NATURE WALKS AND FIELD TRIPS AT THE SAN JACINTO WILDLIFE AREA

September 19, 2009, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
SJWA Bug Walk
We had so much fun on our spring walk that we are doing it again.  Bugs.  We love them, loathe them, and they are our ‘friends’.  Join us while we learn about the importance of bugs and how valuable they are in the cycle of life.  This walk is excellent for kids who are curious and want a hands on experience as we catch and release butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, beetles, ants, and many others.  Leaders Gordon Pratt and Greg Ballmer are our bug and bee experts and will help us learn some basic information about the insect world.  We will also identify birds and see how many species of bugs and insects we can find.  Leader:  Gordon Pratt.

October 18, 2009, Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
SJWA NATURE WALK
Join us for a relaxing morning walk where we will explore the wetlands habitat at the SJWA.  We will also be looking for any lingering wildflowers and insects and checking to see what waterfowl and shorebirds are arriving.  It will be a leisurely stroll, driving to a few locations and taking in the beauty of the northern San Jacinto Valley.  Leader:  Greg Ballmer & Sue Nash. 

November 15, 2009, Sunday, 7:00 a.m.
NORTHERN  SAN JACINTO VALLEY FIELD TRIP—San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society
Check www.sbvas.org for current information.  SBVAS’s birding field trip in the northern San Jacinto Valley will cover parts of the valley and the SJWA.  On good days 100+ species can be found—wintering birds of prey, waterfowl and shorebirds.  Leaders:  Tony Metcalf (951) 242-7038 and Dave Goodward, (909) 783-2417.
 
December 2009, CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT at the SJWA—San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society
Check www.sbvas.org for information on the CBC in the northern San Jacinto Valley.  All are welcome to join in on the count no matter what your birding experience is.

January 3, 2010, Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
BEGINNING BIRD WALK—San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society
Check www.sbvas.org for current information.  A slow-paced walk to introduce participants to basic birding techniques and identification skills so you will fell comfortable birding on your own or joining Audubon’s longer birding trips.  Leader:  Doug Karalun, (909) 425-5355.

January 24, 2010, Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon  CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN & MUDDY ROADS.   We may reschedule for a later date.
BLUEBIRD BOX WALK

February 7, 2010, Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
BEGINNING BIRD WALK—San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society
Check www.sbvas.org for current information.  A slow-paced walk to introduce participants to basic birding techniques and identification skills so you will feel comfortable birding on your own or joining Audubon’s longer birding trips.  Leaders:  Jennifer & Michelle Tobin.  Contact:  Cathy Tobin, (951) 684-9613.

February 27, 2010, Saturday, 9:00 a.m.  CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN & MUDDY ROADS.  We may reschedule for a later date.
ARCHEOLOGY WALK
February is a terrific time of the year to explore a fascinating aspect of Native American cultural heritage--rock art.  Please join us for an extended stroll back through time to appreciate selected remnants of Native American life-ways and spiritual connections within the greater San Jacinto Wildlife Area.  Participants on the walk will be introduced to some of the stories, ceremonies, and practices of the early people who called this region home.  A special emphasis will be placed on making our visits low-impact and respectful.  Leaders:  Steve Freers & Sue Nash.

FOR INFORMATION on all walks, call Ann McKibben at (951) 924-8150 or Sue Nash at (909) 228-6710.  Our walks are free and open to all.  Children are welcome and you do not need to be a member of the Friends to join us on any of our walks.

WHERE TO MEET:  All nature walks meet at the appointed time in the parking lot of the San Jacinto Wildlife Area headquarters at 17050 Davis Road, Lakeview.  There are picnic tables and restrooms available if you want to spend the day.

FOR ALL WALKS bring binoculars, camera (if you are interested), non-toxic insect repellent, sturdy walking shoes, hat, sun screen, plenty of water, lunch, snacks, and wear appropriate clothing for the weather.

WAIVER FORM:  The Friends ask that all walk participants sign waiver of responsibility forms.  Please be aware that minors (under 18) cannot sign the waiver.  The signator must be a parent or other responsible adult.  If you will not be with or are dropping off a minor at one of the Friends' nature walks, please contact Sue Nash at (909) 228-6710 or e-mail her at:  snash22@earthlink.net .

TO VISIT THE SAN JACINTO WILDLIFE AREA:
Hours:  The wildlife area is open seven days a week from Dawn to Dusk.  You are welcome to visit on your own at any time.  There is an Information Kiosk on the east side of Davis Road adjacent to the parking lot.  Please note the dates and times for fall hunting; wetlands and other areas may be closed to non-hunting public uses.

BEGINNING BIRD WALKS:  San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society organizes and sponsors Beginning Bird Walks (BBW) at various locations in Riverside County.  We are fortunate that a number of walks are held at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area.  Please note that there is a new start time for the BBWs--8:00 a.m.  Please check Audubon's web site at:  www.sbvas.org for more information on dates and locations for all their Beginning Bird Walks.  Or call Cathy Tobin at (951) 684-9613.

DIRECTIONS TO THE SAN JACINTO WILDLIFE AREA:
San Jacinto Wildlife Area, 17050 Davis Road, Lakeview.  Telephone:  (951) 928-0580.
Davis Road is closed from Moreno Valley.  Please use one of the following routes to visit the San Jacinto Wildlife Area.
From Moreno Valley:  Go south on Perris Boulevard to the Ramona Expressway; go east on the expressway to Davis Road in Lakeview; go north on Davis Road 2.3 miles to the headquarters.  From Hemet/San Jacinto Area:  take the Ramona Expressway west to Davis Road in Lakeview; go north on Davis Road 2.3 miles to the headquarters.  From Highway 215:  exit at the Ramona Expressway; take the Ramona Expressway east to Davis Road in Lakeview; go north on Davis Road 2.3 miles to the headquarters. 

DURING THE RAINY SEASON please use extreme caution when driving on Davis Road if there have been recent rains.  Do not drive on Davis Road if it is muddy or it is raining.  During the rainy season, please call the wildlife area headquarters at (951) 928-0580 during regular work hours to ask about road conditions.

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