Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Nature

Santa Ana named Tree City USA for 21st year

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The Arbor Day Foundation has named Santa Ana a 2019 Tree City USA in recognition of the City’s commitment to effectively incorporating urban forest management in the community.

This is the 21st consecutive year that Santa Ana has received the honor.

“I’m happy to see that the City of Santa Ana’s efforts to increase funding for tree maintenance and improvements has not gone unnoticed,” Mayor Miguel Pulido said. “Our urban forest is a treasure that beautifies our community and provides a welcome touch of nature in one of the most densely populated cities in the country.”

Dan Lambe, President of the Lincoln, Nebraska-based Arbor Day Foundation, said, “the trees being planted and cared for by Santa Ana are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life.”

Santa Ana met the Tree City USA program’s four requirements by:

  1. Establishing the Environmental and Transportation Advisory Committee, made up of council appointees who provide oversight on tree-planting programs.
  2. Creating a Tree Care Ordinance in 1999 that provides guidelines for maintaining a healthy urban forest.
  3. Establishing a Community Forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita.
  4. Celebrating Arbor Day observance annually.

The City of Santa Ana tree program purchases, plants and maintains all City-owned trees to keep our urban forest of 50,000 street trees healthy and attractive. Tree planting usually is scheduled in the fall to provide trees with the optimal weather for successful growth.

If you have any questions or need assistance with City trees, please contact the Public Works Maintenance Services Division at (714) 647-3380.

For more information about the City of Santa Ana tree program, visit https://www.santa-ana.org/green/tree-program-tree-city-usa.

Volunteers sought for tree planting at Thornton Park this Saturday

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Volunteers are needed for a People and Trees tree planting event this Saturday, Feb. 29, at Thornton Park.

The tree planting will take place 9-11 a.m. at Thornton Park, 1801 W. Segerstrom Ave.

Pre-registration is encouraged via email to PeopleAndTreesOC@gmail.com or by joining the event page.

Volunteers will plant 17 ferns and will be given guidance on how to plant the trees. Please wear comfortable outdoor work clothing, closed-toe shoes, a jacket and a hat.

The City of Santa Ana’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency is partnering with nonprofit group People and Trees and the OC Interfaith Coalition for the Environment for the park beautification activity.

The Santa Ana Zoo welcomes a baby anteater

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SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park had a little extra to be thankful for this holiday season, a baby giant anteater.

The newest addition to the zoo was born on November 26, 2019 to mother “Heesoo of Troy” and father “Peter”. Mom and baby, whose sex has not yet been determined, have been bonding in their den off exhibit and both are doing well. As the baby gets bigger, mom and baby will spend more time outside on warm days with good weather. When they choose to go outside, guests will see the baby anteater riding on its mother’s back for a number of months, even after it begins exploring on its own.

Giant anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla, are native to the grassy plains and rainforest borders of Central and South America. Most easily identified by their long, thin nose, anteaters are true insectivores eating copious amounts of ants, termites, and other insects which they dig up using the long, sharp claws of their front feet. At the zoo, our anteaters enjoy a “smoothie” of insect protein and fresh fruits and vegetables which mimics the nutritional value of their wild diet. Baby anteaters, called pups, are born with similar coloring and striping to adults, allowing them to instantly camouflage. The pup will ride on the mother’s back for up to 1 year as they grow to full size, before leaving to establish their own territory. Anteaters are generally solitary animals, coming together only to mate. Anteaters are listed as a threatened and vulnerable species due to ongoing threats of habitat loss and destruction, fire and poaching for fur. The Santa Ana Zoo is proud to be an active participant in collaborative giant anteater conservation programs, contributing to the maintenance of genetic diversity in managed populations and conservation of the species in the wild.

The anteaters can be viewed in the Tierra de las Pampas area of the zoo daily between 10:00AM and 4:00PM at the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park. The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 150 animals, including entertaining and engaging monkeys, and several endangered species including the Golden Lion Tamarin.

To become a Member of the Zoo, please call (714) 953-8555 x13. The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is located at 1801 Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701. For more information call 714-836-4000 or visit www.santaanazoo.org. For the latest on baby news and zoo happenings follow The Santa Ana Zoo on Facebook and Instagram.

Snow Days with the Critters storms into town this weekend at the Santa Ana Zoo

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The Santa Ana Zoo’s annual Snow Days with the Critters event will take place Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15.

Watch animals receive icy treats and snow enrichment, listen to festive music, enjoy the winter decorations, discover how animals adapt to surviving in freezing environments, create cool crafts and listen to delightful winter stories. There also will be a special area for children to play in “snow.” Snow enrichment for the animals is being provided by Kona Ice, which also will be selling their delicious and colorful shaved ice at the zoo.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days. Residents of Santa Ana receive free admission to the zoo on Dec. 15. Proof of residency (such as a utility bill or ID with a Santa Ana address) is required for free admission.

