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We are looking forward to ringing in the New Year with our friends and supporters, to continue sharing why the wetlands are so amazing, and to connect all communities to Bolsa Chica in 2026! This New Year’s Eve, we celebrate every bird that travels to Bolsa Chica throughout the year, the complexity and the balance of all the plants, animals, soil, and sky, and the look in each and every student’s eye when they are struck with inspiration while learning here.
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Winter Camp Countdown!
Our Educators have had a BLAST running our first ever Winter Camp this past week. Campers have learned about habitats in winter, played with snow that they made, rescued “animals” frozen in ice, created crafts, and explored the trails when it wasn’t raining. If you missed out, don’t fear, there are more opportunities to join in the fun this winter.
Curious campers in 1st – 4th grade can still join the club on:
- Monday January 19 – “Ocean in Motion” day camp
- Monday, January 26 – “Scenic Scribbles” day camp
- Monday, February 9 – “Nocturnal Nature” day camp
- Monday, February 16 – “Tracks and Crafts” day camp
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Need a New Year’s Resolution?
Get Out to Bolsa Chica More!
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 Thursday 1/1 for New Year’s Day (trails and parking lots remain open).
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Education Programs Happening in January:
- 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 1/3 @ 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 1/10 @ 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 1/24 @ 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!
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Habitat Programs Happening in January:
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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
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Get Involved & Volunteer!
- Saturday 1/3 @ 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 1/31 @ 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!
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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
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Support Our Friends at Surf City Rotary of HB!
The Bolsa Chica Conservancy will be a beneficiary of their SPLASH event in March so anything we can do to help support their event will in turn support our programs this coming year!
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Critter Corner!
Learn more with activities and facts
at the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center
The Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
- Opossums are the ONLY marsupial animal in North America. This means that young are born into a pouch where they continue to develop until they are big enough to climb out on their own.
- They are generally resistant to the rabies virus because their lower than normal blood temperature makes it difficult to be infected.
- As nocturnal animals, opossums are mostly active at night, eating snails, spiders, ticks, roaches, and sometimes extra fruit from backyard orchards.
- Despite their surprising white face and hissing behavior, they tend to keep to themselves and are not usually aggressive.
- These superheroes are immune to rattlesnake venom and can prey upon most snakes.
Learn more fun facts in the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center and if you find an opossum in your yard, consider yourself lucky!
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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
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