"It's about educating people on the natural environment, and here we emphasize the interface between people and the natural open spaces. We want to take the roughness off the "urban edge," said Frank Hoffman. As acting regional park superintendent I, Hoffman orchestrates the goings-on at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center in Placerita Canyon, where, for 38 years, SCV residents and anyone else who visits have been meeting and learning to appreciate the wild animals and native plants that exist just beyond the borders of our neighborhoods.

Those who have never been to the Nature Center before, as well as those who haven't been there in awhile, will be very impressed, as the recent renovation has significantly upgraded and expanded the offerings. The renovation "Took a year and a half to complete development," Hoffman said, and the remodel was extensive, including fire retardant roofs, dual pane windows and skylights.

Everything is sparkling at the Nature Center, from the buildings to the live animal enclosures to the taxidermy animals. Encompassing about 5,000 square feet total, new buildings feature classroom, lab and museum spaces.

In Deb's Native Nursery, native plants are grown for use onsite and at other Los Angeles County facilities. There is a Compost Education Center, too. "We compost everything here but meat," Hoffman said.

The Nature Center is also big on recycling, with 12 recycling bins awaiting all categories of material, including cardboard, plastic, metal, batteries and more. "We've reduced our water consumption by over 50 percent," Hoffman added.

It's all designed for education - about the natural environment and history of the area and, specifically, about the native plants and animals and how to coexist with them in harmony. To that end, there are interactive displays and exhibits that include beautiful live animals, and thought-provoking panels. (A new bird observation deck and courtyard were under construction at this writing.) There are well-maintained trails, with way-finding and informative signage.

With only six paid staff members, the heartbeat of the Placerita Canyon Nature Center comes from its volunteers. "We have over 70 volunteers," Hoffman said. "The staff has an excellent working relationship with the docent-volunteers."

"We've been very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to educate, enlighten and present our facility and staff to our visiting patrons, and we continue to strive to enhance our public service through people, parks and programs."