About – Shipley Nature Center

Our Location

Shipley Nature Center is located within the beautiful Huntington Beach Central Park, offering a rare opportunity to explore preserved natural space in the midst of a bustling coastal city. The center is owned by the City of Huntington Beach and operated by the Friends of Shipley Nature Center through public-private partnership.

Main Parking Lot:

17851 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Alternate Parking Lot:

6741 Central Park Dr, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

A Living Sanctuary

Spanning 18 acres, the center features a diverse and carefully maintained ecosystem. Over time, this restored landscape has grown into a living example of what once covered much of coastal Southern California.

Explore Our 8 Native Habitats:

Oak Woodland
Southern Oak Woodland
Meadow
Redwood Grove
Coastal Sage Scrub
Riparian Woodland
Blackbird Pond
Torrey Pine Forest

Each habitat is home to an abundance of plant and animal life, including birds, pollinators, amphibians, and reptiles. Visitors often report spotting migratory and nesting birds, butterflies, and small mammals—right in the middle of the city.

Trails and Facilities

Winding through the grounds are 4,000 feet of wood-chipped trails, perfect for a quiet walk, birdwatching, or a family nature stroll. Along the way, shaded seating areas and observation points offer places to pause and enjoy the view.

Families with young explorers will love our self-guided scavenger hunts, designed to make learning fun while discovering native plants and wildlife. Throughout the trails, you’ll also find educational markers with QR codes—scan them with your phone to unlock engaging facts about the ecosystem you’re walking through.

At the heart of the center is the 1,500-square-foot Shirley Dettloff Interpretive Center, where visitors can engage with educational exhibits, learn about regional ecology, and attend workshops or events.

A Legacy of Learning Since 1974

Before 1970: Roots in the Land
Long before the nature center was established, the land was used for agriculture by the Huff family, who grew celery, lima beans, and walnuts. A nearby hill was later removed to provide fill for the construction of the 405 Freeway, forever altering the landscape—and paving the way for a new purpose.
1974: A Vision Takes Shape
The area was officially dedicated as Central Park, with the nature center named in honor of Dr. Donald D. Shipley—a biologist, professor, committed environmentalist, and four-time mayor of Huntington Beach. His dream was simple yet profound: to show people what California looked like 100 years ago.
1975: Shipley Nature Center Opens
With invasive plants cleared and native species restored, the center opened its doors to the public. Educational programs were led by a dedicated park ranger, and the grounds became a beloved space for nature walks, school visits, and quiet reflection.
1980s-1990s: Decline and Disrepair
As city funding declined, the ranger position was eliminated, educational programs were scaled back, and animals were removed. The once-thriving center fell into disrepair, its future uncertain.
2002: A Community Revival
In response, a passionate group of local residents formed the Friends of Shipley Nature Center, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring the center's ecological and educational mission. With help from volunteers, grants, and city partnerships, they launched a full-scale restoration effort that brought Shipley back to life.
2020s: Growth Through Partnership
Thanks to ongoing support from local donors, foundations, and volunteers, Shipley expanded its educational programming, improved habitat restoration, and hosted community events that welcomed thousands of visitors each year.
2025: Celebrating 50 Years
Shipley Nature Center marks its 50th Anniversary with a community celebration on May 16, 2025—a milestone honoring five decades of education, preservation, and community connection.
Today: Nature is Thriving The center welcomes thousands of visitors annually, from school field trips and family walks to environmental enthusiasts and researchers.

Through consistent stewardship, community support, and ongoing restoration, Shipley has become a model for urban ecological education.

Shipley at a Glance

Feet of Trails

Native Habitats

Acres

Help Us Grow

Shipley Nature Center thrives because of people like you—volunteers, donors, and community members who believe in preserving nature and inspiring future generations.

Whether you can give your time or a gift, your support helps maintain trails, care for native habitats, and provide hands-on environmental education to thousands of visitors each year.

Volunteer

About Shipley Nature Center

Discover a peaceful haven of native California habitat, environmental education, and community stewardship—right in the heart of Huntington Beach.

Our Mission

“Protecting nature. Inspiring people. Building community.”