As part of $1.4 million in improvements: Displays depicting canyon’s three ecosystems, freshwater aquarium, bird-viewing area and new animal enclosures which is debuting Feb. 25. 

New and exciting dimensions are being added to a facility devoted to educating the public about native animals, plants and natural resources, more than $1.4 million in improvements will be unveiled during a Feb. 25 dedication ceremony at Placerita Canyon Nature Center Museum (19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall, CA  91321).

Hosted by Los Angeles County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich, the Department of Parks and Recreation and Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates (PCNCA), the 10 a.m. event will mark a major milestone at the center first built in 1971.

Upgrades include large dioramas depicting Placerita Canyon’s three primary ecosystems; a wall-sized freshwater aquarium; a specially-designed bird-viewing area, featuring an observation deck and viewing scopes that allow visitors to watch wild birds along a nearby hillside; informative interpretive displays on native flora and fauna; renovated bird enclosures with a natural soil base; a room dedicated to native mammals; and the wall-to-wall mural “Daylight to Nocturnal,” which serves as a colorful backdrop for a collection of lifelike taxidermy animals that include a mountain lion.

The upgrades are expected to help the center’s dedicated volunteer force better serve the thousands of school children who visit the center each month to learn.

The new exhibits, each depict a different ecosystem, according to Nature Center officials.

“In addition to providing our Santa Clarita Valley residents with a vital resource for learning and appreciation of wildlife and the environment, the $1.4 million in improvements at the nature center help highlight the vital role Placerita Canyon plays in our efforts to preserve our County’s diverse natural heritage,” said Mayor Antonovich.

Additional improvements to the park property, which is owned by the State of California and managed by Los Angeles County, include a new roof and exterior restoration for historic Walker Cabin; new potable water system at Walker Ranch Campground; and Americans with Disabilities Act-accessibility for a pedestrian bridge.

“Placerita Canyon Nature Center Museum tells a compelling story about the animals and plants that make L.A. County such a unique place to experience the beauty of the natural world,” said Department of Parks and Recreation Director Russ Guiney. “We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages who can embrace these new opportunities for learning and fun.”

Funding for the project came via a $1 million grant from California State Parks through the Prop. 84 Nature Education Facilities Program, along with $465,000 from the office of Mayor Antonovich. PCNCA contributed close to $30,000 for completion of a master plan and conceptual design.

Already a conservation leader — in 2010, Placerita Canyon Nature Center became the first L.A. County facility to receive the prized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council — the museum promises to reinforce key principles of environmental stewardship and boost awareness of the importance of conserving natural habitat.

Placerita Canyon

Placerita is an east-west running canyon featuring cool, shaded oak groves, a willow and sycamore-lined seasonal stream and numerous other interesting plant and animal communities.

The historic “Oak of the Golden Dream” is the site of California’s original gold discovery in 1842. Another landmark is the Walker Cabin, built by Frank Walker in 1920 for his family.

A network of self-guiding nature, history and hiking trails radiates out into the park from the Center, with longer hikes leading to a seasonal waterfall and to the top of the Santa Clarita Divide. Picnicking is available near the Nature Center.

The park encompasses oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian plant communities on the north side of theSan Gabriel Mountains southeast of the City of Santa Clarita. The park not only serves to conserve a slice of the wild environment but also endeavors to educate the public on the value of undisturbed flora and fauna through wild animal presentations, nature hikes, and self-guided educational trails.

Please feel free to contact the Nature Center at (661) 259-7721, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday (the office is closed on Mondays.)

Placerita Canyon Natural Area is located at 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA, 91321. Click here for a map and directions.