Nature Walks and Field Trips
at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area
March 5, 2011, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Birding & Bluebird Box Nature Walk
The SJWA has approximately 45 bluebird boxes. They were placed at the wildlife area by the Santa Ana Watershed Association to help provide habitat for bluebirds and other bird species that have lost nesting habitat due to rampant urbanization in the inland counties. Bewick’s wren and tree swallow are some of the species that have been found using the boxes. Join us for this interesting bird walk as we learn more about the importance of bird boxes at the SJWA and see how many species of birds we can find while birding. Leaders: Samantha Dempster, Dan Lacek, Sue Nash.
March 26, 2011, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
SJWA Bird Walk
Belted kingfisher, common yellowthroat, white-faced ibis, northern harrier, osprey, savannah sparrow are just a few of the 150+ species of birds found at the SJWA. Although you may not see that many species in one morning, it is a worthy challenge to see the wide range of birds that make the SJWA their home, overwinter or stop on their migration. Join us for a fun morning of exploration and birding at the SJWA. Leaders: Joyce Schwartz, Rosedith Marx, Sue Nash.
April 16, 2011, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
SJWA Plant & Wildflower Walk
Wetlands, upland grasslands, & riparian woodlands are found on the SJWA and provide a wide range of habitat to explore and enjoy. Join us as we learn about native plants, why non-native species hamper their growth, what part soils play in hosting plants, and coping mechanisms plants have to survive drought conditions. And we will be watching for birds and keeping tabs on how many plants and birds we find. Bring a hand lens if you have one. Leaders: Dave Bramlet & Patrick Temple.
May 14, 2011, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
SJWA Bug Walk
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 and adults who are curious and want a hands-on experience. Butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, beetles, ants and many others are some of what we will see. Once again we will also identify birds and see how many species of bugs and birds we can find. Leader: Gordon Pratt, Sue Nash.
FOR INFORMATION on all walks, call 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.
