by Lori Whalen, ENC Assistant Director It’s true most outdoor venues seem to be re-opening, so families can go to parks, the beach, hiking, and camping just as they always would have. The ENC is open for Camp (but not to the public), so we’ve developed a list of natural places that are currently open,…
Archives for 2020
Sustainable DIY Beauty Products
Our education intern, Sam, shows us how to make four sustainable beauty products at home with ingredients you already have in your pantry! Watch her tutorial here. Easy Oatmeal Cleanser: Ingredients: Raw oatmeal Steps: Blitz oats in a blender or grind with a mortar and pestle until oats are a fine powder Add a small…
Paper Plate Snake Kite
Materials Paper plates Markers / Paint / Colored Pencils / Crayons Scissors Hole Puncher Yarn or twine Directions 1. Draw a spiral shape onto a paper plate with a marker. 2. Use markers/paint/colored pencils/crayons to make designs/patterns on the entire surface of the paper plate. 3. Once the plate is dry, cut along the spiral…
How to Make a DIY Fairy House
How to Make a DIY Fairy House Here are a few supplies you may want to use: One of the best parts of making a DIY fairy house for kids is that you can use things you already have around the house, particularly those odd craft materials you can’t figure out what to do with….
Distance Learning Resources for Educators
Greetings Fellow Educators! With kids home from school, the ENC has shifted to providing learning opportunities from afar. Here is a list of distance learning resources cutared for you! ENC Distance Learning Programs The ENC’s Distance Learning programs bring field trips to students learning at home. Want to take a virtual hike with an ENC…
Homemade Giant Bubble Recipe
Hello, Nature Families, ☺! We are missing you all so much at the Nature Center, sending big hugs & oh so much love your way! I would love to share a couple of my favorite bubble recipes & DIY Bubble Wands craft idea for you & your littles at home: HOMEMADE GIANT BUBBLE RECIPE: INGREDIENTS:…
What’s all that Noise About?
What’s all that Noise About? by Chris Holland Canada Geese, Branta canadensis ORDER: Anseriformes FAMILY: Anatidae So, what’s all the noise about ! Our dear friends the Canada Goose is feeling the warmer temperatures and romance comes to mind (even in animals). During spring, pairs break out from flocks and begin defending territories. Spacing of these…
COVID-19/novel coronavirus
The Environmental Nature Center is closed to the public to keep our staff, volunteers and program participants safe. Please do not visit unless you are registered for a scheduled program. We’ve compiled a list of places that are currently open for you to explore, below! You can learn more about our scheduled programs HERE, and…
Welcome to our new Video Intern, Emma!
I am a sophomore at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. I was first inspired by my older brother to learn about climate change and the problems associated with harmful greenhouse gases. When I was 12, I attended a 3-day conference in Seattle sponsored by the Climate Reality Project where I learned that climate…
Meet our new Intern, Jake!
When I first walked through the gates of the Environmental Nature Center I was greeted with a breeze of fresh ocean air, the sound of birds chirping, and the laughter of children exploring the Nature Center and making memories. I was immediately taken back to my youth, hiking through the Sierra Nevada mountains with my…