About Lori
Vice President
Lori Whalen has worked in the nonprofit field for nearly two decades and joined the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) staff in 2003. She currently serves as Vice President, providing leadership across many of ENC’s core functions and helping guide the organization’s long-term vision and impact. Over the course of her tenure, Lori has held multiple roles at ENC, including Education Coordinator, Director of Education, and Assistant Director, giving her a deep institutional knowledge and a holistic understanding of the organization’s mission and operations.
In her current role, Lori oversees ENC’s education programs, marketing and communications, membership and sponsorship, volunteer programs, and horticulture, while also supporting select fundraising and development efforts. She previously led ENC’s education programs serving more than 25,000 students annually and managed a team of 16 naturalists.
Lori has played a significant role in shaping ENC’s physical landscape and sense of place. She designed the native landscape for the ENC Nature Preschool and Nature Play Area, which achieved LEED® Platinum certification through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program of the U.S. Green Building Council. Her work reflects ENC’s commitment to sustainability, habitat restoration, and connecting people—especially children—to Southern California’s native ecosystems. Lori’s landscape designs have been featured on the California Native Plant Society Spring Garden Tour, and she has also served as a guest designer at the Spring Garden Show at South Coast Plaza.
Prior to joining ENC, Lori worked for The Nature Conservancy, the City of Huntington Beach as an Interpretive Ranger, and the Orange County Department of Education through the Inside the Outdoors Science School. Earlier in her career, she also worked in media relations and public relations roles in the private sector, experience that continues to inform her work in communications, storytelling, and community engagement at ENC.
Lori holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, with a focus in Animal Science and a minor in Journalism, and a Master of Arts in Communications from California State University, Fullerton, with an emphasis in Public Relations. She currently serves on the board of the Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and the board of the Association of Nature Center Administrators.
Lori is the recipient of the Nathaniel Lamm Scholarship Award for Excellence in Environmental Education (2002) and the California State Senate “Women Making a Difference” Award (2012). Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, practicing yoga, experiencing live music, gardening with native plants, and spending time with her dog, Sully.
In the News
Lori on Native Plants, OC CNPS
For new Board member Lori Whalen, having her garden featured on the OCCNPS California in My Garden tour several years ago was the magnet that drew her into deeper involvement with the chapter. With a long history at the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) in Newport Beach, Lori uses her decades of experience working in environmental education to inform her work on the Garden Tour Committee and Board. This article was compiled by Thea Gavin…. Read more HERE.
Lori on Volunteerism, OC Family
Volunteering gives kids a chance to try new things. In the process, they can uncover talents and interests they hadn’t been aware of. Some may even go on to pursue college studies and careers inspired by their volunteer experiences. Lori Whalen, Director of Education at the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach has seen this in a student who developed an interest in… Read more HERE.
Lori on Nurturing your Soul with Nature, Family Time Magazine
Lori Whalen, a nature center educator, appreciates the break from routine the outdoors provides. She advocates getting outside to expand your awareness and see things differently… Be careful not to turn it into another item on your checklist. Whalen warns, “It’s important that people come to nature without having a scheduled activity where someone is leading them and teaching them something.” Read more HERE.