When Alexis Hernandez applied for the Environmental Nature Center’s Horticulture Internship, she already knew she loved plants. “The Horticulture Intern role aligns with what I’m most passionate about…plants!” she wrote in her application. “I have always had a deep connection with nature and plant behavior.” She hoped the internship would deepen her understanding of native…
All posts by Environmental Nature Center
Understanding Non-Native Plants: Ecological & Sustainability Impacts in Orange County
Landscaping decisions shape biodiversity, water use, fire behavior, and climate resilience — whether we realize it or not. Most non-native plants are not “bad.” Many are beautiful. Some are well-behaved in garden settings. But plant choices are not neutral. When we introduce plants from other regions, we change ecological relationships that have developed over thousands…
California Native Plants: Biodiversity, Water Savings & Climate Benefits
Biodiversity & Ecology California hosts approximately 6,500 species, subspecies, and varieties of native plants that occur naturally in the state. Many of these are found nowhere else on Earth. (California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife) Of these native plants, more than 2,000 taxa are endemic — meaning they evolved here and occur nowhere else on…
Cultivating the Next Generation of Native Plant Stewards
Learning by Doing at the Environmental Nature Center At the Environmental Nature Center (ENC), our horticulture internship program is designed to do more than teach plant care — it immerses emerging professionals in the living systems that shape healthy landscapes, resilient ecosystems, and meaningful community spaces. Recent Horticulture Intern Victoria Stover exemplifies what this program…
The Hidden Dangers of Seed Balls and Guerrilla Gardening
At first glance, seed balls (or “seed bombs”) and guerrilla gardening may seem like creative, eco-friendly ways to beautify urban spaces and contribute to biodiversity. However, a deeper look reveals significant risks and unintended consequences that can harm ecosystems, disrupt restoration efforts, and undermine the very goals they aim to achieve. Environmental Risks of Seed…
Understanding the Behavior of Black Phoebes: A Guide for Bird Enthusiasts
Understanding the Behavior of Black Phoebes: A Guide for Bird Enthusiasts At Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, we love hearing from the community about their backyard bird observations. Recently, April reached out with questions about Black Phoebes—a fascinating species of flycatcher native to the western U.S., easily recognizable by their sooty black bodies and crisp white bellies….
Some Thoughts from our Founder, Robert House
It was always my intention to establish the Environmental Nature Center as a natural example of real California, which as we all know, is one of the most unique places in our world. Not only do we have the lowest and highest elevations in the United States, but also our extensive relationship to the ocean….
Artisan Spotlight: Deborah Sherrell
Deborah Sherrell is an artist, freelance writer, and a native of California. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UCLA in a premed major, and has completed post-baccalaureate studies in medical microbiology, art, and real estate. Motivated by a lifelong love of the environment, Deborah Sherrell wanted to ensure her first book Baby Lauren…
Artisan Spotlight: Heather Zeiden Rothstain
Heather Zeiden Rothstain is a Teaching Artist who resides in Orange County. She holds a Bachelor’s in Studio Art and a Master’s in Arts Education. She loves all things related to paper and book arts; this includes bookbinding, letterpress printing, printmaking, collage, and photography. She loves to teach these mediums to K-5th grade students and…
Artisan Spotlight: Rope the Moon
Handmade in Newport Beach, California, Rope the Moon’s jewelry combines metals and natural stones to create eye catching and versatile pieces that are uniquely edgy. Self-taught, Rope the Moon founder Kiersten Owen puts a piece of herself into everything she makes. This along with her carefree, bohemian-hippy style make Rope the Moon distinctive, rebellious and…
Artisan Spotlight: Flora & Stone Studio
Flora & Stone Studio is an Orange County based studio in the Dove Canyon area, featuring mother and daughter artists, Patty and Rilie O’Neill. They began creating pottery in their home-based studio in 2019. Ceramic pieces are made on a pottery wheel and through hand-built techniques. Some of their creations stand alone as a functional…
Artisan Spotlight: Cala Mathieu
Cala Mathieu is a non-binary ceramic artist from Costa Mesa and owner of Sweet Hearts and Star Ceramics. They are inspired by trippy love, dreamy visuals, bold patterns, and charming shapes. They embrace shades and colors that sing, and they hope they resonate with you as well. The process of making ceramics is intricate and…