2710 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.
Phone: 760-634-3026
Email: SanElijo.EcologicalReserve@sdcounty.ca.gov
Directions: From I-5 take Manchester Avenue west. The entrance to the Nature Center is on the south side of the road.
To see a video presentation of the new nature center, go to this page.
Open to the public in January 2009, the Nature Center is a perfect starting point for experiencing the beautiful San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. New, museum quality interactive exhibits interpret the history and development of the ecological reserve, introduce some of the hundreds of plant, animal, and insect species that live there, and demonstrate the natural processes critical to the health of this precious estuarine environment. Its location next to some of the seven miles of trails in the reserve makes it a convenient place to bring the family before venturing out into the lagoon.
The 5525 square foot, two story building presents a unique opportunity for the public to see first hand a number of “green” building concepts in use. The Nature Center was designed and constructed with a focus on the environment through energy efficiency, water conservation, and natural resource preservation. Many “green” technologies have been incorporated into the design, construction, and operations of the building including a solar powered photovoltaic system mounted on the roof, an energy-efficient radiant heat system encapsulated in the floors, water conserving toilets, energy conserving appliances, a “green” roof, and the use of recycled water in toilets and landscape irrigation. In addition, construction materials used throughout the building contain a high content of recycled material.
A meeting room, featuring mulitmedia connections, is available for rent in two-hour blocks. For information on renting the room, see this flyer or go to this page.
  
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