|
|
|
|
This February, we’re celebrating our love for the wetlands by connecting our communities to Bolsa Chica! This means not only working to clean and restore this amazing place, but also helping every person who steps foot here understand and appreciate what makes Bolsa Chica truly special. Our wetlands support the thousands of birds that visit and feed here every day and the blooming fields of green that are now beginning to flower after the winter rains.
|
|
Winter Camp Continues!
Missed any of our earlier sessions of Winter Curiosity Camp? Don’t worry, there’s still time to join the fun!
Two exciting sessions remain, and they’re ones your camper definitely won’t want to miss:
- Monday, February 9th: “Scenic Scribbles” – Discover animals that sleep in the day and hunt at night. Explore night vision and glow in the dark plants and animals!
- Monday, February 16th: “Tracks and Crafts” – We all leave a mark on the world as we move through it. Discover the different tracks animals leave as they move through the wetlands and how to follow them!
Spots are limited, so sign your camper up for a day of immersive wetland science and wetland fun!
|
|
Need a Great Valentine’s Date Spot?
Visit Bolsa Chica!
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 with your special someone from sunrise to sunset (Parking is also FREE).
|
|
Education Programs Happening in February:
- 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 2/7 @ 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 2/14 @ 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 2/28 @ 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 February:
|
|
|
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
– Bird ID cheat sheets
– Mini field notebook
|
|
|
Get Involved & Volunteer!
- Saturday 2/7 @ 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 2/28 @ 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
|
|
|
Critter Corner!
Learn more with activities and facts
at the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center
Last month, we highlighted the Opossum, North America’s only marsupial. This month, we’re going to highlight one of Bolsa Chica’s most memorable herons: the Reddish Egret!
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens)
- Unlike its Great or Snowy cousins, the Reddish Egret is more proactive in its foraging behavior. Rather than stand in one place and wait for food to approach, Reddish Egrets actively pursue their prey.
- Reddish Egrets will sometimes spread their wings to shade the water they’re hunting in. Schools of small fish often seek shelter under shaded areas, unaware that it’s a trap.
- When courting females, male Reddish Egrets will walk in circles around the female as they both stand in the shallows, tossing his head and displaying his wings.
If you spot one of these eccentric herons, make sure to stop by the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center and let us know! We love hearing about these reddish oddballs!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
