Audubon Center at Debs Park

The Audubon Center at Debs Park is an environmental education and conservation center just minutes from downtown in Northeast Los Angeles.

Audobon

Hiking “The Butterfly trail” at Debs park it’s hard to believe that the center is located just 2 exits from downtown LA.

It’s the fourth largest park in the city of Los Angeles.

More than half of the park is covered in walnut-oak woodland, grassland, and coastal sage scrub, a remnant of the native habitats that once rimmed the Los Angeles Basin.

With over 140 species of birds  recorded, kid friendly hikes as well as beautiful functional art combined with FREE easy parking it’s easy to see why the Audobon is a favorite with our family.

In the offices desks and bookcases have been crafted from boards made of pressed sunflower hulls.

The only draw back of this functional, eco-friendly furniture is the stunning design of the crushed shells make me hungry for a snack!

Thoughtfully created man-made additions blend seamlessly with nature like the wrought iron gate & bench fashioned to look like bull rushes that even has a tiny bird sculpted into the design.

Wakey, wakey snakey

The genius of the center is understanding the importance of creating a fun and interesting space where  children of all ages can enjoy the great ourdoors, see animals and plants growing naturally whilst learning about ecosystems, the importance of water conservation, and landscaping with native plants.

Audobon residents “Fluffy” the gofer snake and “Rex” the King python fascinate my daughter.

Her greatest wish is to have her own snake one day but for now she is happy to visit, and we’re happy to pass on the daunting task of the biweekly mouse sacrifice!

The center is a fantastic example of recycling in building materiels.

The rebar used to reinforce the walls was manufactured from gun metal harvested from weapons turned into the sherrifs department!

Cement was created  from upcycled ash left over from coal production.

The Center’s mission is to inspire people to experience, understand and care for the local natural world, it’s certainly made a huge impact on our children.

Audubon Center at Debs Park 4700 North Griffin Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90031 (323) 221-2255

Hours:

Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m to 5 p.m

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Don’t forget: Reusable water bottle, sun hat, sun protective clothing, sun glasses, sun screen.