The purpose of the Austin Nature and Science Center (ANSC) is to provide individuals, families, and groups from the surrounding Central Texas area with educational and recreational opportunities which increase each person’s knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of the Central Texas natural environment and its connection to other world ecosystems. This purpose is best achieved through the ANSC’s role as a "living museum," whose efforts are focused on the creative use of specifically planned interpretive exhibits, programs, collections, and trails. It is recognized that such planning and implementation is most successfully developed by professional staff with the active support of community volunteers, student interns, and special consultants. It is also acknowledged that the ANSC supports the goals of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Austin as a model for appropriate human activities regarding the conservation of natural resources. Furthermore, the ANSC recognizes the value and benefits of the support and counsel from its two formally acknowledged community advisory groups, the Austin Natural Science Association and the Natural Science Guild of Austin. For the future our greatest challenge is to provide exhibits and services that will attract and serve a larger audience, while still fostering a model for appropriate human activities regarding the conservation of natural resources. This challenge is intensified by the need to educate our audience about local and world wide environmental issues, how we are affected by these issues locally, and what solutions we can accomplish on a local basis.