In the long months of Fall and Winter, some feel bored or lonely. However, there is one place on the hill that provides a community for many. Located in Rolling Hills, the South Coast Botanic Garden holds a diverse ecosystem, a variety of exhibits, and many benefits for those who choose to visit it.
The gardens are incredibly diverse, with there being “room for micro ecosystems so there’s organisms that live near the lake, organisms that live near cacti and use cacti to survive,” said Marine Biology teacher Lauren Alimento.
With over five miles of trails and 87 acres, the garden provides guests many options to tailor their outdoor experience.
Some choose a paved one mile loop that takes people around the perimeter of the garden; others prefer the middle of the garden which tends to be less crowded and has thicker foliage.
According to Director of Development Audra Platz, the gardens have much to offer the community. In addition to the gardens and the outdoor experience itself, the garden periodically features exhibits. The exhibits are meant to connect guests to the wonders of nature by showcasing a variety of experiences, and guests are encouraged to get out into nature and see what they can find.
One popular exhibit is SOAR, the butterfly exhibit. In SOAR, guests are immersed in a tropical habitat and get to see approximately 400 butterflies.
“We give the guests some rules before they enter, the most important one is don’t touch the butterflies because their wings are made of little scales that rub off if they touch anything,” said junior volunteer Brynna McGuire.
It teaches participants the life cycle of a butterfly up close while also providing them with an unforgettable experience.
Guests at the garden get to meet other like-minded people.and make connections with them.
“The hope is that guests are going to find a connection to people through the joy of strolling throughout the rose garden with over 100 varieties of roses and hiking the trails,” said Platz.
Overall, the South Coast Botanic Garden is a vibrant part of the PV community. Whether for its natural ecosystem, its amazing exhibits, or the people it brings together, it’s a place where lovers of nature can experience so much diversity in just one place.