The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana.

More information at santaanazoo.org

Community tree planting day at the Santa Ana Zoo this Saturday

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Community members are invited to join the Santa Ana Zoo as we plant new trees throughout the zoo!

On Saturday, November 09, 2019 from 9:00am – 1:00pm over 20 new trees will be planted in multiple areas of the zoo. Trees were funded through the California ReLEAF Social Equity Grant Program to provide trees as part of creating and sustaining healthy communities in California. Trees being planted at the Zoo replace those damaged by insects, wind and removed and create new planted areas as part of the “urban forest” environment at the zoo. Especially in urban areas, trees sequester carbon and other pollutants from the air, act as wind and sound barriers, slow runoff from developed areas and create a more aesthetically pleasing environment. Over 100 new trees are being planted at the zoo as part of this project.

Event participants will be treated to an educational, introductory presentation on the value and types of trees being planted. Then, the fun begins as volunteers get their hands dirty putting trees in the ground! Trees being planted will range in size from 15 gallon pots to large boxed trees and will be placed in a number of locations throughout the zoo. At the end of the day, volunteers will have a special encounter with one of our animal friends as a “thank you” for their participation.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome and will be provided with a City volunteer waiver. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Closed-toe shoes are required, work gloves are recommended, all other supplies will be provided.

To sign-up for this Community Tree Planting Day, please visit https://forms.gle/RLp1mhGfoUMeQmwFA or contact the Santa Ana Zoo at 714-647-6575.

Help plant new trees at Lillie King Park this Saturday

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People and Trees invites you to take part in their new tree-planting event
this Saturday morning, October 26, from 9 am to 11 am at Lillie King Park, located at 498 West Alton Avenue.

This time, they will plant 12 Afghan pine trees in the South part of Lillie King Park. As these trees grow, they will provide shade on hot sunny days, for walking on sidewalks and playing on lawns.

Directions: Coming on W. Alton Ave, turn onto South Birch St, then turn right on West Columbine Ave and follow 500 ft. to the Park on its right. Parking is available there on the street. They will be meeting near there.

They will give instructions how to plant trees, and then you will plant a tree with you own hands in group of two or three volunteers with our guidance. Wear comfortable work clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring water to drink, hat for sun, and work gloves if you have them.

Pre-Registration is Required for this Event. Please register in advance, sending email to peopleandtreesoc@gmail.com our joining in event page posted at 6.

Get a free buckwheat plant that butterflies will love this Saturday

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The California Native Plant Society, Orange County (OCCNPS) chapter has created a new campaign called A Buckwheat in Every Garden, to help homeowners improve wildlife and habitat value in their home landscapes. Beginning in October, OCCNPS is giving Orange County homeowners one free, four-inch California buckwheat to plant in their garden while supplies last.

The first buckwheat giveaway event will be Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Acorn Day in O’Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon. OCCNPS representatives will be giving free 4-inch buckwheat plants from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.

Tree of Life Nursery is growing 1,500 four-inch California buckwheat ‘Dana Point’ plants for A Buckwheat in Every Garden. OCCNPS will distribute all 1,500 buckwheat plants to residents living in Orange County, California. Homeowners are invited to attend several free events in October to pick up a California buckwheat plant.

Some native plants, like the California buckwheat, bloom from early spring through the summer and fall. California buckwheats are flowering machines, supporting butterflies, native bees, and birds with their abundant white flowers for 10 months of the year.

The second buckwheat giveaway event will be at the Laguna Beach Smartscape Expo 2019 on Saturday, October 12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Laguna Beach County Water District located at 306 3rd Street in Laguna Beach.

Rogers Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, will be giving away buckwheat on October 22 through October 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tree of Life Nursery is hosting a California Native Plant Society membership day on Saturday, October 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. OCCNPS representatives will be at the nursery giving away a free buckwheat plant to homeowners while supplies last. Tree of Life Nursery is located at 33201 Ortega Highway, just west of Caspers Regional Park. Tree of Life is an awesome place to visit, with hundreds of native plants in a park-like setting.

Try to visit an October event to get your free California buckwheat ‘Dana Point’ plant.

Check out the Santa Ana Zoo for free this Easter Sunday

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On Resident Free Day, the third Sunday of each month, residents of Santa Ana may visit the Santa Ana Zoo for free. This time the free day falls on Easter Sunday! So after you go to church and eat a big lunch come on down to the Santa Ana Zoo and check out all the fun things to do:

  • 50 types of monkeys!
  • Bean Sprouts, a hip & healthy cafe that offers a variety of choices for the entire family including those who have picky eaters, allergies and other dietary challenges
  • Tierra de las Pampas – multi-species exhibit, showcasing Anteaters, Guanacos and Rheas
  • The Zoofari Express – a fun train ride for the kids
  • The Conservation Carousel, featuring endangered animals
  • The Fifty Monkeys Ferris Wheel
  • At the Crean Family Farm, you can peek into the barn doors and experience a farmyard adventure. Learn about life on an Orange County farm while you feed goats and sheep and milk a replica cow. Learn what it’s like to care for farm animals, and learn about the roles rare breeds of animals play on a farm.
  • The Colors of the Amazon Aviary
  • Amazon’s Edge opened to guests on September 1, 1993 and is home to howler monkeys, mallards, black-necked swans and crested screamers.
  • The Rainforest Maze puts you on an exciting journey descending from the Emergent Layer and exiting on the Forest Floor!

