Students don’t need to go far to find beautiful new places to explore this summer.
The Shipley Nature Center is located on 18 acres of land in Huntington Beach, across from the Central Park off of Talbert and Goldenwest. Named after former Huntington Beach Mayor, Donald D. Shipley, the nature center was opened in 1974. The nature center was created in order to show what a natural habitat would have looked like had Huntington Beach not have been developed over the years. Over fifty thousand California native plants were planted on the four thousand feet of trails, including oaks and redwoods. There was also a water feature restoration including the creation of a freshwater stream to provide pond circulation and aeration. This stream attracts all kinds of wildlife including numerous species of birds, and the bond is home to turtles and crayfish. In addition to the birds, other species call the center home, including rabbits, squirrels and even an occasional coyote. For students who might not want to travel to far to see a bit of nature the Shipley Nature Center offers an inside look at numerous different habitats all in one place. In fact there are eight habitats located inside.
Cypress College student, Human Resources major Marco Reyes, 46, after seeing pictures of the Shipley Nature Center says, “Oh wow! That’s in Huntington Beach? That would be a fun place to take my kids this summer”.
The Shipley Nature Center is free to enter, however a suggested donation of a dollar is encouraged.
Another student, Psychology major Ana Bustamante, 20, loves the outdoors but rarely has the time to go hike or camp. Bustmante says, “The Shipley Nature Center seems like a place to get outside without driving too far”.
Barbara Pearson, an administrative assistant at the Shipley Nature Center says, “The center is really a hidden gem. You would not think to find redwoods by the beach, but they are here. We encourage people to come by and take a trail.” The trails go around the entire center and the whole look takes about twenty to thirty minutes depending on the pace of visitor. The Shipley Nature Center also offers seminars and tours through out the year as well as fun activities for young children.
This summer, take a break from the pool or the beach and head to the Shipley Nature Center, there’s something for everyone, and everyone can appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.
Entrance to the Shipley Nature Center.
A young fledgling bird beats the heat in the shade of a tree.
The start of the habitat trail loop.
The flowing stream.
The Wildlife Habitat sign.
