Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Discovery Center

Location: 1580 Cannon Road (Near Faraday Ave.)
Carlsbad California (map)
Phone: (760) 804-1969 ; More info: Website

Nature Center Highlights

The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center is located next to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and surrounding wetlands, an Ecological Reserve under the care of the California Department of Fish and Game.

Mission

The 3,800 sq.ft. Discovery Center celebrated its Grand Opening on Earth Day, April 22, 2006. Under the direction of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, The Discovery Center’s mission is to promote the environmental protection of the lagoon and to provide on-site educational and outreach programs to the local community and the public at large.

Trails

Trails along the south side of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon start out at the Discovery Center. The trailhead is marked by educational panels, with information and graphics on the lagoon and its native plants and animals.

Discovery Center Exhibits and Events

Once you get through the big double doors, you'll enter an inviting lobby with exhibits and an information table with rack. Beyond the lobby is a large sun-filled room with many more exhibits, and a kitchen off to the side. From the main room, you have a spectacular view of the surrounding Agua Hedionda Lagoon and Pacific Ocean, off in the distance. Friendly Docents are present to answer any question and guide you through the exhibit.

Native Plant Garden

The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center's native garden contains over 750 plants, comprising over 50 different species. There are eight different types of sage plants, five varieties of manzanita, four species of wild lilac, and a variety of buckwheat, coffeeberry, currants, honeysuckle and hummingbird fuschia plus many others!

Educational Program

The Agua lagoon nature center offers a successful 3rd grade school program for local Carlsbad schools, with plans to soon include curriculum for the 4th and 5th grades, in a three-year program, tentatively named The Academy for Environmental stewardship.

The nature center showcases exhibits, portraying various aspects of the wetlands, including the native indians that once inhabited the area. The Center also has scheduled lectures by Docents and guest speakers.

Festivals & Social Events

The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center recently held the Water Festival, during World Water Day in March, and a Migrating Bird Festival. The Center also puts on social events throughout the year, including a fun Halloween event for children and their families.

With a clear goal of becoming a vital community resource for education of watershed, water quality and lagoon and nature related environmental issues, The nature center represents a unique opportunity.

The nature facility is located on the south side of the lagoon, at Canon Road, near Faraday Ave. The Center showcases various exhibits on the history of the lagoon. The Center is spacious both inside and outside. There’s a patio behind the center, which offers a great view of the lagoon.

Hours
The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center
Mon - Friday: 10am - 4pm
Sat 12pm - 4pm

Phone: (760) 804-1969