Located at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Southern California, the Ambassadors of the Environment program offers insight to the unique ecosystems in the area. Visitors can learn about the kelp beds, intertidal zone, sandy beach, terrestrial ecology, native culture, and sustainable living through excursions with a naturalist.
The Ambassadors of the Environment is just one of the programs offered through the Ocean Futures Society started by Jacques Cousteau's son, Jean-Michel Cousteau. With eight Ambassadors of the Environment locations worldwide, the mission is to teach how our actions affect the health of the ocean.
Environmental Learning Center
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel location opened its doors on Earth Day, April 22, 2010. The educational facility holds true to the program's environmental objectives since it was constructed from recycled materials including carpet from tires. They also sell eco-friendly items such as towels made from bamboo and shirts from recycled water bottles. The facility features a gift shop, research stations with state-of-the-art computers, editing equipment and a large screen viewing area.
Outdoor Excursions
The program offers the following excursions for kids, youth, adults and families lasting from one to three hours. Prices range from $80 to $120 per person. Full descriptions can be found on the Ambassadors of the Environment Web site.
- The Biggest Show on Earth: A Whale Adventure: May through Nov.
- Forests Under the Sea
- Creatures of the Night
- A Vegetation Vacation
- Ambassadors in the Kitchen
- Living Life the Acjachemen Way
- Wet and Wild Waves
- Take Pictures, Leave Bubbles
- Gardening Gurus
- Life Between the Tides
- Pictures in the Sky
- Land to Sea Discovery
- Acjachemen Arts
- Lights, Camera, Take Action!
The following tours described by the resort are complimentary:
- Garden Tour: Discover organic gardening beds with herbs, fruits, and vegetables hand-picked by The Ritz-Carlton’s executive chef on this complimentary hour-long tour. You will also get the chance to explore the native species of plants that have thrived on this unique landscape for thousands of years. Monday through Friday, 9 to 10 a.m.
- Living Green Tour: On this complimentary one-hour long tour, explore what it really means to live green. Naturalists will guide you on a tour of the Learning Centers, both indoors and outdoors, on this crash course in being an Ambassador of the Environment. Monday through Friday, 5 to 6 p.m.
Looking for a snack that is good for your body and the planet? Visit the cafe located in the Ambassadors of the Environment facility. The menu includes organic foods such as lotus root chips with rosemary sea salt and whole wheat pizza with toppings from the garden. The Ambassadors in the Kitchen program utilizes the cafe kitchen and dining area.
Ocean Futures Society
Other programs offered through the Ocean Futures Society include the following:
- Sustainable Reef Project: Tropical island nations
- Jean-Michel Cousteau Ocean Adventures: Film series
- America's Underwater Treasures: book
- Sustainable Ecotourism
- Water Quality Campaign
- Action Partnerships.
Sharael Kolberg - With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Hawaii, Sharael combines her interest in family travel with her passion for ...
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