Weekly Events:
Bird Walks
All Bird Walks are free and begin at the Kiosk in the Parking Lot.
Currently the walks start at 7AM and in October will be at 8 AM.
Bird Walks are every Wednesday and every Saturday, except the first Saturday
of each month.
Big Morongo takes special care of Beginning Birders. Simply speak to one of
the Docents and they will make sure that you receive help and guidance.
Wednesday Bird Walks
Every Wednesday except the Wednesday before Thanksgiving & Christmas
Time: 8 PM October 5 2005 thru March 29 2006 on Wednesday
and on April 5 they are at 7AM to the end of September
Meet at the Kiosk in the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Parking Lot
11055 East Drive
Morongo Valley CA 92256
(760) 363-7190
Betty Zeller / Preserve Administrator
Saturday Bird Walks
Every Saturday except the First Saturday Of Each Month
Time: Saturdays will begin Oct. 8, 2005 at 8 AM to March 25 2006, and on
April 8 2006 at 7AM until end of May
Meet at the Kiosk in the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Parking Lot
11055 East Drive
Morongo Valley CA 92256
(760) 363-7190
Betty Zeller / Preserve Administrator
Special Events:
(760) 363-7190
Betty Zeller / Preserve Administrator
|
Friends Of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
P.O. Box 780 • Morongo Valley CA 92256
Press Release - Feb 10, 2008
For Immediate Release Contact: Pat Stoner - (760) 365-8296
Friends of
Annual Rummage Sale
Saturday March 8, 2005 from 8 AM until 2 PM
Friends Of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, in Morongo Valley, are preparing for their annual rummage sale to be held Saturday March 8, 2005 from 8 AM until 2 PM.
The sale will be located at 8716 Frontera Avenue, Yucca Valley. The cross street is Juarez.
Donations are now being accepted for this vital fund raising event. All proceeds from from the sale help develop and expand the educational programs of the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. Funds help to provide nature displays, a Youth Summer Nature Encounter, docent training, in-class programs at our local schools and supplies for our environmental education programs.
Event Hostess and "Friends" treasurer, Pat Stoner will accept donations by appointment. No clothing or computer electronics, please. To drop off you donations, contact Pat Stoner at (760) 365-8296. A tax-deductible receipt will be issued for all donations.
Thank you,
Pat Stoner
Treasurer,
Friends Of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Take a walk on the wild side at the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve.
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve offers weekly hikes.
Guided Nature Hikes are scheduled every Saturday through May 27th. All hikes start at 9AM and participants should meet at the Information Kiosk in the parking lot by 8:45AM.
Explore the trails with experienced Docents who will take you under a canopy of cottonwoods and willows, past fresh water ponds and into the heart of this rare and unique desert oasis. Enjoy the clusters of Cattails, Bulrushes, Water Parsnips, Yerba Mansa and Watercress. Listen to the songs of the Pacific Tree Frog and observe the migratory birds that visit the Preserve each year.
Experienced Docents are anxious to answer questions as they lead you over a combination of trails and introduce you to the many natural features the Preserve has to offer.
There are seven distinct trails offering a wide variety of landscapes and habitats. Imagine a leisurely hike through a lush, thriving canyon of willows and free flowing water, standing in sharp contrast to the surrounding arid desert slopes.
More than 240 species of birds have been observed in the Preserve, including several rare or unusual species, such as the Vermilion Flycatcher, which is the signature bird of the Preserve.
Observe 2-billion year old rock formations which define the Morongo Valley fault, and are the physical evidence of the geologic feature that created this oasis in the desert.
There is no fee, but donations are welcome and can be placed in the designated collection box.
Hikes take about 1½ hours. You will need water, closed toe shoes, comfortable clothes and a walking stick if you wish. Groups are limited to 15, so reserve your place on the trail today by calling (760) 363-7190.
Visitors are also welcome to visit Big Morongo Canyon Preserve to explore and walk the established trails as individuals or in self-guided groups.
The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is located at 11055 East Drive, in Morongo Valley, and Covington Park adjoins the Preserve at 50100 Park Ave, Morongo Valley. For more information, call (760) 363-6454.
Sawtooth Fire Impacts Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
While the flames of the Sawtooth Complex and Millard Complex fires never reached the borders of the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, there were some immediate and some long lasting impacts.
Immediate impacts included the closure of the Preserve in an effort to protect the public from injury and prevent disruption of ongoing fire suppression activities. Many fire crews took advantage of the Preserve’s large parking lot for the purpose of resting and catching some desperately needed sleep between long and exhausting shifts on the fire lines.
Along with the closure of the Preserve, Docents were forced to cancel the Summer Nature Encounter for fifteen students from local elementary schools. The cancellation was hoped to be temporary, however the health and safety of the kids is top priority, and the continued record breaking heat and humidity, combined with the smoke and particulates in the air, has made it necessary to cancel the program for the entire summer. Disappointed participants will get a second chance at the program when things quiet down and new plans can be arranged.
The Preserve is now re-opened, however there is a continued impact on the wildlife, and visitors are asked to be aware and not to disturb the animals. While the fire didn’t have a direct effect on the local wildlife, the smoke and additional activity has made them tense.
Also, many animals from the burn areas will be relocating, and many of them will find their way to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, where there is fresh water and food. Some of these animals may be injured, and all of them will be quite frightened and anxious. This combination of circumstances makes any animal more agitated and prone to self-defense, so for the animal’s protection and the safety of the public, be aware and stay away from the wildlife.
One positive impact, at least for local and visiting Bird Watchers, is the fact that we will now have many of the mountain birds, which are rarely seen in this area. How long they will hang around is unknown, but while they are here, they will be a delightful addition to the already diverse bird population of the Preserve.
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is located at 11055 East Drive, Morongo Valley CA. For more directions and a map, or to see previews of the trails, please visit our website at www.bigmorongo.org.
Thank you,
Betty Zeller,
Preserve Administrator
Host
|
