Long Beach’s Family Days in Nature spring event series returns next month – Press Telegram

Long Beach’s Office of Climate Action and Sustainability will host its fifth annual Family Days in Nature spring event series beginning next month.

These free events invite children, families and community members to learn about the city’s native habitat preservation through nature activities and community education, according to a press release.

The spring event series includes the Monarch Day of Action, which will take place from 9 a.m. to noon March 14, and the City Nature Challenge from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25. Both events will take place at Willow Springs Park, 2745 Orange Ave.

“These events have been a unique and engaging way for community members to participate hands-on in taking care of our local flora and fauna,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “People will also have the opportunity to learn about other ways they can get involved with local Long Beach organizations that are preserving and protecting our native ecosystems.”

During Monarch Day of Action, attendees can plant Narrowleaf Milkweed and other native plants to support pollinator populations, learn more about monarch butterflies and other native pollinators, and support native habitat restoration, officials said.

The March 14 event will feature music, crafts, restoration and planting activities, and opportunities to engage with local community organizations that will share sustainability offerings. Those interested in attending can learn more and register at lbcity.info/monarch.

City Nature Challenge is an annual international event organized by the Natural Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences to record wildlife population data in urban areas. During the challenge, people across the globe are encouraged to identify and contribute images of local plants, animals and fungi to share with other community scientists, according to a press release.

April’s event will offer attendees an opportunity to contribute to community building and gain knowledge about some of Long Beach’s biological richness, officials said. This year’s event will feature guided walks, a scavenger hunt and activities with local partners. Those interested in attending can learn more and register at lbcity.info/cnc.

Both events will explore the restored wetland habitat at Willow Springs Park, which was designated as official park space in 2024. Last year, more than 300 visitors participated in the Monarch Day of Action and City Nature Challenge, planting 150 native plants and recording 104 nature observations, according to a press release.

“Willow Springs Park is abundant with diverse native species and rich history,” Councilmember Megan Kerr said in a statement. “Monarch Day of Action and City Nature Challenge are the perfect opportunities to explore the park and its offerings to the fullest.”