Nature Center
The Eaton Canyon Nature Center a 7,600 square-foot facility reopened in November, 1998, after the previous building was destroyed in the Kinneloa Fire of October 27, 1993. The Nature Center features live animals, information displays, exhibits and collections, and an information desk, gift shop and bookstore. The Nature Center also has offices, classrooms, an auditorium, and restrooms.
Nature Center Location
Finding the entrance to the Nature Center is simple. Just follow the arrow on the sign located near the middle of the parking lot.
The Nature Center Building
Please stop in and see what the Eaton Canyon Nature Center has to offer.
Eaton Canyon Book and Gift Shop
Discover a variety of local nature-themed treasures, including books, t-shirts, hats, and gift cards. Volunteers are available to answer all your questions about Eaton Canyon and help you find the perfect gift or treat for yourself. We look forward to your visit.
Orient Yourself with Our Large Relief Map
Start your visit to Eaton Canyon by exploring our large relief map, located inside the Nature Center. This detailed map provides a comprehensive overview of the area’s topography, including its trails, canyons, and key points of interest. The edges around the map also offer valuable information about the local watersheds, providing a great opportunity to learn about where your water comes from. By using the relief map, you can familiarize yourself with the layout of Eaton Canyon, plan your route, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience as you explore the natural beauty of the region.
Walk Through History… The People of Eaton Canyon
Eaton Canyon’s rich history reflects the diverse groups who have lived and worked here over the centuries. Native peoples, including the Tonga, originally inhabited the area, utilizing its resources sustainably. With the arrival of Spanish settlers, the land say new agricultural practices and missions. Later, Chinese laborers contributed significantly to the development of local infrastructure, including the construction of the railroads. Each of these groups has left a lasting legacy, shaping Eaton Canyon into the vibrant and historically significant place it is today. Be sure to visit our displays inside and outside the Nature Center to learn more about the fascinating history and contributions of these communities.
Explore the Art Corner
Discover local art at our rotating Art Corner, where talented artists showcase their work often inspired by the beauty of Eaton Canyon’s nature. From intricate paintings to fabric to incredible origami pieces, our Art corner celebrates the creativity and connection to nature shared by our community. Come discover the displays that just may ignite your own creativity.
Children’s Discovery Center
Discover a delightful space where children of all ages can relax and learn about native animals. Our corner features puppets, books, costumes, and touch-and-explore drawers that offer endless fun and educational opportunities.
Join us every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for Story Time in the Children’s Discovery Center. Nature stories will be read to children, and all are welcome to attend, including parents and adult guardians. Come share the joy of reading and nature with us!
Step into the Wild… Explore Our Live Educational Animal Displays
The Nature Center is home to several species of live animals. These animals are non-releaseable animals and they serve as animal ambassadors, helping to educate the public.
Step into the Wild… Living with Our Wild Neighbors
At Eaton Canyon, we share our environment with a diverse array of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, black bears, skunks, bats, raccoons, mule deer, opossums, coyotes, bobcats, gray foxes, and even mountain lions. These fascinating creatures call Eaton Canyon their home, and we are privileged to be guests in their habitats.
Explore our wildlife exhibits to learn more about these incredible animals and their habitats. As visitors, it’s important to respect their natural habitat, observe from a safe distance, and appreciate the unique role each animal plays in this vibrant ecosystem. By understanding and coexisting with our wild neighbors, we contribute to the preservation of this beautiful and vital natural area for us and those that follow.
Know the Difference between Poisonous & Venomous
In this case we have organisms which are either poisonous or venomous. Here we see poison oak (upper left), wild cucumber (balls with spikes at top center), castor bean (large leaves at upper right), stinging nettle (lower left), and a pacific rattlesnake.
What’s the difference between poisonous and venomous? These plants are poisonous because they spread their poison either by contact with the skin, like poison oak and stinging nettle, or by ingestion (swallowing), as in the case of all four. The rattlesnake is venomous because its toxin must enter the bloodstream, usually by injection with its fangs. Simply touching rattlesnake venom will not harm you unless it can enter your body through a break in the skin, such as a cut.
Discover the Geology of Eaton Canyon
Eaton Canyon Rocks! The San Gabriel Mountains, relatively young in geological terms, were formed by the Pacific Plate pressing against the North American Plate along the San Andreas Fault. These mountains are known for their steep slopes, deep canyons, and sharp granite ridges. In Eaton Canyon, you will find two types of rock: metamorphic and igneous. Although the third type, sedimentary rock, is not present here, it is abundant in areas like Vasquez Rocks.
Explore our geology exhibits, both inside the Nature Center and in the Rock Garden, to learn more about the dynamic geological history of this region.