Lesley Goren is an artist and illustrator living in magical Topanga Canyon. She is interested in “place”, be it the woods, the city, or somewhere in between. Her paintings and drawings are an exploration of what makes a certain area unique. Especially of interest are places in and around Los Angeles County- the extremely diverse…
Featured Artisan: MCKnits
Monica Culqui of MCKnits a highly creative person with a love and passion for teaching Art History, Fashion & Costume Design, Knitting, and Public Relations. She has been called a “Renaissance” woman at times for her ability to be an administrator, teacher, mentor, reader, writer, and designer. Her love for people with an intense joie de vivre makes…
Featured Artisan: Art By Yuli
Art By Yuli is a mother and daughter collaboration with a single mission: creating one-of-a-kind shawls and scarves utilizing the softest and most beautiful Argentine Yarn. Their shawls and scarves add warmth and style to any outfit. Each piece in their collection is an original creation, done entirely by hand, using one or two needles, a small…
Featured Artisan: CatBox Boutique
Join us on December 3rd for our 4th annual Artisans Marketplace featuring 40 artisans including CatBox Boutique! CatBox Boutique is a shop for your feline family members. They sell toys & healthy treats your kitty will love. In 2013 owner Michelle Loo adopted her first cat, Ziggy. She was always shopping for toys and healthy treats for him,…
Benefits of Learning in Nature
With education steering more and more towards learning through technology, it is crucial to be reminded why learning outside of a screen is beneficial for your child. Learning outside supports creativity and problem solving in children, enhances cognitive abilities, and improves academic performance. Studies in the US have shown strong progress in social studies, science,…
GREAT Native Butterfly Plants for your Orange County Garden
If you’d like a butterfly plant to enjoy in your garden year round, read on! There are plenty of butterflies to feed that are NOT monarchs, but monarchs will enjoy the nectar provided by these as well. Sages are very good for attracting adult butterflies to your garden. White Sage (Salvia apiana) and Hummingbird Sage…
How to create a Hummingbird Garden
Hummingbirds prefer native species (commonly Sambucus, Ceanothus and Arctostaphylos) for nesting, and they prefer a mixed diet of nectar from multiple sources for their daily diet. Since hummingbirds have to eat twice their body weight in nectar and insects each day, they’re protective of good food sources in the garden and will fight aggressively to…
Dark, Wet & Cold? Go Outside!
It is being revealed that children these days are spending little to no time outside. In fact, “Children spend less time outside each day than prison inmates do in the United States. Inmates are guaranteed two hours of outdoor time daily, whereas one in two children is outside for less than an hour. A recent…
Three Amazing locally native Succulents for your Garden!
Everyone loves succulents and the Environmental Nature Center will have three species of locally native succulents available for sale at our upcoming Native Plant sale on November 12! These great species provide nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds, and do well in either a pot or in the ground. Here is more info about them: Fingertips (Dudleya…
Featured Artisan: KnotSewKnitting
Julia Burnside of KnotSewKnitting has been an award winning professional seamstress for over 20 years. Julia creates unique handmade bowties, as well as sewn, knitted, and crocheted accessories. Her work has received awards through numerous dance competitions as well as at the Orange County Fair. Her family business located in Newport Beach, California prides itself on…
The Giving Tree
In the story of The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein, children are given an example of a toxic relationship. The boy only comes to the tree to take what he needs for his own life, and essentially gives the selfless tree nothing in return. The plot of the story by Silverstein parallels the effect invasive…
More than just a Pretty Flower
You probably haven’t put much thought into your lawn beyond making sure it looks groomed and presentable. You also may not have considered the impact your ornamental lawn has on the surrounding ecosystem. As it turns out, your lawn can have quite an effect on the surrounding ecosystem. Native plants have been growing on the land where our homes…