A Remarkable Visitor: The Pin-tailed Whydah and the Importance of Habitat One of the joys of spending time at the Environmental Nature Center is that there is always something new to discover. Recently, ENC staff observed a breeding male Pin-tailed Whydah on the grounds. While this striking bird is not native to California, its presence…
Archives for June 2026
Full Circle: From Student Volunteer to Expert Birder
On a quiet June morning, before the Environmental Nature Center opened to visitors, three experienced birders gathered at the gate. Their task was to conduct a breeding bird survey — documenting the species present on the property, noting evidence of nesting activity, and creating a baseline record of the birds that call the ENC home….
Why I’ll be there Tomorrow
I’ve spent more than 30 years at the Environmental Nature Center. I’ve watched children who once attended programs here return years later to share the ENC with families of their own. I’ve seen volunteers become staff, students become educators, and generations of families make the ENC part of their lives and their memories. The ENC…
Finding a Path Through Plants: A Horticulture Intern’s Journey at the ENC
When Dylan Mitchell applied for the Environmental Nature Center’s Horticulture Internship, he was standing at a crossroads. A recent college graduate who had just returned home to Orange County, Dylan knew he loved plants. He had grown up in a family of dedicated gardeners who instilled in him a deep respect for the natural world,…
Mike Evans on What’s at Stake for the ENC
A Newport Beach native, educator, and longtime advocate for California’s native landscapes, Mike Evans – President and Founder of the California Native Horticultural Foundation and President and Co-Founder of Tree of Life Nursery – has dedicated much of his life to helping people understand the landscapes they inhabit and the value of preserving a meaningful…
What I Want My Daughters to Learn
I’d like to introduce you to my daughters. If you’ve spent any time around the ENC, you’ve probably seen children like them. Mud on their shoes. Sticks in their pockets. Completely convinced that a few acres of nature can become an entire world. My youngest, Evie, loves passing out flyers. Not because she fully understands…
Growing Knowledge Rooted in Place: A Horticulture Intern’s Experience at the ENC
When Alexis Hernandez applied for the Environmental Nature Center’s Horticulture Internship, she already knew she loved plants. “The Horticulture Intern role aligns with what I’m most passionate about…plants!” she wrote in her application. “I have always had a deep connection with nature and plant behavior.” She hoped the internship would deepen her understanding of native…