Nature Centers

Our Nature Play Club: Reporting on Our June Beach and July Play Events

Nature Play Club Thumbnail

I’m way overdue on reporting our Nature Play Club fun. Here’s the scoop on our June and July events. I’m also logging this info over at NaturePlayClub.com with templates for invitations and the annual calendar. Think about starting your own Family Nature Club. It’s set up like a monthly book club – except it’s families [...]

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San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine: Wildlife Spotting in the Wetlands

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary Thumbnail

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine is an oasis of hidden nature. The ponds are tucked away between bustling Jamboree Road and the quieter Harvard Avenue with an entrance off Michelson. It’s the perfect location for the Sea & Sage Audubon House – the first stop on our visit. The volunteer staffing the house was [...]

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How To Enjoy the Caspers Wilderness Park Nature Center, Even When It’s Closed

Caspers Wilderness Park Nature Center

The Caspers Wilderness Park Nature Center is a great bonus trip after you visit the playground (which we posted back in March 2010). The Nature Center sits atop a hill overlooking the park and features a lookout tower to take in the beautiful views. Caspers is part of Orange County’s regional park system. Look for [...]

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National Wildlife Week Kick-Off

Shipley Nature Center Flower

National Wildlife Week is a signature event of National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There™ campaign.  They advocate for families to get their Green Hour in every day by playing outdoors. I didn’t realize that it’s been “. . . held annually since 1938.” And that,  “National Wildlife Week is National Wildlife Federation’s longest-running education program.”  [...]

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SB Natural History Museum: Where The Rattlesnake Rattles On

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

The Santa Barbara Natural History Museum is more than a museum to me. It embodies my childhood. I was there when the museum acquired the blue whale that washed up on the shore. In the newspaper and on separate visits, I followed how they prepared the animal for exhibit outside the museum. My sister, cousin [...]

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