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…
Fire 101 with Bo Glover
2017 has been a year in which the world has truly had to start facing the side effects of global climate change. Still reeling from the aftermaths of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, the recent wildfires, and earthquakes it is scary to consider how it may only get worse from here as the global temperature…
Goin’ where the wind blows at the ENC
Ever wonder what it would be like to go wherever the wind blows? Lois Ehlert explores just that with her whimsical children’s book “Leaf Man”. Use your imagination and join Leaf Man as he embarks on his unknown adventure. Find out whether the wind takes Leaf Man east towards the ducks and geese or ventures…
Fall Faire & Pumpkin Patch is right around the corner!
As the weather cools and the leaves fall there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with the ENC’s 42nd annual Fall Faire and Pumpkin Patch. Stop by and pick the perfect pumpkin at our pumpkin patch where pumpkins of all shapes and sizes will be available to take home just in time to…
Farewell, For Now
by Chelsea Moreno, ENC Communications Intern As a public relations student with such a niche career path in science communication, finding internships I could truly be passionate about proved difficult for me. I began my search a year early, seeing if any listings caught my attention and I stumbled upon the Environmental Nature Center’s Outreach…
Join us for an Evening Inspired by Nature
You are cordially invited to the Environmental Nature Center’s 4th annual Summer Soirée on Saturday, June 10. Don’t worry about donning your best suit or gown for this event, we encourage you to dress casually and comfortably. Remember to leave your dress shoes at home, trail-friendly shoes are ideal for this evening inspired by nature….
ENC introduces community to local species through birdwatching basics workshop
By Lola Olvera, ENC Communications Intern Native plants attract native birds and the Environmental Nature Center is home to 3.5 acres of Orange County’s flora, and, consequently, its fauna. Native birds are in abundance at the ENC. Well over a hundred different types of birds have been spotted by our eagle-eyed visitors, including egrets, falcons,…
Places that are worth supporting
By Lola Olvera, ENC Communications Intern Sixteen weeks ago I first set foot on the soil of the Environmental Nature Center in a pair of decidedly non-non-skid black flats (not recommended as, eventually, you may slip and fall pathetically after venturing out on the trails on your own). I was there to interview for a…