Mission
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
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.
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​Due to the pond, there is an eight-foot fence around the garden. It is open to the public the second weekend of March - November, 9 AM - noon Saturday and 1-3 PM Sunday. It is also open by appointment by contacting the director, Jeanne Carter, at jcarter@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.
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Jeanne Carter
One of the founders and main forces that has kept the El Modena Nature Center up and running. Without her years of dedication and volunteerism, this center would not be possible today.
