As February comes to a close, springtime is officially on the horizon, signaling the return of the Family Days in Nature series in Long Beach.
This seasonal event series, occurring every spring, features free educational activities for all ages at the native habitat preservation of Willow Springs Park (2745 Orange Ave.). This includes special events such as the Monarch Day of Action (March 15) and the City Nature Challenge (April 26).
“Family Days in Nature will bring residents of all ages together to learn about sustainability initiatives taking place here in Long Beach and how they can participate,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “These events are also opportunities for people to explore the recently dedicated Willow Springs Park and engage with local organizations that are working to improve our city’s climate resilience.”
The Monarch Day of Action invites park visitors to plant native plant species such as Narrowleaf Milkweed to boost local pollinator populations. People can also learn about monarch butterflies and other pollinators. The event will include music, crafts and collaborations with community organizations, plus Milkweed plant giveaways to take home while supplies last. To register or learn more about the event, visit lbcity.info/monarch.
The City Nature Challenge is an annual global event where people in cities worldwide document their local biology through the iNaturalist app. This year’s theme is “Bringing the World Together for Biodiversity” and will include guided walks, a scavenger hunt and activities with local organizations.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the City Nature Challenge, a collaboration between the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences. To register or learn more about the event, visit lbcity.info/cnc.
In 2024, the Monarch Day of Action and City Nature Challenge each received more than 100 visitors, resulting in the planting of 90 Narrowleaf Milkweeds and the recording of 86 nature observations. Last December, Willow Springs Park was approved as an official park space by the Long Beach City Council via a unanimous vote.
“Willow Springs Park is a unique example of native habitat restoration in a highly urban area, which makes it an ideal space for engaging our local community with nature,” said Fifth District Councilwoman Megan Kerr in a public statement. “We are proud to offer a space at Willow Springs where the community can gather and gain an appreciation for the flora and fauna present in our urban landscape.”
Visit longbeach.gov/sustainability to learn more about the Office of Climate Action and Sustainability’s upcoming programs and events.
