Marine, Coastal and Watershed
Resource Directory


Search by Name   Search by County   Search by Topic   Search for Volunteer Opportunities   Search for Internships


El Dorado Nature Center
Long Beach

www.longbeach.gov/naturecenter

Organization Type:
Government Agency

Mission:
El Dorado Nature Center is dedicated to the enhancement of wildlife habitat and the human spirit. Through education, citizen involvement opportunities, habitat restoration, and leisure activities, the Center cultivates among all members of the community a sense of respect, understanding, and stewardship for the natural world.

Contact:
Donnie Haigh
El Dorado Nature Center, Long Beach
7750 East Spring Street
Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: (562) 570-1748
Fax: (562) 570-8530
donnie.haigh@longbeach.gov

Geographical Focus:
Local

Counties Served:
Los Angeles, Orange

Activities:
Education, Recycling, Conservation, Tourism, Recreation, Restoration, Water Monitoring, Water Pollution Prevention

Topic:
Wetlands, Cultural History, Watershed Hydrology, Habitat Restoration, Endangered Species, Water Quality/Storm Water Runoff, Bay & Estuary Habitats

Educational Resources:
Curriculum, Activity/Learning Kit, Posters, Outreach Programs, On-Site Programs, Guided Walks, Field Trips, Nature Trails, Exhibits/Displays, Library/Lending Materials

Education Programs:

  • Adopt-A-Beach and Adopt-A-Wetland programs promote awareness of aquatic wildlife and the value of its precious habitat. We provide educational activities as well as bags and gloves for cleanups.
  • Protect our Watery World program visits 3rd and 4th grade classrooms with a kit of hands-on replicas and specimens of local sea life. With docents' help, students discover how trash on their block affects wildlife miles away and make plans to protect our watery world.
  • Acorns, Sea, and Sage program visits 3rd and 4th grade classrooms with a kit of hands-on artifact replicas from a day in the life of Tongya and Chumash people 500 years ago.
  • Adopt-A-Gutter, an award-winning program is a five-page curriculum with three additional worksheets and a certificate with a badge.
  • Two hour discovery tours carefully keyed to the Academic Content Standards for the State of California: Kindergarten—Turtle Shells and Flower Smells; First Grade—Stayin' Alive; Second Grade—Are You My Mother?; Third Grade—Home Sweet Habitat; Fourth Grade—Web of Life; Fifth Grade—What About Water?

Target Audiences:
All ages

Group Size Accommodated:
Up to 30

In-Service Training:
Teachers, Docents/Volunteers, Naturalists, Students/Interns, General Public, Policy Makers
Aquatic WILD, teacher training; Save Our Seas; Child’s Place in Environment, Project WILD, Project Learning Tree

Volunteer Opportunities

  Program:
Protect our Watery World, Classroom Docent
  Description:
The training will provide you with some classroom management techniques, new questioning skills and an abundance of information relating to trash and other water borne pollutants. We will discover what wildlife resides in the local marine environment, how they make a living and what our thoughtlessness is doing to them. Then you will visit 3rd and 4th grade classrooms with a box of replicas and specimens of local sea life for the kids to experience hands-on discovery learning. With your help they will learn that trash on their block can be trouble miles away. Together with the student you will make plans to protect our Watery World.
  When Needed:
Year-round, mostly winter/spring
  Qualifications:
Dependable transportation, good listening skills, love learning and sharing
  Commitment Required:
Two mornings a month
  Application/Training:
Once a year there is a 30 hour training program over a three week period. This includes five meetings, a field trip and two classroom observations. Call Moveable Museum Coordinator at (562) 570-1747 for your application packet.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
(562) 570-1748
donnie.haigh@longbeach.gov


 

Program:
Adopt-A-Wetland

  Description:
Adopt-A-Wetland increases public awareness of the function and value of the wetlands. Your group selects one of six wetlands in Long Beach to Adopt. Prior to your first cleanup, we will conduct a hands-on educational experience for your group. We will address the fragility of this ecosystem and how best to clean it up as well as introduce your group to the resident wildlife. We provide bags, gloves, safety information and parking permits.
  When Needed:
Year-round
  Qualifications:
Enthusiasm and be physically active
  Commitment Required:
Four times a year
  Application/Training:
Call Erica Kelly at (562) 570-4885, and request your Adopt-A-Wetlands application packet.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
(562) 570-4885
erica.kelly@longbeach.gov


 

Program:
Adopt-A-Beach

  Description:
Adopt-A-Beach increases public awareness and a sense of responsibility for the environment. Your group selects a quarter-mile section of Long Beach beach and visits it four times a year to collect and remove trash. We provide an educational activity kit to enhance your beach experience as well as bags, gloves, and parking permits.
  When Needed:
Year-round
  Qualifications:
Enthusiasm and be physically active
  Commitment Required:
Four times a year
  Application/Training:
Call Meaghan O’Neill at (562) 570-4885, and request your Adopt-A-Beach application packet
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
(562) 570-4885
erin.kellogg@longbeach.gov

Service Fee:
$4 per vehicle on weekdays and $7 per vehicle on weekends, annual passes available for $35, seniors $20

General Services:
Restrooms, Picnic Area, Bookstore/Gift Shop, Telephone

Parking Availability:
100 spaces fee per vehicle $4 on weekdays $7 on weekends. Closed Mondays.

Disabled Access:
Designated disabled parking at gate entrance. Museum entrance ramp, restrooms and drinking fountain meet ADA specifications. Quarter-mile paved trail with curbs and continuous handrail.


This Resource Directory is a product of the California Coastal Commission's Public Education Program

California Coastal Commission Logo