Featured Spotlight

Bolsa Chica Wetlands Interpretive Center

For decades, the restoration of the Bolsa Chica wetlands has been a hot topic in Huntington Beach – part political football, part genuine environmental concern (maybe even part urban legend).
To see the restoration finally taking place – thanks in large part to a much-needed tidal inlet – is a joy (and a relief!) to most residents of Surf City.
And, while this is certainly good news for wildlife and vegetation that call Bolsa Chica home, there’s a little restoration project that was recently completed with human visitors in mind.

The Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center – or, “that trailer thing at the corner of Warner and PCH,” as it has been affectionately known for more than a decade – quietly underwent a major facelift and refurbishment that can only be summed up as…stunning.

The Center, managed by the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, had never been more than a temporary arrangement, with plans for a permanent, larger Interpretive Center included in, and largely funded by, the planned development on the mesa.
However, as homes were scaled back, so were available dollars for the many amenities the developer had planned.
But, the Bolsa Chica Conservancy’s goal of providing the best possible facility –– for the thousands of school children who utilize their educational programs and the tens of thousands of visitors who have stopped by to learn more about the wetlands – not only didn’t downsize, but grew loftier.
The Conservancy’s policy had always been to stay out of the political fray and focus on refining and expanding their programs and projects and enhancing the appeal of the Bolsa Chica as a tourist destination.

Turns out, the Conservancy’s board of directors made a very good call.The building committee, headed up by the immensely knowledgeable and determined Larry Brose, found themselves with a newly elected chairman, Tom Mays, who made the refurbishment a priority. Executive Director, Grace Adams, hired in 2003, brought the know-how to infuse the budget with major grant and sponsor dollars, and the stage was set.

Approximately $70,000 was spent on the building, mostly on the interior.
Structural improvements including a new roof, windows and drywall; new flooring to replace the carpeting; interior walls to create a more expansive classroom and display area, as well as office space; and recessed lighting, took a good chunk of the budget.

Other improvements include a new touch tank – giving children the opportunity to reach in and pick up starfish, crabs and other sea creatures; beautiful panels that tell the story of Bolsa Chica; a new reception area and improved lab area.

The Bolsa Chica Conservancy’s Interpretive Center is located at 3842 Warner Avenue, just east of Pacific Coast Highway. Hours of operation are Tuesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 – Noon and Sunday 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Special arrangements for tours, large groups and visiting classes may be made by contacting the Bolsa Chica Conservancy at 714/846-1114 during regular business hours, or by sending an e-mail to: info@bolsachica.org.

Individuals who would like to volunteer at the Interpretive Center are always welcome.  Executive Director, Grace Adams, is currently looking for those volunteers who would like to be trained to lead tours, assist with classroom instruction and/or work in a clerical or administrative capacity. (This is a great place for our many active Surf City Seniors to lend a hand!)
Congratulations to the Bolsa Chica Conservancy on an impressive accomplishment that benefits the entire community and beyond.