Top five things to do at the ENC in January

It’s a new year and there are so many opportunities to spend time in nature in 2022. Come visit the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) in January, as winter is such a special time there. Many of their trees have dropped their leaves, as they’re “relaxing” in preparation for spring. It’s fun to walk the trails covered with spongy layers of wet, fallen leaves and gaze up through the bare branches to the clear blue sky. If you’re quiet, you may see a squirrel scavenging for lunch, or a hawk patiently waiting for a sign of prey. Visit the ENC events calendar to register for a scheduled program. Their top five things to do in January are listed below, or visit the Center on a Saturday or Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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Courtesy of ENC

Walk the trails at ENC to see what wildlife you can spot in winter

1. Plant Based Eating Series: Earthbar Smoothie Workshop on Saturday, Jan. 15 from 10-11:30 a.m. Join ENC and their friends from Earthbar. You’ll begin the workshop with a short hike through the Center to forage for some delicious and nutritious native plants, then gather around the blenders as Garrett Groos, general manager of the local Earthbar, demonstrates how to create delicious and nutritious smoothies using organic fruit and your foraged plants. Cost: ENC members, $7.50; Walk/Ride Bike Guest, $9; Non-members, $10. For more info and to register, go here.

2. MLK Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 17 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Join ENC staff in a fun opportunity to give back on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Meet at Corona State Beach (Big Corona) for a free beach clean-up. Space is limited, masks are optional but appreciated. They will provide bags and delightful conversation. All ages are welcome. The City of Newport Beach will graciously be providing free parking in the main parking lot by the Tackle Box. Sign up here and they will email you a few days ahead with more info.

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Courtesy of ENC

Native plant Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) with butterfly

3. Winter Native Plant Sale and Rain Barrel Sale on Saturday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. With the winter rains, this is a great opportunity to add new plants to your home. Their horticulture manager will be available to answer any questions you may have about choosing plants. ENC Members receive a 10% discount on all plant purchases! Join today! Purchase beautiful and engaging native plants to enjoy year ‘round. They will provide habitat and encourage birds and butterflies to visit your yard. Rain barrels will be on sale from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Residents are eligible for a $35 rebate per rain barrel (limit 2). Purchases can be made at the Plant Sale or in advance at www.rainbarrelsintl.com. Proceeds benefit environmental education in your community. For more info, go here.

Courtesy of ENC

Herbalist William Broen

4. Native Plant Uses Walk on Saturday, Jan. 22 from 1-3 p.m. Herbalist William Broen will discuss traditional and modern uses of plants as well as how a plant’s survival tactics affect how they are used by us, how we can tell a lot about plants through our senses, plant folklore and other related topics. Broen’s walks are informative, interactive, accessible, fun and understandable. He is always happy to share his knowledge of botanical medicine with interested people. Broen is a Bioregional Herbalist (one who focuses on local California plants) and he integrates knowledge and concepts from many world traditions. He has been conducting lectures on medicinal and edible plants of California and the Southwestern United States for 20 years. Cost: ENC members, $9; Non-members, $10.  For more info and to register, go here.

Courtesy of ENC

Learn about wolves, coyotes and other wild canids with a Wolf Haven International education outreach specialist

5. Wolves & Coyotes on Thursday, Jan. 27 from 7-8 p.m. Join Skie Bender, Education Outreach Specialist from Wolf Haven International, for a close look at the differences and similarities between wolves, coyotes, and other wild canids. Learn about wolf and coyote biology, behavior, social structure, historical and current ranges and ecosystem roles. As wild wolves are now naturally recolonizing back into California, the program focuses on hiking and backpacking in wolf country. You’ll also look at how domesticated dogs compare and contrast with these wild canids. Wolf Haven International, whose mission is “to conserve and protect wolves and their habitat,” is a wolf sanctuary that has rescued and provided a lifetime home for 300 displaced, captive-born animals since 1982. Cost: $5. Register here.

Environmental Nature Center is located at 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach. For more information, visit www.encenter.org.