Whittier Narrows Nature Center ~ 1000 N. Durfee Ave. ~ South El Monte ~ (626) 575-5523
Friends of the Whittier Narrows Natural Area
The Whittier Narrows Nature Center is a 320 acre wildlife sanctuary located within the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, a 1,400 acre riparian woodland. Four lakes and a riverside ecosystem are home to over 40 bird species. Actually, over 300 bird species have been identified in the Whittier Narrows area. Its lakes are popular with migrating water foul, as well as the occasional mountain lion or bobcat. In the Recreation Area open from sunrise to sunset, humans can enjoy sports like soccer, volleyball, archery, fishing, skeet, pistols, and horseback riding. Facilities rent boats and bikes. Now as far as outdoor education goes, nothing beats the outdoors- but the Nature Center goes a long way in explaining the complex relationships which sustain this marvelous ecosystem.
The Whittier Narrows Natural Area was first designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1939. It is now managed by the L.A. County Dept. of Parks & Recreation Natural Areas Division, whose mission is to preserve, protect, and educate. Among other activities, the Nature Center hosts bird walks, hay rides, lectures, and school tours. The environ around the museum building is tranquil and unimposing. One would never guess what wonders lurk inside.
If you are a big fan of natural history museums or an aspiring taxidermist, you will love this place. Upper left we see the grey fox, close relative to our native island fox, who famously inhabits the Channel Islands and is known to be the world’s smallest fox. Also on display are live toads, a tarantula, lizards, snakes, and even a racoon. This room is overflowing with curiosities- some dead, some living.
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