FOR A GOOD CAUSE -- Carol Anslow

Story by Deepa Bharath; photo by Sean Hiller

Carol Anslow is a nature lover.

It’s nearly impossible to contain the Newport Beach woman’s enthusiasm

for flora and fauna.

Anslow, 67, is a volunteer trail guide at the Environmental Nature

Center in Newport Beach. She conducts tours for visitors of all age

groups -- from elementary schoolchildren to senior citizens.

Anslow has been a guide for 25 years, almost as long as the center has

been operating. She says she hasn’t attempted to count the hours she has

spent volunteering at the center.

“I have a great time here,” said Anslow as she quickly climbed up a

trail, crunching wood chips and dried leaves under her white sneakers.

“Look at this. This is sage,” she said as she went about doing what

she does best. “Feel it. Smell it.”

She takes visitors through the different simulated habitats at the

center -- there is the “desert” that features varieties of cactus, the

damp “redwood forest” and a gurgling stream.

Anslow particularly enjoys taking children around. She says it’s an

opportunity for children who live in crowded cities to experience the

serenity, the wonder and the diversity that nature has to offer.

“Many kids are even excited to see ants,” she said. “That makes me

sad.”

Every tour is a new discovery for Anslow and her group. One time they

saw a hawk nesting.

“And you can always see where the skunks have dug for grubs,” she said

pointing to the ground by the stream.

Anslow also loves to see the expression on the kids’ faces when she

lifts up logs to expose the creepy crawlies.

“Oh, they love the worms,” she said with a laugh. “Those little boys

and girls. ... I get a lot of satisfaction from just seeing the kids

enjoy themselves.”

The center recognized Anslow’s work this year, naming her volunteer of

the year. Her value to the center is tremendous, said director Bo Glover.

“What’s amazing is her willingness to give back to the community and

her love of educating young people on the importance of our natural

surroundings,” he said.

How long does Anslow plan on volunteering at the center?

“I’d do this for as long as I can,” she said. “Longer, probably.”