Good Tidings- BCC in December




Good Tidings!
As 2025 comes to a close, we would like to thank our community for your continued support. Our mission to protect and preserve the Bolsa Chica wetlands through education and habitat restoration wouldn’t be possible without members like YOU!
May your Holiday Season be merry and bright from all of us here at the BCC!

T’is the Season to Give!

There are many ways that you can help Bolsa Chica this month:
  1. Giving Tuesday is an online giving day campaign- be sure to donate on Tuesday 12/2!
  2. Become a Basementeer, buy gifts from Sports Basement, and 10% can be selected to be donated to The Bolsa Chica Conservancy.
  3. Purchase a unique hand crafted gift for the wetland lover in your life from Dave Reynolds and a portion will be donated to us!
  4. Sign up for a public service day activity and volunteer your time to clean and restore Bolsa Chica.
DONATE on Giving Tuesday, 12/2
Sign Up for FREE @ Sports Basement Today- 10% to BCC
Cool “Bolsa Glider” Gift by Dave C Reynolds Found HERE
Volunteer at BCC to Give Your Time & Energy

 Discover Bolsa Chica in December:

 
Decompress from the hustle and bustle and discover something new at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

Bring the family (or not, we won’t judge) and take a walk!

The Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center is 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 from sunrise to sunset (Parking is also FREE). 

**Note The Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center & Restrooms will be CLOSED the following days/times (trails and parking lots remain open):
  • Wednesday 12/24 for Christmas Eve
  • Thursday 12/25 for Christmas Day
  • Thursday 1/1 for New Year’s Day
Join The Bolsa Chica Conservancy in December to learn more on expert guided tours & experiences at The Interpretive Center. Go to our Upcoming Events page on our website to view and sign up for all programs: https://bolsachica.org/activity-calendar/
  • 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 12/6 @ 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 12/13 @ 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 12/27 @ 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!
Register for Public Events and Come Visit!
Close the Year with Curiosity!

Looking for a way to keep your little one engaged through Winter Break? Join our Winter Curiosity Club and let them work out the wiggles in the wetland!

Campers in grades 1-4 will get 3 full days (12/29-12/31) in December with seasonal science activities, arts & crafts, guided hikes, and lots of learning about birds, fish, and mammals in winter. 

Additional one day “Monday” winter camps (1/19, 1/26, 2/9, & 2/16) are open for registration in January & February too!
View and Register for all Winter Camps!
Critter Corner!
Learn more with activities and facts
at the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center

The Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
  • Snowy egrets can be easily identified by their bright yellow feet and “foot stomping” hunting behavior. This tactic is used to stir up small fish and crabs for food.
  • The Great Egret is often found nearby, however these two birds have opposite coloration. Snowy egrets have yellow feet and a black bill, and great (or common) egrets have a yellow bill and black feet. Snowy egrets are also a bit smaller. Can you tell the difference in the photo below?
  • Almost driven to extinction in the late 1800’s for fashionable women’s hats, the snowy egret has recovered due to conservation efforts and the development of the Audubon Society and the annual Christmas Bird Count!  
  • A group of egrets can be called a “congregation” and also a “skewer”, “siege”, “sedge” or “wedge”. 
Learn more fun facts in the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center and look for turkey vultures out on trail!
Get Involved & Volunteer!

Learn something new and give back to Bolsa Chica:
  • Learn to lead education tours
  • Identify native plants and participate in habitat restoration events (weeding, planting, and trash removal)
  • Pick up new skills and monitor wildlife like endangered birds or sea turtles
  • Practice social skills by hosting at our Interpretive Center to welcome guests to Bolsa Chica
Learn More & Volunteer
Bring your office for a team building experience like none other!
Contact Program Manager Kenny Perez for corporate or group volunteering at ken@bolsachica.org

Ask a Staff Member

Do you need to reach out with an inquiry?  Here are the main contacts:

For general questions about the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, you can email info@bolsachica.org or call 714-846-1114 X 310