Earthplace, the Nature Discovery Center is a museum and wildlife sanctuary; maintains a 62-acre sanctuary, which is the largest open-space area in Westport. Trails cross areas of wetlands, ponds, streams, hardwood forests and meadows. The mission of Earthplace is to educate the community about nature and the environment.  Founded in 1958 and accredited by The American Association of Museums, Earthplace also maintains an interactive natural history museum, houses live wildlife for public viewing and hosts many public nature programs and events.  Other activities include an accredited nursery school, a state-licensed summer camp and the Harbor Watch water quality testing program.