Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation
Nature Center

Location: 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad, California (map)
Phone: (760) 931-0800; More info: Website

Nature Center Highlights

The Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center, as its name implies, is located on the north side of the Batiquitos Lagoon and operated by the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation. The facility, which opened in 1995, is located about a hundred yards along the eastern trail, from the trailhead that begins at the end of Gabbiano Lane.

Exhibits

The nature center is a small mobile unit, tucked away next to some hills and near some trees. Inside, you'll find a friendly Docent, some impressive animal and plant displays and some maps and information. Outside,is a kiosk with pictorial information and maps on the Batiquitos Lagoon.

Education

A major focus of the Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center are school tours. Last year, every third grader in the North County attended an educational tour of the Batiquitos lagoon and facility. In addition, it holds two public walks a month.

A Docent commented, " This is about education. We want people to care. My theory is that if people could touch it, find out its name and know a little about it, those are 3 steps on the way to caring."

Hours and Directions

Hours:

Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center
Open 7 days a week
Monday - Friday: 9 am - 12:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9 am - 3 pm

Directions

The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center is a short walk from the end of Gabbiano Lane in Carlsbad. From the Poinsettia exit off I-5, go east and turn right (south) on Batiquitos Dr. (the second stoplight past the freeway), then down the hill toward the lagoon and turn right onto Gabbiano Lane (the first street). Drive to the end and park in the 6-car lot to the west or on the street.

Walk through the posts onto the asphalt driveway and past the fenced desiltation basin (full of cattails) to the facility on the left.