Celeste N. De Blasis Nature Interpretive Center at the Mojave Narrows Regional Park

The Mojave Narrows Regional Park Nature Interpretive Center will focus on the historical, cultural and environmental resources that are important to the Mojave River and the Narrows. The regional park, comprised of 570 developed acres, has been the historic home to Native Americans and ranchers, a stop along the Mormon Trail and is a sanctuary to approximately 247 bird species and an additional 20 migratory species.

Previously owned by the Kemper-Campbell Family, the former ranch was sold to the California Department of Fish & Game and subsequently leased to San Bernardino County. The land, now managed by the County Regional Parks Department, is the only high desert greenway and riparian corridor on the Mojave River or in the State of California. Located within the sphere of two cities and a rapidly growing high desert community, this riparian forest and natural greenway offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore wildlife conservation in a semi-wilderness area and pristine river corridor wetland environment.

The Nature Interpretive Center (Center) is a 2,000 square foot building located on the edge of Pelican Lake, overlooking the riparian habitat. The Center will be the first project in the High Desert using the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards (L.E.E.D.S). It is the goal of the Department to reach the Gold Standard. Regional Parks has chosen to use this standard to support sustainable design through energy and water efficiency, material, resources and indoor environmental quality. Initially more expensive to design and build, the savings in utilities and infrastructure over the long term is significant.

The primary goal of the Mojave Narrows Nature Interpretive Center is to allow visitors an opportunity to become more informed of the importance of this natural treasure. The interactive goal is reinforced by the ability to learn the history of their environs and to know specifically what surrounds them. Students from the surrounding area will also have the opportunity to use the facility for projects and to act as docents.

For more information regarding the nature Interpretive Center call (909) 38-PARKS.

For more information e-mail Matthew Huffine @ mhuffine@lcer.org