Mary Vagle Nature Center
Located just a few miles away in Fontana, California, Mary Vagle Nature Center is open Wednesday – Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. Set your GPS for 11501 Cypress Avenue, and discover a sprawling paradise at the foot of the Jurupa Hills. The natural conservatory is hidden in the middle of an otherwise urban landscape. Walk along the well-kempt trails, take in the beauty of the pond and discover what’s in bloom during late spring.
Here, you’ll find a variety of native gardens. Indoors, information about the local animals, geology, plants and history can be found. It’s a true retreat for visitors of all ages. Explore the natural beauty of a southern California landscape, learn more about the great outdoors and take advantage of one of the best-kept secrets near hotels in Ontario.
Take Flight
Monarch butterfly caterpillars particularly adore Mary Vagle Nature Center, where there’s plenty of milkweed to go around. You might spot a flurry of monarch butterflies sticking close to the gardens where they outgrew their chrysalis! The Center is also a popular option for birthday parties and is available to rent for special occasions.
Birthday Party Packages include a naturalist host, three-hour use of the classroom and a live animal demonstration. Children are led through two nature crafts, which might include clay sculpting, sand art, nature journals or plaster animal tracks.
Come take a walk in the wild and see what you unearth.