By Jeff Swenerton
The amazing Elfin Forest Interpretive Center inspires and connects thousands of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve visitors to nature each year, including over 3,000 elementary school students.
Its creation and design were the vision of San Diego’s renowned artist James Hubbell and his son, architect Drew Hubbell, and the result of a unique partnership that brought together the Escondido Creek Conservancy and Olivenhain Municipal Water District.
It is recognized as one of the finest interpretive centers in the county, if not the country.
With James Hubbell’s recent passing at age 92, the Conservancy is honored to have had the opportunity to spend time with him. His legacy is so much a part of us.
Hubbell once said, “Seeing nature through the eyes of an artist evokes an emotional response.”
The Interpretive Center celebrates that connection, created with the works of five gifted artists under James’ direction.
As you enter, a stunning handmade tile representation of the Escondido Creek watershed draws you inside. The ceiling is covered with a colorful mural representing the four seasons of our native chaparral environment.
James thought it was important to always focus on children. He wanted the Interpretive Center’s entry patio to be a gathering place for groups.
Over the years, the Conservancy’s education staff and OMWD rangers have warmly welcomed an endless number of young visitors. The center is filled wall-to-wall with inquiry-based activities for kids of all ages to explore.
The Science Lab is always active, with children and adults gathered to explore the microworld through its powerful video microscope. Exhibits frequently include art and photography.
Over the years, James continued to attend events at the Interpretive Center. The Conservancy commemorated his 80th birthday by asking him to give us a quote.
This quote is in our entry: “Here is a place — a creek, a valley — that offers us quiet and the sense that we belong.”
James also added one of his works on the path leading to the center, a large, beautiful, 150-pound cast bronze representation of the Kumeyaay creation story.
The Conservancy and the Interpretive Center will always honor the connection between nature and the art he showed us. We will always focus on providing inspiring experiences for the children of North County.
The Interpretive Center is located at 8833 Harmony Grove Road. Please visit and appreciate James’ enduring legacy. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Jeff Swenerton is a retired elementary school principal and former Board Member of The Escondido Creek Conservancy.
