Welcome Aboard, Ali! Ali Aguarino has been working in science and outdoor education for almost 20 years. As the Facility Maintenance Manager, he is responsible for the protection and enhancement of the Environmental Nature Center’s grounds including the implementation of improvements and maintenance activities. He will also be teaching educational programs. Prior to working at the ENC,…
Last Summer Drum Circle Scheduled!
The Environmental Nature Center will one last Drum Circle this Summer on August 27, 7 – 8 pm (for families). Community members are invited to join facilitator Laurene Keane who will be providing drums for those who don’t have one. Cocoa will be provided, but bring your own reusable mug. $6 per person. $5 for members. Register…
Father Son Camp-out coming soon to the ENC!
On June 19, fathers and their sons will pack up their tents and sleeping bags and head to the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach to enjoy some one-on-one time or participate in group father/son activities, including crawdad catching, raft building, and fire starter kit making. The fee is $115 for each Father/Son pair and…
Does the ENC Recycle?
We recycle on the grounds: We recycle in our kitchen: We recycle in our classroom: We recycle in our offices: We recycle at the front desk: We educate children about recycling: We educate adults about recycling:
ENC Seeks Summer Camp Teacher!
The Environmental Nature Center is seeking a Summer Camp Teacher/Naturalist! The Camp Teacher/Naturalist is responsible for teaching outdoor environmental and social science education programs to children. TheCamp Teacher/Naturalist’s goals are to encourage students’ awareness and appreciation of the environment, broaden students’ knowledge of science concepts, and foster students’ commitment to the protection of the natural environment….
300 Pounds Later – A Coffee Story
Sitting on the dock in Catalina Island and watching bioluminescence follow our fingertips in the water, the girl scouts and I bonded over nature, art, and science. They had taken me along on their Catalina trip to lead Traveling Naturalist Programs for them. Little did I know that this bond would extend beyond that trip….
So you want to work with young children in nature….
We frequently receive communications from people interested in working at our Nature Preschool, or in the Outdoor Early Childhood Education field. Here are some great suggestions from our Education Coordinator , Alex Lane, for folks with an interest in working with young children in Nature: Read up! There are a couple good books that I’ve…
The Order of the Raven Helps Middle School Kids Take Flight
There are few programs that bear such gravitas in a name like The Order of the Raven, and it’s for good reason; The Order of the Raven integrates fluid learning styles for middle schoolers as they garner new methods of self-sufficiency and discovery. The Order of the Raven is an eight-day camp brimming with activities…
Farewell, Nathan
One of my favorite parts about working at the Environmental Nature Center is the great people I work with. The staff is amazing and I consider them friends as well as talented educators. Several years ago we began a service learning internship program, which has also given me the opportunity to work with a number…
ENC’s 10th Annual Spring Faire!
It’s that time of the year again for nature lovers of all ages! The Environmental Nature Center is hosting its 10th annual Spring Faire! This is event will host the much-anticipated opening of Orange County’s one and only Butterfly House, which provides an opportunity to learn about the diets and habits of California’s native butterflies….
Trashy Yet Classy: The 4th Annual Youth Art Exhibit at the Spring Faire
Calling all young artists! The Environmental Nature Center is accepting works of art for the 4th Annual Youth Art Exhibit at the Spring Faire on May 3rd. This gives kids a chance to spread their own environmental message through their artistic talents. This year’s theme is “Trashy Yet Classy,” which presents an opportunity for kids…
The search for milkweed has begun
Butterfly lovers all over Southern California are eagerly searching for milkweed plants to attract monarch butterflies to their gardens. Because of habitat loss and pesticide use, the monarch butterfly population has dropped by 80% in the last decade, and suburban gardeners are pitching in to help provide habitat for these beautiful and iconic insects. The…