn BankflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Community Partner supporting community programs and free access initiatives.
• Community Partners (General)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal businesses and organizations in the Community Partners Program: Troutman's Auto, Hoover Financial Services, Pennian Bank, WW Reserv, Bolig's Propane, DST Insurance, Alvord Polk, Koppy's Propane, and individual partners including David A. Troutman, DOC Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited, Fry's Flooring LLC, Harrisburg Beagle Club, Joshua Lenker, Town Shirt Company, William C. Troutman and Dorothy Foundation.
• Northern Dauphin County YMCAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of family activities at the annual Trail Run event.
• Millersburg Ferryboat AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnected organization providing access via the historic Millersburg Ferry for visitors approaching from the west.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• The Arboretum at Penn State: Pennsylvania public garden and nature destination offering educational programming and public trails. Comparable as a regional nature-based education and visitor site, though with a horticulture focus rather than wildlife art.

Direct peers

• Wolf Sanctuary of PA: Pennsylvania wildlife sanctuary offering guided tours, education, and conservation programming funded through memberships and events. Closely mirrors NSCNA's mix of wildlife visitation, membership dues, and education-driven community engagement.
• Brandywine River Museum of Art: Pennsylvania art museum combining gallery exhibitions, environmental lands, and community programming. Similar dual nature-and-art mission, family membership model, and reliance on local community support and events.
• Shaver's Creek Environmental Center (Penn State): Pennsylvania environmental education center offering school programs, camps, and public events on natural lands. Closely comparable to NSCNA's hands-on, inquiry-based environmental education model that a NSCNA staff member previously worked at.
• Powdermill Nature Reserve (Carnegie Museum of Natural History): Western PA Carnegie Museum-affiliated nature reserve offering research, education programs, and public trail access. Comparable as a science-driven nature preserve with citizen science and school programming in Pennsylvania.
• Clyde Peeling's Reptiland: Central PA wildlife attraction with admission-based visitation, education programs, and special events. Comparable in scale and geography as a privately operated wildlife/nature visitor attraction in Pennsylvania.
• Hawk Mountain Sanctuary: Pennsylvania-based nonprofit raptor conservation sanctuary with hiking trails, education programs, and visitor operations. Comparable in operating a membership-funded nature preserve with research and education missions in the same state.

Broad incumbents

• National Audubon Society: Large national bird conservation nonprofit with education centers, sanctuaries, and research programs. Comparable mission around bird conservation, citizen science, and education, but operates at national scale with far more resources.
• Longwood Gardens: Large Pennsylvania public garden with extensive programming, concerts, and educational offerings. Comparable as a membership-driven cultural/nature destination with concerts, events, and educational programming, but at significantly larger scale.
• Wildlife Conservation Society: Major global wildlife conservation nonprofit operating zoos, aquariums, and field conservation programs. Comparable as a wildlife conservation and education organization, though at much larger scale and with zoo/aquarium operations.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/nedsmithcenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nedsmithcenter
• Instagraminstagram.com/ned_smith_center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art