Friends of Shipley Nature Center

Friends of Shipley Nature Center Protected Wilderness

To restore, maintain, and enhance the Shipley Nature Center’s unique natural habitat and native flora and fauna for the enjoyment, enrichment, and education of present and future generations of all ages.

06/04/2026

Nature Meditation Summer Walks are here. More info at the link in our bio.

05/31/2026

Will you answer the call?

First Friday, June 5
9:30-10:15 - toddlers
10:30-11:30 - ages 4+
3:30-4:30 - ages 4+

Register at the link in our bio.

Explore how we can connect ourselves through our five senses, ultimately more than five senses, to the outside world, Na...
05/28/2026

Explore how we can connect ourselves through our five senses, ultimately more than five senses, to the outside world, Nature. Walk less than a 1⁄2 mile through the trails with stops to explore, “follow” our senses, engaging in mindful, nature connection “invitations,” (activities) structured in a carefully designed sequence that aims to slow down our busy minds, create experiences that enhance nature and our inner nature connectedness and strengthen social relationships, boosting the therapeutic and restorative effects of nature for health and well-being.

Some activities may invite quiet stillness for up to 10 minutes.

$35 per adult* per session
*Bring up to 3 family members at no additional cost

🌞Summer Series
SAT | JUN 6, 10:00-11:30
FRI | JUL 10, 4:30-6:00
FRI | AUG 7, 4:30-6:00

Register at the link in our bio or at shipleynature.org
This series is offered in collaboration with

FAQs:
🌲Do we actually take a bath in nature?
Although bathing outdoors is fun, nature bathing refers to taking in and fully experiencing what nature has to offer. It is an immersive practice that explores nature connection through guided activities such as mindfulness and meditation.

🌲So we keep our clothes on, right?
Absolutely. You may be invited to explore barefoot when appropriate and safe to do so, which can deepen a grounded connection to the earth. As with any invitation, they are playful moments to explore and are not mandatory.

🌲Do I have to attend all of the sessions in the series?
You are welcome to attend the sessions individually or in series. Each session will have its own unique flow due to time of day, month, and spontaneous nature moments. The transient aspect does allow for participants to have diverse experiences while supporting a practice of “turning off” to “tune in.”

🪶BIRD OF THE MONTH: Black-headed GrosbeakWe are excited to feature local wildlife with the Bird of the Month series. Spr...
05/27/2026

🪶BIRD OF THE MONTH: Black-headed Grosbeak

We are excited to feature local wildlife with the Bird of the Month series. Spring is in full swing and so many birds are nesting and raising their young. 🪺 Birds, such as the Black-headed Grosbeak will migrate to areas, such as Coastal California, breed and raise their young! It's so exciting to see young wildlife out and active during this time of year.

Every month, a group of local birders come to Shipley to conduct a bird survey to talley the birds observed within the nature center. Betty Kanne, the author of the included document, organizes this birding group and shares the monthly survey counts! These surveys are posted on our bird bulletin board, just outside our interpretive center.

Document written by: Betty Kanne
Photos: James Kendall

Matilija poppies are blooming at Shipley! 🏵Many people aren't aware of the large variety of poppy species that are nativ...
05/26/2026

Matilija poppies are blooming at Shipley! 🏵

Many people aren't aware of the large variety of poppy species that are native to California.

The Matilija poppies are often recognized for their resemblance of a fried egg. 🍳 The large white petals surround the bright pom pom-like yellow stamens in the center!

This incredible flower has evolved a unique relationship with California wildfires. The Matilija poppy seeds will lie dormant in the soil waiting to for the smoke and heat of a wildfires to signal when to start germination!

Make sure to stop by Shipley Nature Center to see these gorgeous flowers in bloom!

Source:
https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardener-program-san-diego-county/article/matilijapoppy

Calling all superheroes big and small! 🦹‍♀️🦹‍♂️🦸🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️Your missions is all about…Plant Defenses! 🌱💪For this superhero ...
05/20/2026

Calling all superheroes big and small! 🦹‍♀️🦹‍♂️🦸🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️

Your missions is all about…
Plant Defenses! 🌱💪

For this superhero edition, discover how plants defend themselves and what kinds of superpowers they have. Soar through the trails with us to uncover their hidden talents.

😎Costumes of your favorite superhero, or creative superhero garb are encouraged! Make sure you are comfortable, and please leave your props at home. Weapons or any kind are prohibited.

👍Superheroes must be accompanied by a super guardian.

✅Registration required - at the link in our bio.

9:30-10:15 toddlers (ages 1-3)
10:30-11:30 (ages 4+)
3:30-4:30 (ages 4+)

Do you accept?

Thank you so much for coming! 🌼 We enjoyed celebrating the wonder of California native springtime with you.💚Special than...
05/19/2026

Thank you so much for coming! 🌼 We enjoyed celebrating the wonder of California native springtime with you.💚

Special thanks to:
Volunteers (including some from ) artisans, Board members, staff,

A couple more updates for Saturday’s spring festival. We are so excited to announce that will be joining with some of t...
05/14/2026

A couple more updates for Saturday’s spring festival. We are so excited to announce that will be joining with some of their animal ambassadors! Engage with the animals and explore how they serve as ambassadors for environmental education.

Also, a reminder to BYO water bottle to the event. This is part of our Zero Waste Strategy! We have refreshing filtered water on site.

Update from previous program posts:
Our prize drawing will be at 5:15pm.

See you by the blooms! 🌼🌞✨

Our spring festival is this Saturday! Free entry, donations appreciated. Here’s a closer look at who’s part of the progr...
05/12/2026

Our spring festival is this Saturday! Free entry, donations appreciated. Here’s a closer look at who’s part of the program. Visit the last page to see the full line up. Free tours are first come, first serve sign up upon arrival.



Thank you to our sponsors

And here’s the lineup! Plus lots of ongoing activities to choose from. This outdoor spring festival offers free tours, l...
05/02/2026

And here’s the lineup! Plus lots of ongoing activities to choose from.

This outdoor spring festival offers free tours, live music, an artisan market, prizes, kids activities and fun for all ages! Stroll the trails and drop by to experience nature and the spirit of community.

🗓️Saturday, May 16th
🕒3:00 - 6:00 pm

Scheduled Activities:

🌼3:30-3:45 Performance
Huntington Academy of Dance’s Musical Theatre Troupe performs an excerpt of Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! Jr.

🌼4:00 & 4:45 Free guided tours (30-min each)
- Creature Crawl, designed for ages 4+, adults welcome
- Herb Walk, designed for adults, ages 10+ welcome
- The Making of Shipley’s Habitats, designed for adults

Sign up for a tour when you arrive. First come, first serve. Space is limited per tour.

🌼4:00-5:30 Live music
HBAPA MMET - Popular Music & Media - featuring acoustic guitarists and vocalists

🌼5:00 Prize drawing

Ongoing activities:

Alicia’s Tacos
Community Artisan Market
Great Egret Breeding Colony Viewing Site
Prizes, face painting, scavenger hunts

Exhibitors:
- Republic Services
- We Explore Earth
- Team Rubicon
- CAWildscapes

Thank you to our sponsors!
Republic Services
Sports Basement

See you soon! 🌼🌞✨🌱

Address

17851 Goldenwest Street
Huntington Beach, CA
92647

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 1pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
Friday 9am - 1pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+17148424772

Website

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