By Jonathan Tsou
Spring is a time for rebirth, love, hope, and growth. On Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22, Eaton Canyon Nature Center will be hosting the annual Spring Awakening Festival.
This year, the event will be honoring David Las Cano Greyfeather. The event is sponsored by Whole Foods Market and Hope Cafe and Catering. Eaton Canyon is also in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Recreation.
Eaton Canyon is a 190-acre geological nature preserve at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. There are hiking trails, equestrian trails, picnic areas, streams, natural habitats, native plants, and wildlife. This year’s festival will be hosted in the Equestrian Staging Area.
Each year the festival showcases native cultural traditions, such as tribal drummers, musicians, dancers, and storytellers. There are also native artists, pottery makers, and basket weavers that will be selling traditional art and baskets. There will also be numerous hands-on activities for the family. Presenters on local wildlife organizations will talk about indigenous birds, mammals, and reptiles in the Eaton Canyon Park and throughout Southern California.
Chris Robin, who attended last year’s Spring Awakening, said that the event was extraordinary and that it was enjoyable to listen to well-educated individuals talk about the wildlife in Southern California. He also hopes to attend this year’s festival.
The event is free for the whole family and will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center.
The Nature Center is located at 1750 N. Altadena Drive in Pasadena.
To help with education effort, the Nature Center is still looking for individuals who can give demonstrations in their field of expertise. Please contact the Program Director Diane Alarcon at (626) 398-5420 or via email at dalarcon@parks.lacounty.gov.
For more information relating to the Eaton Canyon Nature Center and the Spring Awakening Festival, visit www.ecnca.org.