Help to plant new trees at Centennial Park this Saturday

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Get ready for another tree planting opportunity here in Santa Ana, hosted by the folks at the nonprofit organization People and Trees, Inc. This planting will take place this Saturday, March 16, from 8:30 am to 10:30 a.m. at the front-left side of the lake in Santa Ana’s Centennial Park close to its main entrance.

A total of 10 Ash trees and 3 Fern trees will be planted. The Ash trees, as they grow, will give shade for people to sit and enjoy the view. The fern trees will provide shade for cars in the adjacent parking lot.

Directions to Planting Site:

  • Enter Centennial Park through is main entrance (from Edinger Ave) and park in the first parking lot on its left, close to the lake.
  • From there, walk around the lake on the sidewalk on its left to the planting site on the opposite side of the lake.
  • On the map below, this path is shown blue, solid for driving and dashed for walking, and planting spots are circled red.

Those who are going to come to plant trees with please RSVP to this email address: PeopleAndTreesOC@gmail.com.

Free Fishing Derby this Saturday at Mile Square Park

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Join in this FREE family-friendly Fishing Derby this weekend!

The North Lake at Mile Square Park will be stocked with more than 1,000 pounds of trout or catfish for the annual Kids’ Fishing Derby. Kids 6 to 15 years old can fish for free and attempt to win prizes and trophies for different age groups. The kid with the overall winning catch will get his or her name inscribed on the legendary Mile Square Fishing Derby Trophy.

Fishing clinics will be held on-site and a limited quantity of fishing rods will be available for loan. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rain will not cancel event. Food will be available for purchase.
Parking is free.

Saturday, March 2, 2019
Registration: 7:30am-8:30am
Fishing Derby: 9am-12pm

Mile Square Regional Park
16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708

For more information: (714) 973-6600 or email milesquare@ocparks.com.

Help to plant new trees at Centennial Park on Jan. 26

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January 26, 2019 – Invitation to Volunteer for Tree Planting Event at Centennial Park

Due to the rain this past week and soil condition, the January 19th tree-planting event is cancelled and members of the community are invited to volunteer for a rescheduled Tree-Planting event at Centennial Park on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 8:30 am-10:30 am at 3000 West Edinger Avenue.

Please note pre-registration is required to participate by email to PeopleandTreesOC@gmail.com or via text message to (949) 856-9926. Please tap or click here to view the January 26th Tree-Planting event flyer.

Your help is needed to plant trees at Centennial Park this Saturday

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Invitation to Volunteer for Centennial Park’s Tree Planting Event – Saturday, December 1, 2018

Santa Ana residents are invited to volunteer for a special Tree-Planting event with the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency, at Centennial Park (3000 West Edinger Avenue) on Saturday, December 1st from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM.

We will plant 13 African Fern trees along parking lot that is closest to lake, next to main entrance on its right. As these trees grow, they will provide shade for parked cars and for walking on adjacent sidewalk on hot sunny days. Continue reading→

Celebrate Halloween at the OC and Santa Ana Zoos

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The County of Orange and OC Parks are pleased to present the annual Halloween Zoo-tacular at the OC Zoo located inside Irvine Regional Park on Saturday, October 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Activities include trick-or-treating*, spooky kids crafts, a scavenger hunt*, and fun games! (*children ages 12 & under). Continue reading→

Learn how to garden at upcoming Santa Ana Community Garden Work Day events

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The Santa Ana Community Garden Program is hosting a series of Garden Work Day events. They could use help in the process of transitioning their larger community gardens from summer to fall!

Any and all residents interested in learning about seasonal crop rotation are invited to participate and learn from their staff and each other. Gardening activities include clearing out seasonal plants, turning existing compost, adding fresh compost, collecting seeds, planting seeds and transplanting seedlings.

Events are set on: Continue reading→

A dog was killed and three more were injured in a possible coyote attack in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Nature, OC Animal Care, Orange County, Pets, Santa Ana Leave a comment

A coyote that may have been cornered by four miniature pinscher dogs ended up killing one of them and hurting the rest at about 2:30 a.m. in an unincorporated area of Santa Ana on Monday, according to CBS News.

Area residents heard noises outside and then discovered that a 10-year-old female miniature pinscher mix had been killed in a possible fight with a coyote, according to Orange County Animal Care. Continue reading→