By TR Robertson
The Youth Enrichment Services is instrumental in creating a positive environment and safety net for young people in Carlsbad and the surrounding community to flourish and grow by collaborating with agencies and organizations the help young people thrive and resist negative influences. In their February Zoom meeting the group heard from one organization that is dedicated to community involvement, education and environmental awareness, the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center.
Emily Watts, from the Center, presented a power point presentation highlighting the work the Center is involved with and the programs they offer for young and old alike. The 400-acre Lagoon is the only multi-use lagoon in California. The programs and purpose of the Center is centered around continuing to maintain a healthy and accessible watershed while using community involvement and education to allow people of all ages to assist in the maintenance of the Lagoon.
The Discovery Center is a multi-use facility providing numerous exhibits, many hands on. There are raptor exhibits, mastodon fossils, a turtle pond, reptile city, Bee-aquarium, fairyland, native plants, and a touch tank with tidal creatures. Their educational programs consist of Pre-school play dates, After school enrichment programs, Discovery Camps, Scout Badge programs, Raptor Education, Kids Club, and hosting field trips to the Center. Their conservation work of eradicating the invasive Algerian Sea Lavender and the Caulerpa Taxifolia (Killer Seaweed), in partnership with the California Fish & Wildlife Organization, using numerous volunteers is commendable.
The Discovery Center offers numerous Community Service Opportunities such as offering service opportunities for high school students, Teacher Assistant programs, Craft preparation, Landscaping weeding, Trail maintenance, General Administrative duties, Critter Care, Invasive plant removal and Raptor internship. Emily pointed out several upcoming activities at the Lagoon including Trail Clean-up on March 5th from 9 am until noon and the Tip Top Run on March 12 from 7am until 1 pm. Volunteers are needed for both events.
Several other sites associated with the Lagoon include the Mussel and Oyster Aquaculture Facility and the White Sea Bass Facility. Both offer tours. For more information available at www.aguahedionda.org. The Discovery Center is located at 1580 Cannon Rd. and is open Monday – Saturday 9am – 4 pm and Sunday 12-4 pm. A $10 donation is encouraged for those attending.
Additional Presentations:
Laura Mendez – Carlsbad City Library – The Summer Reading Program is coming up. Museum passes for the month of February is good for four, 50% discounts and are available at the library. For more information email Laura.Mendez@carlsbadca.gov.
Jennifer from the Carlsbad Ed Foundation – Before and After School Care is underway and the Summer Academy will soon be in place. Jennifer@carlsbad.org & https://carlsbad.org/summe-academy. Taylor Beveridge from the CEF announced the May 21st Gala will soon be here. Go to https://carlsbaded.org/gala.
Margaret Haines from the City of Carlsbad – Information available about the Generational Program and the Older and Bolder Expo.
Jonathan Gomez – Mira Costa College – Scholarship applications are available. Go to https://www.miracosta.edu/scholarships
