MISSION STATEMENT

The El Modena High School Nature Center/Native Plant Garden is dedicated to the teaching of water conservation and ecological principles to students in grades K-12 and community members.

DESCRIPTION OF GARDEN

The garden occupies approximately one acre.  There is a large pond and 200 foot stream with two wetland areas in the stream.  All the plants are California Native Plants.  Most of the plants are applicable for home use due to their ability to attract birds and butterflies, their beauty and fragrance.  Many of the plants were used by California Indians, a topic of 3rd grade history.  There is a sitting area for group talks and benches throughout the nature center.  An interpretive center serves as a mini-museum and area to obtain information by homeowners on native plants.

HOURS

Due to the pond, there is an eight-foot fence around the garden. It is also open by appointment by contacting the director, Shaun Karpow, at skarpow@orangeusd.org. Volunteer maintenance is done most Saturday mornings during the school year and the public is welcome to walk around on their own. Informational flyers about plants and other topics are available on-site as well.