For 40 years, the docents at Placerita Canyon Nature Center were told that the center was a “Natural Area.” Certainly the environment on the Canyon Trail, following the course of the stream, was a delicate area that needed to be preserved. It is an environment specific to certain plants not seen...

Docent? What’s a docent? That’s the first question most people ask. Although it’s a well-used term in museums, it’s not a common word outside of that world. A Google search says: “A person who acts as a guide, typically on a voluntary basis, in a museum, art gallery, or zoo.” Why are we docents?...

The last few weeks have seen many activities at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center. The first weekend of December is always the Holiday Craft Fair. It is a big event in our community, and people call weeks ahead to get all of the information. Sometimes, people stand in line before the door opens, garden...

When we were a smaller organization, the parties at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center used to be catered affairs. The food was pleasant, not too warm but expensive. It was always difficult and time consuming to set up, and I remember a certain holiday dinner where the caterer could not find our location...

The days are getting warmer, and the rattlesnakes are being seen in our valley. The climate and the food supply are adequate, so they are here to stay. Rattlesnakes are feared – but by learning a few facts about them, you should be able to respect them and even appreciate them for the wonderful...

Ron Kraus The PCNCA’s own Ron Kraus was chosen by the County of Los Angeles to represent the docent organizations from the different nature centers. He will be our go-between during meetings to explain the docent points of view when the County is making decisions regarding the Nature Centers. They...