Spending the Day in Nature: Kids with Visual Impairment Learn About Wildlife at Bolsa Chica Reserve

Huntington Beach, California -- On August 19, 2023, families with Partners for Pediatric Vision spent the day at the Bolsa Chica Conservancy near Huntington Beach CA, learning about the site's ecological preserve, animals, and plants.

The families started their journey at the interpretive center, where they walked through the exhibits/displays and learned about wildlife and ocean life native to the area. Volunteers from the Conservancy described to our children with vision loss the many plants and species of insects, reptiles, and animals that are part of the ecosystem. The interactive experience included touching the fur of various animals, including geese and rabbits. They also had the chance to pet a live snake and feel a layer of shedded snake skin.

During the guided nature hike, the kids learned about the importance of wetland habitats. They felt the different textures of the native plants. They also caught some insects, including a beetle, and learned about the birds that call Bolsa Chica Conservancy home.

Bolsa Chica is about 1,400 acres, representing one of the largest remaining saltwater marshes in California. It has 5 miles of trails, open from sunrise to sunset every day. It is free to enter and a wonderful place to visit and learn.

For more information, visit https://bolsachica.org/ or call (714) 846-1114 or email info@bolsachica.org. Bolsa Chica is located at 3842 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Established in 1990 by a coalition of government, community, business and environmental leaders, the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organization, provides services that inspire and connect all generations through community involvement and leadership in hands-on restoration and education in wetland science, watersheds, coastal ecology and environmental sustainability.