Back Bay Interpretive Center – Newport Beach
The back bay in Newport Beach, CA offers visitors to the area many unique and interesting experiences. There are trails, parks and views that are unlike any other in Orange County, whether walking, hiking or kayaking. A great place to learn more about all that the back bay has to feature is the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center.
This educational facility encompasses 10,000 square feet, but most people are completely unaware of it as it is actually built into the side of one of the bluffs overlooking the estuary. The Interpretive Center’s amazing architecture style help it to blend into the natural landscape while still providing a very impressive view for arriving visitors.
The Back Bay Interpretive Center is a premier example for educating us on how to preserve and protect wetland open space habitats in a highly populated area such as Newport Beach, CA. This directive is embodied by the Interpretive Center’s motto: “To promote and support the protection and preservation of California Coastal Wetlands through environmental education.” The Interpretive Center achieves this by inviting visitors to view the reptile and amphibian displays, watch education short films in the Ray and Elsa Watson Theater, or many of the other interactive displays. There are also classrooms available for kids to roam and enjoy whenever they are not in use. These projects are supervised by the metro district personnel of the city. If you are asking “What is a Metro District?”, well it is an independent government entity that was formed to design, fund and implement infrastructure projects to improve the area and the life of its residents.
While at the Back Bay Interpretive Center, visitors can experience the varying events that help to bring the back bay to life. Throughout the year there are conservation classes, sunset strolls, and programs for the kids to enjoy outdoor walks or arts and crafts. The center provides many wonderful ways to learn more about establishing and maintaining healthy habitats in Newport Beach’s back bay. Some of these events are free while others require a small fee to help support the Back Bay Interpretive Center’s important role in our community.
The Back Bay Interpretive Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information you can contact the Interpretive Center at (949) 923-2275 or email unbic@ocparks.com.
Originally published at Back Bay Interpretive Center.