Rick Dean, pictured at the left, speaks to area students at the 2008 Arbor Day celebration.

Rick Dean, local naturalist and coordinator for the Mary Vagle Nature Center, has an extensive background in the natural sciences. A former park ranger and teacher in Pasadena, Rick has introduced a whole new series of discovery hikes, star gazing shows, outdoor adventures, and school field trips that inform the public about the wonders of urban ecology. A very personable fellow, Rick has great advice for any resident who is interested in finding healthy affordable alternatives for outdoor adventure, fun science-based educational experiences for youth, or even a little landscaping change at home.

Q: With spring almost here, what is your favorite thing to do when the weather turns warmer?
I like to go to the desert. The weather is gorgeous and the scenery is spectacular.

In early spring, before it gets too hot, there are lots of wildflowers to see. For short everyday outings, I like to jog along gravel roads in the foothills.

There is always gardening to do in the yard.

Q: Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22. How can I find an event for my family that is affordable, not too time consuming, and educational all at the same time?
Since it began in 1970, Earth Day has become a worldwide phenomenon with thousands of events, each with their own personality. As in other areas, families in the Inland Empire will have many events from which to choose. If you take a newspaper and begin looking in the Upcoming Events sections in mid-to-late March, you will read several postings.

You can also go on-line to www.earthday.net. They have a search engine that will let you enter your zip code, as well as a range of miles you are willing to travel, and pull up all kinds of offerings. In 2008, I found 17 events listed within 25 miles of my zip code, 110 events within 50 miles, and because all are not entered into the site, these were only a fraction of everything occurring in our local area.

Q: I want to conserve water and have an attractive front yard at the same time. What do you suggest I plant? Are there any examples of water conservation techniques at the Nature Center?

For an existing yard, it may be best to proceed in phases. Begin by replanting current beds and planters with California native plants or desert cacti and succulents. California natives offer multiple advantages. Not only do they use considerably less water, they attract butterflies and local birds.

Local water and resource agencies are a great place to begin learning about water-wise gardening and they may even offer financial incentives to replace plants and irrigation equipment.

The Nature Center features landscape designs that utilize California natives, and our irrigation system operates through a satellite which can be programmed to measure and adjust for natural precipitation. Visit us for some useful gardening ideas.

Q: Do you have a funny story to share about the animals at the Nature Center?

Staff knows that the animals at the Nature Center can sometimes be too friendly with their caretakers.

One of our staff called me on a Sunday afternoon at home to ask how to get a snake to turn loose of his ear. When showing some visitors one of our Nature Center snakes, he wrapped the snake around his neck and it decided to clamp down onto his ear lobe.

The nice thing is that our snakes seldom, if ever bite, and when they do they can hardly break the skin. But it is kind of awkward to function in a social setting with a snake hooked to you ear, even if it is one of the cute ones.

Experience the Nature Center Today
Hours of Operation
Wednesday through Sunday 12 to 5 pm

Location
11501 Cypress Avenue

Telephone:
(909) 428-8386
Special events at the Nature Center include discovery hikes, birthday parties, school field trips, and scouting programs. To find out more, register for the Nature Center newsletter.