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The Nature Center is alive.
The Chula Vista Nature Center is a living, breathing, flapping, buzzing and splashing home to the unique animals and plants of Southern California. 6 miles south of downtown San Diego, the Nature Center sits on the 316-acre Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.
Have you ever gone swimming in the open water and caught a glimpse of other creatures swimming with you? The Nature Center aquariums are home to Moray eels, Leopard sharks, stingrays, guitarfish and other marine life found in San Diego Bay.
The Nature Center is not a natural history museum. Rescued birds thrive at exhibits like Raptor Row and Eagle Mesa. Owls, pelicans, gnatcatchers and eagles are just a few of our resident native birds.
The Chula Vista Nature Center is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing environmental education on coastal resource conservation, and instilling a respect for nature and wildlife in people of all ages.
We do this by providing interactive wildlife learning experiences. Our curators and volunteer docents introduce guests to the way our native creatures live in their natural habitats.
School Programs
For over 20 years, the Chula Vista Nature Center has hosted thousands of school children every year for field trips, science classes, scout events and other kid-friendly opportunities.
Endangered Species Breeding & Release Program
The Nature Center partners with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, and independent biologists to captive - breed and release one of California’s most endangered water birds - the Light-footed Clapper Rail.
Our Team
We are a small community of staff, over 200 volunteers, more than 1000 animals and plants, and a nationwide base of partners. Learn more about our Board of Directors.
Formerly operated by the City of Chula Vista, the Nature Center transitioned in 2010 from a public, taxpayer-funded institution to an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We rely on donations, memberships, and scientific and educational grants to offset costs of operations.
The Nature Center combines first class zoo and aquarium exhibits with the birds, marine life and other living organisms that the bayfront refuge naturally supports. Check out San Diego Bay’s wildlife center today.
Learn more about the history of the Nature Center here
Learn more about us by reading frequently ask questions here.
