Audubon Center at Debs Park

Audubon Center at Debs Park
Originally uploaded by dewelch.

After installing some computer memory for a client in El Sereno, I took a few minutes to hunt up the Audubon Center at Debs Park. I first tried the park entry off of Monterey Road, but quickly realized it was on the other side of the park, by the 110 Freeway.

This is an excellent center, especially for the kids. They have very nice staff, a winding nature trail with excellent hands-on areas, including this "dig in the dirt" area. There are even signs that tell the kids to "climb the rocks and get dirty." Quite the opposite of most parks and museums these days. Longer trails depart from the center into the sizable Eugene C. Debs Park.

As you might imagine in an Audubon Center, birds and birdwatching are the focus, but the flora and fauna are not slighted. The Center has regular events which you can find in their Calendar of Events (PDF)

I plan on returning soon, when I have some more time, to really check out everything they have to offer and take a walk through the (near) wilderness.

The Center is also very near the Southwest Museum. Although the museum is currently undergoing extensive renovation, various activities continue.

From the Autry National Center Web Site...

"The Southwest Museum and Museum Store will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. with free admission. Visitors will still be able to enjoy a variety of entertaining and educational events. Members can enjoy Southwest Preservation Tours and special interest lectures the fourth Saturday of the month, with advanced registration strongly encouraged. Family activities will take place the first and fourth Saturday of each month. On the second Saturday of the month, families can take part in "Dig It! Family Style," a hands-on archaeology program. The Braun Research Library, located in a separate building at the Southwest, will continue to be open by appointment. The Casa de Adobe on Figueroa, will also be open for special activities and tours."

Stop by and check it out. Admission is currently free.

(Additional Photos available on Flickr.com)