The Nature Education Foundation

10/16/2026

🌬️ Fun Fact Friday: Who turned on the wind machine?

Santa Ana winds are a familiar part of fall in Southern California. Here’s what gets them blowing…🌬️

High pressure over the Great Basin pushes inland air toward the coast. As it travels down mountain slopes, the air compresses and warms, and its relative humidity drops. Canyons and mountain passes can funnel it into powerful gusts!

For the Santa Rosa Plateau, that means drier grasses and brush, faster moisture loss, and increased wildfire risk. These winds do more than rearrange our hair, they help shape conditions in our local habitats! 🌾

10/12/2026

10/09/2026

🌧️ Fun Fact Friday: The Plateau might be getting a tropical delivery!

Tropical Storm Rachel could bring rain to Southern California this weekend. At the Santa Rosa Plateau, that moisture can replenish dry soil and support plants after a long, hot summer.

But pace matters! Gentle rain gives water time to soak in, while heavy downpours can wash soil away and cause runoff. Same rain, very different impact. 🌿

Nature gives us plenty to learn, even when the classroom gets a little soggy!☔️

10/08/2026

A parliament of owls? A scurry of squirrels? Who’s naming these meetings, and can we attend? 🦉🐿️

These playful animal group names make nature vocabulary a little more entertaining. They’re traditional or whimsical expressions, not scientific classifications, and they don’t necessarily mean these animals live in groups.

At the Nature Education Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau, we love sparking curiosity about the natural world. Sometimes that starts with learning something surprising, or just a word that makes you smile!

Which group name gets your vote? We’re pretty fond of a “loveliness of ladybugs.” 🐞💚

10/06/2026

We Are Saddened to Share About the Passing of TNEF Board Member Linda Dozier / See Attached Announcement Re Memorial Service

Linda Dozier joined the Board of Directors of The Nature Education Foundation in 2023 and quickly became one of those treasured board members who simply “always showed up.” She generously gave her time as a volunteer, supported and sponsored TNEF events, and was consistently engaged in the work and mission of the Foundation. Linda brought with her a wealth of experience, thoughtful perspective and sage advice, and she was always available when guidance was needed. Her steadfast presence, generosity and genuine commitment to our organization and the young people we serve will be deeply missed.

10/02/2026

🍂 Fun Fact Friday: Fall is here… but summer wants an encore! ☀️🥵

Sweater in the morning, sweating by lunch? Sounds like “false fall.” Those cooler days gave us a preview, but Southern California’s heatwave has us reaching for the sunscreen again.

Here’s the science: Earth’s tilt gives us our seasons, but it doesn’t flip a switch on the weather. High pressure can keep skies clear and temperatures climbing, well into October.

Plants and wildlife have other clues to follow, including shorter days. So while we’re wondering what to wear, nature is still getting the message that fall has arrived. 🌿

What signs of autumn have you noticed around the Plateau?

09/28/2026

What a day “For the Birds!” Thank you to everyone who flocked to the Santa Rosa Plateau on Saturday for the Nature Education Foundation’s Resource Forum.

Educators and program providers came ready to connect, learn, and get outside. Friends of Big Bear Valley kicked things off with a keynote, including an update on Shadow, the Big Bear bald eagle. Then we got hands-on with bird workshops and feather facts, and headed out on a hike to spot birds in the oaks and chaparral. Everyone went home with new tools and plenty of fresh ideas for their classrooms and programs.

Huge thank you to our sponsors, Frontwave Credit Union and Owen & Virginia Hyde, for helping us take flight.

09/25/2026

🦅 Fun Fact Friday: Bald eagles often return to the same nest year after year, adding new materials each time. Talk about a home improvement project!

Tomorrow’s Nature Education Resource Forum is ‘For the Birds!’ Hear from Friends of Big Bear Valley, the team behind the wildly popular Big Bear bald eagle nest cameras, then explore bird workshops, feather facts, and a guided field experience at the Santa Rosa Plateau. Educators and program providers will leave with practical resources to share with students.

📅 Saturday, Sept. 26 | 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
📍 Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
🎟️ $15 registration | Space is limited
🔗 https://TNEFForTheBirds.eventbrite.com

09/24/2026

Have you ever wanted to hear more about the famous Big Bear Bald Eagles? 🦅

This Saturday at the Nature Education Resource Forum, Friends of Big Bear Valley the nonprofit behind the beloved Bald Eagle live nest cams is sharing their keynote presentation. Get the latest updates on Shadow following the loss of his longtime mate, Jackie, plus insight into their protection advocacy and educational programs.

This forum is for teachers and providers of outdoor, nature, and environmental education programs to come connect, learn, and get inspired outdoors.

📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, Murrieta, CA
💵 $15 registration space is limited!

Register now: TNEFForTheBirds.eventbrite.com

09/22/2026

Calling all educators! 🦅

This Saturday, join us for the Nature Education Resource Forum: For the Birds! A resource forum for teachers and providers of outdoor, nature, and environmental education programs.

Hear a keynote from Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit behind the famous Bald Eagle live nest cams, with updates on Shadow following the loss of his longtime mate Jackie. Plus bird workshops, feather facts, a field experience on the Santa Rosa Plateau, and take-home tools & resources for your programs.

📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, 39400 Clinton Keith Road, Murrieta, CA
💵 $15 registration — space is limited!

Register now: TNEFForTheBirds.eventbrite.com

Hosted by Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District. Thank you to our sponsors, Frontwave Credit Union and Owen & Virginia Hyde.

Nature Education Resource Forum