Good Tidings- BCC in April




Good Tidings!

Spring brings a vibrant return to nature—and at Bolsa Chica, that means blooming flowers, lush plant life, and the arrival of new baby wildlife.

Join the Bolsa Chica Conservancy in April to experience spring at the Interpretive Center through a variety of events, camps, programs, and volunteer opportunities!

This month is also “Earth Month”, so don’t miss the chance to celebrate the beauty of our wetlands and coastline at the Earth Day Fair on Sunday, April 26.
Come Celebrate Earth Day With Us!
Learn More
Register Your Lil’ Sprout For Spring Camp!
 
Register TODAY!
Education Programs Happening in April:
  • Every Saturday 11am – 1pm: Live Animal Interactions
    • 11am – 12pm: Touch Tank and Pet-a-Reptile. Guests are welcome to safely engage with our touch tank animals and live snakes during this time with staff supervision.
    • 1pm – 2pm: Animal Feeding Presentations. Guests can view the process of feeding our fish and reptiles, ask staff questions, and learn more about the biology of these animals.
  • Saturday 4/4 @ 10am – 12pm: Public Birding Tour
    • Break out your binoculars (or rent a pair) and take a guided tour to identify and learn about local and migratory birds. This program is FREE but registration is recommended.
    • Register Today!
  • Saturday 4/11 @ 10am – 12pm: Second Scout Saturday
    • Scouts of all ages are invited to join a general scout tour to learn about wildlife in support of similar badge work. Scouts get to make a plaster paw print, receive a workbook, and earn a fun patch. Registration is required with a $10 donation that covers the cost of materials and the patch.
    • Register Today!
  • Saturday 4/25 @ 10am – 12pm: Public Tour
    • Learn about the history and general ecology of The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve with an Expert Guide. This program is FREE but registration is recommended.
    • Register Today!
  • EVERY Wednesday @ 10am – 11am: Hatchlings
    • Hatchlings is a program designed to engage you and your little one with nature. Enjoy a mini hike through the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and participate in a nature-themed craft for ages 2-5.
    • Register Today!
Habitat Programs Happening in April:
Beginning Birder Workshops are offered on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 9am – noon. Join our expert birding friends and staff to learn the basics of birding.
Topics Covered include: 
  • Overview of the habitats of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve 
  • Tips for bird ID and recognizing field marks
  • Basic bird groups and common species of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
  • How to use binoculars
  • How to use field guides and bird I.D. apps
Included Materials:
– Binocular rental during the class
– Bird ID cheat sheets
– Mini field notebook
Learn More And Sign Up Here!
Rattlesnakes In The News:
There have been recent stories in the news regarding the increase in seasonal activity of rattlesnakes throughout Southern California. It’s important to be aware and stay educated on how to hike safely at Bolsa Chica and in our local habitats, but it’s also important to balance fear with facts. Here are some tips to help you remain safe and calm so that you and your family can continue to enjoy our trails and programs:

Hike Safely:
  • Wear closed toe shoes or boots when hiking. 
  • Always stay on trail and scan the edges for snakes that might want to cross the path. If you see a recent snake track, stop and look both ways before crossing just like train tracks! The picture below shows a snake track above the blue line.




 
  • Never reach under bushes, rocks, or logs.
  • Lead the way when hiking with young children and use the widest trails.
Safety During An Encounter:
  • STOP, and back up slowly.
  • A rattle is a warning to not approach any closer.
  • Be patient, give the snake space, and let them move along. 
  • In the rare chance that a bite occurs- call 911, remain calm and wait for medical response. (Do Not suck venom, cut the wound, or apply ice or tourniquets). 
Rattlesnake Facts:
  • Rattlesnakes use venom to paralyze and kill their prey such as rats, squirrels, and rabbits. They want to keep their venom to feed, but they will bite to protect themselves if they feel threatened enough by a predator or human.
  • Mating occurs in early spring as rattlesnakes emerge from brumation (snake hibernation/dormancy) when the weather warms up and food is abundant.
  • Rattlesnakes have a fairly long gestation of 5-7 months with babies born in late summer and early fall. Fully formed babies hatch from eggs inside the mother’s body which appear like live birth. Although the mother doesn’t feed newborn babies, they tend to gather together and provide some protection for the first few weeks. 
  • Rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive and want to keep to themselves. They will not chase you or hunt for you. Give them space and they will retreat to safety.
  • Thousands of hikers pass by rattlesnakes throughout the year and only a very small number of bites occur. Stay alert and aware but don’t let fear stop you from enjoying our natural habitats!
Get Involved & Volunteer!
  • Saturday 4/4 @ 9am – 12pm: Volunteer Training
    • Join us for a required orientation to begin volunteering at Bolsa Chica! This 3-hour session includes an introduction to our programs, a review of safety and expectations, and a guided hike to get familiar with the wetlands. Please wear closed-toed shoes, bring sun protection and a refillable water bottle. The hike includes uneven terrain and outdoor exposure, so come prepared. Open to all new volunteers—students, families, and community members welcome.
    • Register Today!
  • Saturday 4/25 @ 9am – 12pm: Public Service Day
    • Hosted every last Saturday of the month, join us for our Public Service Day! Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, pick up trash, and support habitat restoration in the wetlands. No experience needed—just bring your energy and willingness to help! Volunteers under 14 must attend with an adult. 
    • Register Today!
Bring your office for a team building experience like none other!
Contact Program Manager Kenneth Perez for corporate or group volunteering at ken@bolsachica.org
Learn More And Volunteer!

Step Into Spring at the
Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center


FREE and OPEN to the public Tues- Sun (9am – 4pm) and Mondays (9am-1pm). Located at 3842 Warner Ave, you are welcome to park in the lot and walk the trails with your special someone from sunrise to sunset (Parking is also FREE). 
 
Register For Public Events And Come Visit!
Critter Corner!
Learn more with activities and facts
at the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center

Hop on in to learn all about April’s featured critter:

Cottontail Rabbit (Sylvilagus audubonii)
  • With eyes positioned on the high sides of their head, cottontail rabbits have a 360-degree field of vision to see if predators are coming.
  • With roughly 100 million scent receptors in their nose, they are well adapted to find food and avoid predators.
  • The white puffy cotton ball like tail can be used as a warning that “flashes” when they run to warn other rabbits of a nearby predator. They also use it to confuse a predator as the white spot draws the predator’s focus and then suddenly disappears when the rabbit pivots or hides. 
Cottontail rabbits are best seen in the early morning and late afternoon times at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve!
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