El Refugio, the home and workplace of artist Elena Roché, has been declared a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.  Hidden in the Topanga Canyon area of the Santa Monica Mountains at the end of three private roads, one of which is still unpaved, this unique property is a little piece of paradise for local wildlife.

The trees of El Refugio are packed with nests of many varieties of native birds.  Year around blooming flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds and insects.  Ponds and a fountain provide water and bathing places for birds and are often full of tadpoles, dragonfly larva, toads and frogs.  Several snakes such as gopher snake and garter snake made El Refugio's garden their home and can be seen by the ponds or warming themselves in the sun.

Here Elena Roché paints most of her floral watercolors and holds workshops and classes for adults and children.  Elena often paints her plein air landscapes from the grounds of El Refugio or within walking distance in the neighborhood and the Topanga State Park.

Once a year in June Studio Elena Roché takes part in The Annual Topanga Canyon Artists' Studio Tour.  The rest of the year Studio Elena Roché is open by appointment.

VIEWS OF EL REFUGIO

Spring Evening

Summer Morning

Summer Sunset

Spring Day

Below is a selection of images of wildlife that make their home at El Refugio.

BIRDS

Hooded Oriole

Golden-crowned Sparow

Bathing Towhee

Perching Hummingbird

Perching Towhee

Building a Nest

Nesting Towhee

Feeding Hummingbird

Nesting Mourning Dove

A Pair of House Finches

California Quail

Mockingbird

BUTTERFLIES and MOTHS

California Sister

Red Admiral

Red Admiral

Cosmopolitan

Monarch

Tiger Swallowtail

Alligator Lizard

Horned Toad

El Refugio, Copyright © 2008 Warren and Elena Roché  All Rights Reserved