Nature’s Neighborhood Design Challenge
For more than three decades, this beloved Ogden Nature Center tradition has brought creativity to our nature trails. This year, the Nature’s Neighborhood Design Challenge is branching out beyond birdhouses and welcoming homes inspired by wildlife of all kinds.
Nature’s Neighborhood is a community art and design experience inspired by wildlife habitats found in northern Utah. Participants design and build habitat-inspired homes based on a specific type of animal, and selected entries are displayed along the trails at Ogden Nature Center and featured during our annual Earth Day celebration.
Designed as more than a competition, Nature’s Neighborhood invites families to explore the preserve, discover imaginative wildlife homes, and learn fun facts along the way. The result is a playful, outdoor trail experience that sparks curiosity, creativity, and connection with nature.
Free to enter. Open to all ages.
How It Works
- Choose a wildlife category
- Design and build a habitat-inspired home
- Drop off your entry during the designated week
- Visit the Nature Center to see selected entries on display
Simple. Creative. Community-driven.
Important Dates:
- Entry Drop-Off: March 16–21, 2026
- Drop off entries at the Visitor Center during open hours.
- Earth Day Celebration: April 25, 2026
- Entries will be highlighted as part of Earth Day at Ogden Nature Center.
- Trail Display: April 17–June 30, 2026
- Selected entries will be displayed along Nature Center trails.
Choose Your Wildlife Category - 5 Options - Choose one category and build something inspired by the animals that live there. Be creative and think about what makes each animal feel safe and at home in Nature’s Neighborhood. READ MORE ABOUT Nature’s Neighborhood: Habitat Design Guidelines & Sources.
1. Feathered Friends
Daytime Birds - Birds active during the day that nest in trees and shrubs. Examples: songbirds, bluebirds, wrens, chickadees
Examples: Songbirds, bluebirds, wrens, chickadees
2. Pollinator Pals
Helpful Insects -This category is for small insects that help plants grow by pollinating flowers and keeping nature healthy.
Examples: Bees, butterflies, ladybugs.
3. Night Flyers
Bats & Owls -This category is for animals that are most active at night. These animals help control insects and rodents and are an important part of Utah’s ecosystems.
Examples: Bats, owls
4. Furry Neighbors
Small Mammals - This category is for small, furry animals that live close to the ground and look for cozy places to rest, hide, or stay warm.
Examples: Rabbits, mice, voles, squirrels, chipmunks
5. Cold-Blooded Critters
Reptiles & Amphibians - This category is for animals that use their environment to stay warm or cool. They are often found near rocks, logs, shade, or water.
Examples: Lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, salamanders
Exhibit Guidelines
Each participant/group may submit one entry. All entries must be original works created by the exhibitor. Commercially produced items or assembled kits will not be accepted. The Ogden Nature Center reserves the right to refuse submissions. There is no fee to enter.
Due to space limitations, a limited number of entries will be selected for display. Event judges will determine which wildlife habitats will be included in the exhibit, and which entries may be permanently displayed at the Ogden Nature Center. The Birdhouses will be displayed on Birdhouse Trail, the other 4 categories will be temporarily displayed on Habitat Trail.
Optional Creative Add-On
Participants are encouraged to include a short written piece to accompany their habitat, such as a story, poem, or fun fact about the animal that might live there. These creative additions will help visitors learn more about wildlife and add personality to Nature’s Neighborhood.
Build Limitations
These habitats should be "functional", think about an animal living in your habitat. Where will they enter? What will they do inside?
Click here for Material Guidelines
Materials & Safety
- No propane tanks or hazardous materials are permitted.
- Entries should be designed with durability in mind and must withstand outdoor conditions.
- The Ogden Nature Center encourages the use of recycled, reclaimed, or sustainable building materials. Please consider environmental impact when selecting materials.
Size Limitations
Construction & Design Requirements
- Must be freestanding or securely hangable
- Must be ready for outdoor installation at drop-off
- Must be sturdy and durable for long-term outdoor display
- Must function as a real birdhouse, not just decorative
Liability
Ogden Nature Center is a secure facility with chain-link fencing surrounding the property. However, exhibitors should note that birdhouses will be installed outdoors within a nature preserve. Works will be exposed to natural elements such as wind, rain, sun, and other weather conditions, as well as potential interaction with wildlife.
In addition, many birdhouses are displayed within reach of visitors, and the trail area is not continuously monitored. By entering the exhibition, exhibitors acknowledge and accept these conditions. Works are not insured, and the Ogden Nature Center assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage.
Sponsors
Huge thanks to our generous 2026 sponsors who make this competition and exhibit possible:
