Environmental Nature Center gets Electrified!

The Environmental Nature Center recently installed an Electric Vehicle Charging Station, and purchased an Electric Vehicle (EV) to be used as an eco-friendly mode of transportation for its Traveling Naturalist.

The ENC is celebrating 40 years of providing quality education through hands on experience with nature. To celebrate this milestone, the ENC purchased an EV for its new Traveling Naturalist program, which conducts off site environmental education programs at schools and for community groups.

"Over the last 40 years, the ENC has served as our community's foremost authority on ecological responsibility, sustainable practices and environmental education,” Bo Glover, Executive Director said. "The ENC is committed to promoting sustainability. The vehicle and charging station will launch the ENC into a new era, and inspire others to protect the natural world.”

The ENC purchased a new Ford Transit Connect Electric van that can travel up to 80 miles on a single charge, and can be recharged using either a 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlet. A motivating factor for the ENC was the opportunity to reduce its impact on the environment by recharging the vehicle using the energy obtained from solar panels at its facility.

“I think it’s great that we’re able to ‘practice what we preach’ when it comes to being green and sustainable,” said ENC Traveling Naturalist Sama Wareh, who also designed the wrap for the new vehicle. “As I’m driving to schools, loaded up with hawks, owls, snakes and tarantulas, I feel proud knowing that my vehicle is producing zero emissions. When I plug in at schools I feel like I’m setting a positive example and educating people through my actions!”

The charging station accommodates two vehicles. One of the spaces will be designated for the ENC’s charging needs, while the other will be made available to Center visitors and community members.

With approximately 20 other charging stations located throughout Orange County, the ENC will be joining the effort of providing a recharging destination for drivers that have opted for an eco-friendly vehicle powered by electricity rather than gasoline. The ENC encourages local residents to come by the center for a refill of nature and electricity.