ENC

Environmental Nature Center
Newport Beach, CA

 One of my kids' favorite places to go in Newport Beach is the ENC. We have been here dozens of times, but nonetheless, whenever we are in the area, they beg to go again. It is a simple little place with no roller coasters to ride, waves to surf, sand to dig, movies to view; however, the kids ADORE it! I like it because it's FREE.
The nature center resides on three and a half acres directly next to Newport Harbor High School. When the dirt for the high school swimming pool was excavated in the early seventies, it was dumped in the empty lot next door. Science teachers and student volunteers soon came up with the idea of developing the landscape into a nature center where the public can learn about different local habitats. There is a woodland walking trail, butterfly house, cactus garden, Native American exhibit, picnic area, and amphibian exhibit all available for our enjoyment.
We decided to hit it up on one of our rainy days in Newport. We of course first stopped at Dough Boy Donuts to pick up some sandwiches with which to picnic. My cousin, Christen, introduced us to this sandwich shop and it is hands down our favorite place to grab some lunch. The sandwiches are made on fresh, warm croissants! mmmmmmm.
With ham, cheese, and croissants in hand we headed over to the ENC. We first walked down the nature trail to the small stream and found a picnic table to hang out. We enjoyed our lunch beside the beautiful stream and small waterfall and the kids were in heaven! The only sound you could hear from our crew was the sound of the stream and chewing.

 My favorite part of going to the ENC in the spring are all of the flowers in bloom. The poppies were out in full force and even the cacti were blooming.
Unfortunately we missed the opening of the Butterfly House by just one week! After our yummy sack lunch, we ambled on down the nature trail. It was Natalie's turn to lead the way and choose our route. She had so much fun deciding which way mom and big sister were going to go. When we came to the end of the trail we turned around and came back to the beginning. Along the way back we stopped at the wetlands exhibit to study the habitat and examine the different types of animals that might live in this environment. We also talked about the animals that "stop by" during migration or mating. Science for the day? CHECK. ;) We also stopped at the trail entrance to examine the cactus garden (not without injury, of course!!) and look at the compost bins (extra fascinating!!).
Inside the building we took out the animal furs (this never gets old) and took turns guessing which fur goes with which animal. They had a new exhibit this time that connects animals in the food chain and we played with that for a little bit. There was also a smelling exhibit where the girls could smell the fragrances of different habitats. California Sage and Ponderosa Pine were two of the specimens that the girls liked best. Finally, we were just in time to see them feed the snakes! YAY! Eventually it became time to go and meet up with Dad. I think the girls could be happy hanging out there forever! Fun Adventure!

Smelling the Ponderosa pine. It has the slight scent of vanilla.

Checking out the food chain

Yikes!

Natalie leading the way!