The Friends of Shipley Nature Center is a non-profit group of volunteers who maintain and program the 18 acre Nature Preserve located in Huntington Beach Central Park. The education program is a major focus of the group and depends upon support from the public. Groups of all ages, grandparents and children are welcome to participate in the various education programs found in the Center building and on the trails. Volunteers have created engaging challenges to teach about the animals, birds, water features and plants. Volunteer docents provide information and may be scheduled to provide tours.
Watch for your water bill for an opportunity to help maintain and grow these programs. Donations are welcome at all times of the year but the June water bill is a reminder of how important is your support and membership. You may also log onto www.shipleynature.org, click “donate” and make your contribution in this manner.
The Center just completed a successful Spring Festival, which featured face painting, basket weaving, animal care and up close encounters with turtles, snakes and many other critters. Music was provided by the Islanders – a community ukulele group that created a joyful atmosphere. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher and Mayor Joe Carchio spoke in support of this grass roots effort.
The group was founded in 2002 with the following mission statement:
The Friends of Shipley Nature Center is a non-profit organization formed to manage the nature center as an ecological sanctuary for California native plants and wildlife and to provide environmental education in an urban setting in partnership with the City of Huntington Beach, the local community, and with the wider world.
Please contact the Center at info@shipleynature.org or phone (714) 842-4772 for further information, or to schedule an interview with Kathryn Goddard, President.
