Thursday evenings and Saturdays, February 16 – March 24, 2012 Ecological restoration is a means of sustaining the diversity of life on Earth and reestablishing healthy ecosystems. This program is for those interested in the restoration and conservation of Orange County wildlands. Successful habitat restoration ensures that native species are protected while non-native species are removed efficiently, and with minimal human impact to the site. This program will acquaint participants with non-chemical, low impact weed removal methods. Back to Natives Restoration, in a cooperative agreement with the Cleveland National Forest, provides hands on training for restoration volunteers over the course of this 6 week training program. Each training session will focus on specific aspects of the restoration process from rudimentary tool identification and tool and trail safety training, to native and non-native plant identification, proper site entry/exit protocol as well as mechanical/physical abatement techniques to reduce soil disturbance and possible weed seed germination. Who’s invited? Anyone interested in hiking Orange County trails to identify invasive plants, remove them when possible, and report them when assistance is needed. Staff and Volunteers from all wildland agencies, organizations and non-profits are also welcome to participate, and then share the knowledge and skills gained to restore their own lands. Where: All lectures will be at the Tustin REI Community Room, Field Labs will be in the Cleveland National Forest and other locations TBA within Orange County. Age requirement: 16 years and older. Individuals younger than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tuition: $60.00 for volunteer and $300.00 for agency/organization staff. Textbook & sanitizing kit required. Email restoration@backtonatives.org for a registration form.

The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is seeking a few great high school students to volunteer as Junior Naturalists during our upcoming Camps: This is a perfect opportunity for teenage volunteers who enjoy working with children, and it provides an excellent experience to include on a resume or college application. Although it is a volunteer position, NEW applicants must interview to be eligible. Training is required for new AND experienced Junior Naturalists. Mandatory training is on 2-15-12 (for President’s Week) and 4-4-12 (for Spring Break) from 3-5PM A Junior Naturalist application/reference form can be downloaded at www.encenter.org. Once we receive the application and reference form, we will contact the applicant to schedule an interview. Returning JN's need not submit a new reference form, but please submit a new application. Students, not parents, are responsible for communicating with ENC staff regarding the Junior Naturalist position.

If you've thought about going snowshoeing, this class is a great introduction to a fun and family-friendly winter sport. REI staff will focus on the appropriate gear and the skills needed to get you out and into the snow and share our favorite local places to go.

Saturday, February 25 Get Outdoors! OC at O’Neill Regional Park (12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) Trabuco Canyon, CA

Our REI Outdoor School instructors take you into the field to teach you how to shoot vibrant and stimulating photographs. Photographers of all levels using film or digital cameras are encouraged to attend.s Bring your camera and its owner' manual, as well as extra batteries and memory.

Children age 3 - 5 and their adult friends are invited to join Beth Syverson, Artistic Director of Con Brio Studios, to learn about how we all can care for Planet Earth. We will use music as a fun and effective tool to help children remember our inter-connectedness with all things. $8 per child. This is a PARENT PARTICIPATION class. Call 949-645-8489 or email lori@encenter.org to RSVP. Reservations required. No walk-ins.

Join an REI instructor as he or she leads you through the basics of GPS navigation. Learn how to use your pocket-sized navigator to pinpoint your location, mark waypoints and navigate to distant points. Member: $30.00 Non Member: $50.00

Join us at the ENC for a very special evening with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)! Learn ways to get off the road, and onto a bus, train, carpool, or bike. Discover ridesharing -- a positive force in the community that helps protect the environment and the quality of life in Orange County. Learn how to ride the bus! Getting around Orange County can be easy and inexpensive when you ride the bus. OCTA’s countywide system has 77 bus routes and 6,200 bus stops to get you practically anywhere you want to go in Orange County. Bus riding basics will be provided, including: how to ride, reading a schedule, riding tips, using a bike rack, safety and security. Guests who complete a quick survey will receive a promotional one-day bus pass! Call 949-645-8489 or email lori@encenter.org to RSVP. Reservations required. FREE.

Students ages 7-12 years old are invited to spend their Thursday afternoons exploring the Environmental Nature Center! Participants will join Naturalist Alex Lane to conduct experiments, create nature themed art, study plants and animals, and travel through time to learn about the people who lived here long ago. Classes will occur every Thursday from March through May, except on April 12. Fee $6/class, $5 for members. RSVP is required, space is limited. You may pre-pay for blocks of classes if you wish. Call 949-645-8489 or email lori@encenter.org for more info or to sign up!

Saturday, March 3 Tyke Hike at Shipley Nature Center – Hike and Seek (10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) Huntington Beach, CA

Friday, March 9 Astronomy Night (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) Rancho Soñado, Silverado, CA

Saturday, March 10 Astronomy Night (Foundation Members Only) (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) Rancho Soñado, Silverado, CA

The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is seeking a few great high school students to volunteer as Junior Naturalists during our upcoming Camps: This is a perfect opportunity for teenage volunteers who enjoy working with children, and it provides an excellent experience to include on a resume or college application. Although it is a volunteer position, NEW applicants must interview to be eligible. Training is required for new AND experienced Junior Naturalists. Mandatory training is on 2-15-12 (for President’s Week) and 4-4-12 (for Spring Break) from 3-5PM A Junior Naturalist application/reference form can be downloaded at www.encenter.org. Once we receive the application and reference form, we will contact the applicant to schedule an interview. Returning JN's need not submit a new reference form, but please submit a new application. Students, not parents, are responsible for communicating with ENC staff regarding the Junior Naturalist position.

Saturday, April 21 Get Outdoors! OC at Oak Glen Preserve (12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) Yucaipa, CA

Saturday, April 28 Shipley Nature Center – Open House (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) Huntington Beach, CA

Saturday, May 5 Nature at Night – Moonlight Madness (8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.) Rancho Soñado, Silverado, CA

Saturday, May 19 Tyke Hike at Rancho Soñado – Where Your Wild Things Are (10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) Rancho Soñado, Silverado, CA

Saturday, June 9 Get Outdoors! OC at Yorba Regional Park & Tyke Hike (12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) Anaheim, CA

Saturday, June 23 Nature at Night – O’Neill Regional Park (8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.) Trabuco Canyon, CA