Built on an old gunpowder factory site, and inspired by the idea of an old boathouse, the Nature Center is strategically positioned on Chula Vista’s bay front. From the center, visitors can view and experience the full watershed: mountains, river, tidelands, bay, and ocean. The estuary, upon which the center is situated, provides a unique opportunity for children to learn aquatic biology first hand. The project includes indoor and outdoor interpretive exhibits, classrooms, library, auditorium, bookstore, administrative offices, maintenance facilities, maintenance facilities, interpretive nature trails, and laboratories.