Locally native plants attract locally native wildlife like butterflies and hummingbirds, which depend on them for survival. These critters have been “growing up for thousands of years in this area, and feeding on the plants here,” said Mike Swingholm, the ENC’s Grounds Manager, “so you’ll have no trouble seeing them in your garden after bringing…
It’s a dirty job but somebody has to do it
“It’s a dirty job but somebody has to do it” is the motto for Vanis Buckholz’s “My Recycler” business. The slogan is a perfect way to summarize his mission. You might have seen Vanis in the past at the Environmental Nature Center, because his goal is to increase participation in recycling. My ReCycler started at…
Environmental Nature Center Purchases Adjoining Property!
The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) has purchased the property at 745 Dover Drive! Our $10 million capital campaign to expand onto the adjacent 1.3 acre plot and build the community’s first nature preschool and nature play area is still in full swing. No one has a better use for this parcel of land than the…
Bo’s Travels in China
In Taoism the object of spiritual practice is to become one with the Tao — to harmonize one’s will with nature in order to achieve ‘effortless action’. When I stepped off the plane in Beijing, I had no clue what the Tao was, nor was I too keen on being a follower. I left for…
Whole Foods, Newport Beach Supports Environmental Nature Center
Cindy O’Shea, Marketing Supervisor at the new Whole Foods Market in Newport Beach, visited the Environmental Nature Center today to present a check for $3832 to the ENC Staff! The funds are a result of Whole Foods’ Community Giving Day on October 17th. They donated 5% of that day’s net sales to help us provide…
All Good Things Come to an End
For the past three months, I have had the privilege of serving as an Intern at the ENC. Sadly, today is my final day. In honor of my time here, I am using my final blog post to reflect on a few of the great memories I’ve made at the ENC. I genuinely enjoyed dedicating…
Winter (Camp) is coming…
It’s time for every child’s favorite winter pastime… The moment every kid anticipates… Even more exciting than presents and delicious cookies still warm from the oven… Winter Camp! ENC Winter Camp starts Dec. 26th. It is brimming with fun learning activities and new experiences around every corner. We asked a few of our awesome Camp…
An Exciting Opportunity
Over the last 40 years, we have become an integral part of the Newport Beach community. We have seen children learn and grow as they spend quality time in nature. We have a lot to be proud of – and now we have something to be especially excited about! The ENC has an amazing opportunity…
Green Gift Ideas for the Holidays!
Are you looking for some “green” gift ideas this holiday season? The ENC will be holding a Furoshiki Workshop on December 11 and an Upcycling Workshop on December 13, both at 6PM. Furoshiki are a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that are a re-usable, eco-friendly way to wrap gifts, carry groceries, decorate the home,…
Happy Thanksgiving from the ENC Family!
Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at the ENC! We hope your Thanksgiving meal is delicious and sustainable, and that you make time to spend with family and friends in Nature. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to thank and celebrate the volunteers who make enormous contributions to the work we do each year, and without whom, the…
’tis the Season to Volunteer!
The holiday season is upon us! It’s time to share your joy, take a moment to help others, and promote good will. The ENC is always accepting adult and youth volunteers, so come and enjoy meeting awesome people, taking in the beautiful habitats, or simply lend a helping hand for the holidays. Check our website…
ENC’s Meghan Lockwood named AEOE Environmental Educator of the Year
The ENC’s Lead Naturalist Meghan Lockwood was awarded the Environmental Educator of the Year award from the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education on Saturday at their Fall Conference. The award is for environmental educators who have contributed to the success of EE in the state, who lead by example. “When she walked into the…