Newport nature center receives $1.2M grant

The Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach is $1.2 million closer to meeting the construction budget for its upcoming green learning center after receiving a grant from the California Cultural and Historic Endowment, the center announced Monday.

The learning center is set to open in 2008 at the center’s present location, 1601 16th St. It is designed to increase visitors’ understanding of California’s natural history and resources, and will include hands-on displays featuring local Native American artifacts.

“The funding from CCHE is a real gift from California, enabling us to build a facility that will help our educational programs tremendously,” said Bo Glover, executive director of the center.

The new building will also serve as a model for sustainable development.

To learn more about the center, go to www.encenter.org or call (949) 645-8489.

— Jessie Brunner