CASE STUDY OF ACORN NATURALISTS (May 2006):  Tree of Life Nursery, a pioneer in the field of California native plant propagation and restoration, has published a comprehensive review of the native gardens and operations of Acorn Naturalists.  Although many individual gardens are now adding natives to their gardens (and natives are increasingly planted in greenbelts and in restoration areas), Acorn Naturalists provides one of the few applications anywhere of using 100% natives in a business setting.  Tree of Life was closely involved in the planning phases of the gardens at Acorn Naturalists, and it is nice to see how they have grown over time, proving that beauty, wildlife value and water conservation can all come together using exclusively native plantings.  It is encouraging to once again find authentic native landscaping along the original route of El Camino Real, providing a glimpse of plants seen along the road when first traveled many centuries ago.  To view this article, as well as to learn more about native plants and programs offered by Tree of Life nursery, please click here.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS AWARDS RECEIVED BY ACORN NATURALISTS' (June 2005):  The Orange County Register, a major southern California newspaper published an article detailing Acorn Naturalists role in the community as well as the many awards received by the company from both state and local officials.  To view this article, please click here.

ACORN NATURALISTS' RECEIVES ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD (MAY 2005):  In recognition of the company's core values of integrity and innovation, as reflected in the design and operation of its Center for Science and Environmental Education, the Center received 2005 Environmental Business of the Year Award in 2005 from the League of Conservation Voters.  These programs include Acorn Naturalists innovative stormwater diversion practices, drought-tolerant native landscaping, energy-efficient construction and in-house recycling program.  To read the press release associated with this award,  please click here.

FOUNDERS OF ACORN NATURALISTS RECEIVE HOWARD BELL AWARD (May 2005):  At the 2005 annual conference of Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE), Jennifer and Martin Rigby, cofounders of Acorn Naturalists, received the respected Howard Bell Award for outstanding achievements and contributions in the field of outdoor and environmental education.   For more information, click here.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS ACORN NATURALISTS' CENTER FOR SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION (May 2004):  A detailed feature article was written in the Orange County Register, a major southern California newspaper in May of 2004.  This article described Acorn Naturalists' native plant gardens as well as their environmentally friendly design and the natural system in place for purifying water run-off from the site.  To view this article as it appeared in the Register, please click here.  For a printer-friendly version of the article, click here.

ACORN GROUP PORTFOLIO: Many of the projects undertaken by the consulting division of the company (The Acorn Group)  have been recognized nationally, receiving such awards as the Exhibit Design Award, Print and Media Design Award, and Interpretive Media Award by the National Association for Interpretation, Best of Show by the Western Fairs Association, Award of Excellence by the California Parks and Recreation Society, and the National Education Award given by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. Click here for a list of clients that have retained the services of The Acorn Group.