A group of local students recently asked us some questions about invasive species in Orange County, specifically mustard. Our Horticulture Manager Michael Viramontes was kind enough to answer them, and his answers are so great that we thought we’d share them with YOU! What the most detrimental effects of invasive species? What makes invasive species so…
Risk of Childhood Obesity Increases in the Summertime
By Lola Olvera, ENC Communications Intern The rings of the last school bell have barely faded away. The backpack full of old homework has barely been put down. And already, your child has gathered some microwaveable snacks, found the comfiest spot on the couch, and flipped to his favorite TV show, where he may remain…
ENC Animal Care Intern accepted to Zoology Program
By Lola Olvera, ENC Communications Intern According to online blog Fear Of, ophidiophobia, the fear of snakes, is the second most common zoophobia, affecting almost a third of all adults. 17-year-old Vivar will not be one of them. As an animal care intern for the Environmental Nature Center, it’s her job and her joy to…
Girl Scout Troop Educates about Endangered Species
by Lola Olvera, ENC Communications Intern What do a green sea turtle, a blue butterfly and San Mateo thorn mint all have in common? They are all species endangered in California-and that’s no joke. The green sea turtle is classified as seriously threatened; worldwide its numbers have declined 90% over the past 50 years as…
The Return of the Ravens
Caw, caw! The Ravens are calling and are ready to guide you through one of the most important transitions: childhood to adolescence. Ravens are responsible, independent, and benevolent. Do you have what it takes to join the Order of the Raven? Ravens will sign a contract to pledge their responsibility and embark on an eight…
Does your child have Nature Deficit Disorder?
By Lola Olvera, ENC Communications Intern Your child may have walked out of his annual check-up at the doctor’s in fine health but he may be unknowingly suffering from a malady of the metaphorical kind: nature-deficit disorder. According to Richard Louv, the author of “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder” and the…
Newport Beach Film Festival
The Environmental Nature Center is once again a Community Partner of the Newport Beach Film Festival! We are co-presenting the screening of Environmental Short Documentaries on Saturday, April 22, at 1:15pm at Triangle Cinemas. Tickets available via the Newport Beach Film Festival website www.newportbeachfilmfest.com. Each film is listed separately (all scheduled to begin at April 22 @ 1:15 pm)….
Rainwater Harvesting… Whats the catch?
No one likes leaks. Left unseen, the water can ruin your beloved possessions drip by steady drip. Most people know the quick fix-placing a pot beneath the leak until the rain stops. All good, right? The leak inside our house may be the one we notice, but if you look outside, you’ll realize there’s another…
Spring has Sprung! Spring Faire Countdown has Begun!
By Lola Olvera, ENC Communications Intern Where else could you see a hawk up close while sporting a painted caterpillar on your face but at the ENC’s annual spring faire? For 12 years we’ve taken a sunny May day and packed it full of fun fair activities-this year is no different. Join us on May…
Learning about Light and Water
By Lola Olvera, ENC Communications Intern Learning doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you’re a teacher looking for a way to make the classroom more engaging or a parent wanting to show your children how they can help the environment, this toolkit is for you. The World Forum Foundation is focused on providing quality services,…
Spring Break Has Never Been More Fun!
by Chelsea Moreno, ENC Communications Intern There are overwhelming benefits of outdoor education. According to the National Wildlife Federation, outdoor education and outdoor playtime improves classroom performance and standardized test scores, increases motivation and enthusiasm to learn, helps students concentrate for longer periods of time, and improves classroom behavior. Let the ENC help you reap…
Let the ENC Teach YOU!
by Chelsea Moreno, ENC Communications Intern Are you an elementary school teacher seeking out some great new NGSS activities? Don’t worry! The ENC has you covered with “Teachers Night Out!” Third through sixth grade teachers are invited to enjoy mini-workshops throughout the Nature Center and learn hands-on activities to teach Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) concepts…