WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – A golden eagle, native California plants, and a place for kids to scramble around a giant spiderweb. Walnut Creek’s homegrown wildlife museum has a big outdoor upgrade in the works.
Lindsay Wildlife Experience is building Ky & Laura’s Nature Cove, a $2 million project that the organization described at its May groundbreaking as the largest single expansion in its history. The new space will combine permanent animal habitats with seating, children’s play structures, and an accessible trail.
For a museum that grew out of one Walnut Creek resident’s collection of natural history specimens, it’s a substantial next chapter.
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What’s Coming
According to Lindsay’s project plans, the redesigned Nature Cove will provide lifelong homes for seven birds that cannot return to the wild: a golden eagle, a red-tailed hawk, a peregrine falcon, two white-tailed kites, a Swainson’s hawk, and a raven.
The museum is working with Nature Builders on the redesign, which will feature native California plants and an ADA-accessible trail. Children will have play features modeled on a mountain lion and a spiderweb.
We stopped by and saw the mountain lion structure still being unpacked as construction moves ahead. It still had plastic packaging around its neck, like a little necklace (see the photo below.)
The project also serves a practical purpose. These animals need permanent care, and the new exhibit will give them lifelong homes while allowing visitors to learn about the wildlife around them.
A Truly Local Beginning
Lindsay’s roots go back to Alexander “Sandy” Lindsay, who shared his enthusiasm for nature with Walnut Creek children through informal classes and neighborhood hikes.
His collection began in a garage. In 1955, supporters formally established the Diablo Junior Museum Association. It initially operated out of an elementary school.
The organization later established its wildlife rehabilitation hospital in 1970, the first such facility in the United States. Today, that hospital provides free veterinary care to native California wildlife.
The new Nature Cove carries that original idea outdoors: giving people a close connection with the animals and natural environments of their own region.
When Will It Open?
Lindsay’s published project page identifies fall 2026 as the target for bringing the new Nature Cove to life. A specific public opening date was not confirmed in the materials reviewed for this article.
Fundraising is continuing, too. The museum’s donation page lists $1.5 million raised toward the $2 million goal.
On our visit, construction was definitely moving ahead, but as you can see from the photos, there’s still a ways to go.
In the meantime, visitors can explore Lindsay Wildlife Experience at 1931 First Avenue in Walnut Creek. Its regular exhibit hall hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Current admission is $20 for adults and $17 for children ages 2-17, students with ID, and seniors 65 and older. Members and children under 2 enter free. Check the museum’s visitor page before heading over.
