Chula Vista Nature Center
Organizational Information
Type of Environmental Education Provider: Not for Profit
Mission Statement: The 12,000 square foot Chula Vista Nature Center (NC) is located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge at the edge of south San Diego Bay. The new Wergeland Family Discovery Center is now open and includes Turtle Lagoon, featuring endangered Eastern Pacific Green Sea Turtles.
The Nature Center is a living museum serving the public with educational facilities and programs. The NC also aids in the restoration and enhancement of the Sweetwater Marsh. The Nature Center is fully accredited by the American Association of Museums, a distinction held by fewer than 10% of the museums in the US. The Center opened on July 4, 1987.
Nature Center exhibits interpret the history, geology, ecology, and natural history of the Sweetwater Marsh. Interactive exhibits describe the biodiversity of surrounding wetlands and San Diego Bay, from intertidal mudflats to uplands. Exterior exhibits include: The 21,000 gallon Shark and Ray Experience, a composting demonstration garden, an exhibit featuring both bald and golden eagles called "Eagle Mesa"., a Burrowing owl aviary, two bird-watching platforms and gardens that focus on plants that are drought tolerant and attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. The Chula Vista Nature Center is the first museum in the world to exhibit the endangered Light-footed clapper rail in its walk through tidal slough and aviary. NC is the first facility to have successful captive breeding of endangered Light-footed Clapper Rails with this year's young released into Southern California wetlands.
The NC has a new backpack program called Sweetwater Safari in which trained teachers are allowed to do water sampling and nature observation from the trails of the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.
Counties Served: San Diego
Last Updated: 12-04-2006
