Nature, pollinators, native plants & hidden history – June programs presented at ENC
The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) and ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary invite the community to reconnect with the natural world this June through a series of engaging programs exploring California native landscapes, pollinators, herbal traditions, local history and family nature experiences.
Programs take place at both the ENC in Newport Beach and ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Modjeska Canyon and are designed to inspire curiosity, ecological understanding, and a deeper sense of place.
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Photos courtesy of KidWorks
Hugo Sopeña will co-lead “Caring for California Native Landscapes: Stewardship, Seasonality and Long-Term Success” on June 13 at the ENC
On Saturday, June 13 from 10-11:30 a.m., the ENC will host “Caring for California Native Landscapes: Stewardship, Seasonality and Long-Term Success” with instructors Hugo Sopeña and Lori Whalen. This hands-on workshop explores what it really means to care for native landscapes over time, including seasonal pruning, native grass maintenance, ecological function and working with natural systems instead of against them.
Families are invited to ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for “Stories by the Stream: Pollinators.” This monthly family program combines storytelling, wildlife encounters, exploration and crafts. Children and families will learn about bees, butterflies and other pollinators while exploring the sanctuary and meeting one of Tucker’s animal ambassadors.
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Krystle Hickman will present “Keystone Plants and the Bees they Attract” on June 27 at the ENC
On Saturday, June 27 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., National Geographic Explorer and conservation photographer Krystle Hickman will present “Keystone Plants and the Bees they Attract” at the ENC in partnership with the California Native Habitat Foundation (CNHF). Hickman’s work documenting native bees has been featured internationally and highlights the importance of native plants in supporting threatened pollinator species. Later that same day, Saturday, June 27 from 4-6 p.m., the ENC will host “An Evening with Chris Epting: Hidden History of Orange County.” The New York Times best-selling author and historian will share fascinating stories from Orange County’s lesser-known past, including vanished theme parks, UFO sightings, lion safaris, alligator farms and the cultural figures who shaped the region. Wine and light snacks will be provided.
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ENC will host “An Evening with Chris Epting: Hidden History of Orange County” at the ENC on June 27
The month concludes on Sunday, June 28 from 10–11:30 a.m. with “Wild Medicine: Discovering the Uses of Native Plants,” led by bioregional herbalist William Broen. Participants will explore Southern California native plants and their traditional and modern uses for food, medicine and well–being through an interactive guided walk at the ENC.
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Bioregional herbalist William Broen will lead “Wild Medicine: Discovering the Uses of Native Plants,” a guided walk at the ENC on June 28
“These programs are all connected by a common thread,” said Lori Whalen, vice president of the Environmental Nature Center. “They invite people to slow down, observe more closely, and develop a deeper relationship with the ecosystems and stories that surround us here in Southern California.”
Advance registration is recommended for all programs.
For additional information and registration, visit https://encenter.org/events/.
