February 2008

And the Winner is…
The Nix Nature Center's Interpretive Exhibit Team

The Nix Nature Center's interior exhibits have received the exhibit design world's equivalent of an Oscar: first place in the National Association for Interpretation's (NAI) 2007 Interpretive Media Awards Competition. The Full View entry was one of 97 in 2007's national competition, which promotes excellence in natural, cultural and historical interpretation.

Prepared and submitted by Laguna Canyon Foundation and exhibit consultants The Acorn Group and SoLa Creative, the entry, "Full View: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park," was praised by judges for its originality, beauty and simplicity in focusing on different views and perspectives of the local landscape. Concluded one judge, "The use of the entire building as a portal to the landscape is such a simple and brilliant one that it seems all visitor centers…should be doing this. …This exhibit made me want to go down and experience it for myself."

WINNING SMILES (from left to right): Laura Stahlberg, Mary Fegraus and Jenny Rigby proudly display the awards. The Foundation's is now on display at the Nix Nature Center. Photograph by LCF

Laguna Canyon Foundation's Interpretive Exhibit Working Group, staff, consultants and OC Parks developed the Nix Nature Center's interpretive exhibit program to achieve specific educational goals. Using the Full View concept to explore Laguna Coast Wilderness Park through the eyes of scientists, artists, historians and park advocates, it also employs the building itself as a portal to encourage visitors to explore the outdoors and forge a deeper connection to the land.

"The Nix Nature Center project stands out as a remarkable endeavor," said The Acorn Group President Jenny Rigby. "It was driven by vision, creative energy and thoughtful collaboration among all the team members. The Acorn Group is honored to have been a part of it."

"Dream projects such as this one carry with them countless hours of dedicated and passionate efforts by teams working together much as a healthy ecosystem does," said SoLa Creative President Laura Stahlberg. "The installations tell marvelous tales, like those of Del Vin, the artist who created the robotic bat art exhibit. He stayed up all night with his mom, who was visiting from out of state, to install the exhibit by dedication day."

"We were winners from day one working with such a talented team of advisors and professionals in partnership with OC Parks," said Mary Fegraus, who represented Laguna Canyon Foundation on the project.

Nix Nature Center Celebrates First Anniversary

Perfect Indian summer weather provided a fitting backdrop on November 3 for a celebration featuring guided hikes, a live acoustic performance by acclaimed flute prodigy Evren Ozan and a First Weekends program on American Indian toys and games. Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates, OC Parks Director Parker Hancock, Laguna Beach Mayor Jane Egly and Laguna Canyon Foundation President Michael Pinto honored former Laguna Canyon Foundation Executive Director Mary Fegraus for her 17 years of service and her pivotal role in establishing the Nix Nature Center. Lead donors Jim and Rosemary Nix capped the festivities by cutting the anniversary cake.

On behalf of the city, I would like to commend Mary Fegraus for making Laguna Beach a better place to live.
~ Jane Egly, Mayor, City of Laguna Beach

South County is special for its natural treasures and for its commitment to preserving them. For this reason I take great pleasure in presenting Mary Fegraus this county commendation, with our praises and thanks.
~ Pat Bates, Orange County Supervisor, Fifth District

 I wholeheartedly agree with something a potential donor once said after a tour, "That woman is a force of nature!" Please join me in honoring this extraordinary woman.
~ Derek Ostensen, Laguna Canyon Foundation Consultant/Board Member,
Laguna Canyon Foundation

Mary is one of the special, select people who make things happen.
~ Michael Pinto, President, Laguna Canyon Foundation

"The Foundation is fortunate to have hired Meg Jones as Executive Director.  I enjoyed every minute of working with Mary and congratulate her on her well-deserved retirement."
~ Jim Nix, Lead Donor, Nix Nature Center

FANCY FOOTWORK: Acjachmen Indian dancer Tia
Nevaquaya steps to the rhythm of a beating drum.

All Photographs by LCF

Ground Patrol

Meet the Mountain Bike Trail Assistants (MBTAs), Laguna Canyon Foundation's newest volunteer corps! Trained in first aid and bike maintenance, MBTAs are equipped to handle emergencies and answer visitors' questions on park trails. As rangers' eyes and ears in the backcountry, they also help protect the wilderness by preventing unauthorized trail use, trespassing and similar activities.

OC Parks Ranger Barbara Norton (top left) and Laguna Canyon Foundation Education Director Kimberly Leeds (bottom left) with (from top left to bottom right) MBTAs Mike Luna, Chris Cordero, Kimberlee Staff, Marc Roth, Tito Fuentes, Dave Ross, Pete Allen, Paul de Phyffer, Mick Donoff and Brad Larkins. Photograph by LCF

Teachable Moment Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist Gigi Logan helps a First Weekends at the Nix Nature Center participant make an American Indian stick game. Each monthly First Weekends program explores a different topic—from butterflies to wildflowers—with crafts, storytelling, live demonstrations and more. Photograph by LCF

New Views!

By popular request, the Foundation now has three new Views of the Canyon Art Cards. Reproduced from original paintings by acclaimed local artists Ken Auster, John Cosby and Jeff Horn, these views can be purchased with our existing three cards in sets of six for $8, either online, by mail, at the Foundation office or the Nix Nature Center.