(May 16, 2002) -- LB's Dept of Parks, Rec.& Marine has scheduled a follow-up public meeting to review the El Dorado Nature Center Master Plan.

The meeting will take place Saturday, June 1 from 12:30-3:00 p.m. at the El Dorado Park Teen Center (note: NOT at the Nature Center), 2800 Studebaker Rd. in ELB.

The Master Plan, being prepared by consultant Ron Yeo and Associates, isn't legally binding but is expected to lay the groundwork for the Nature Center's immediate future and the fate of sick, dying or non-native trees and plants, as well as an apparently clogging stream.

Implicit in the master plan process is the view that the Nature Center's condition could worsen unless steps are taken to remedy some current problematic conditions. Whether City Hall should remove some troubled trees and plants and replace them with other varieties (including native species) or otherwise change the wilderness sanctuary's status quo are among the issues being discussed.

In February, capacity crowds attended a walk through with consultants, discussing current conditions at the facility. The Nature Center is viewed by many with near reverence, a natural wonder surviving in the midst of urban encroachments.

The June 1 meeting will begin with check-in at 12:30 p. m. and will start promptly at 1:00 p.m. (Repeating, the meeting will NOT be at the Nature Center. The meeting will be at 2800 Studebaker Rd. at the El Dorado Park Teen Center).

For further info, contact the Nature Center at (562) 570-1745.