Good Tidings!

Summer is here, and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead! As the days grow longer and the energy around us picks up, we’ve been busy planning some of our most exciting programs, camps, and fundraisers yet — and we can’t wait to share them with you.

This month’s newsletter is packed with ways to get involved, make a difference, and create memories that last well beyond the season. Whether you’re looking for enriching summer experiences for your children or grandchildren, opportunities to give back to the community, or simply want to stay connected with everything we have going on — there’s something here for everyone.

Read on to discover what’s coming up this summer, and as always, thank you for being such an important part of our community. None of this would be possible without your continued support and enthusiasm.

Here’s to a summer full of purpose, connection, and fun!

• 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 6/6 @ 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 6/13 @ 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 6/27 @ 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!

• Saturday 6/6 @ 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 6/27 @ 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!

Soak In The Summer at the
Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center

• Mostly active at dawn and dusk but can be seen throughout the day.
• When newly hatched their upper and lower bill is equal in length, but by 4 weeks old they develop a lower bill that is nearly a half-inch longer than the upper.
• Using the unequal length in their bill, Black Skimmers drag their lower bill in the water and snap up fish as they come into contact. It is an usual and breathtaking spectacle. 
• The oldest Black Skimmer recorded was at least 23 years old according to the identification band found in 2013. 
• Black Skimmers often compete for space where California Least Terns nest, keep a keen eye for these interesting birds at Bolsa Chica this summer.