Hello Los Padres,
Busy time in the Forest. Lots going on. Events every weekend. Flowers going off. Trail projects here and there. Good water in the creeks. And yes, our snake friends are awake, out and about. We’ve been getting reports of rattler sightings. While the buzzing sound will startle you, remember that it’s better than the alternative of a snake that doesn’t provide warnings. Rattlesnakes play a crucial role in the LP environment and don’t like seeing people as much as you might not like seeing them. Keep your eyes open while along the trails, watch where you put your feet and hands and be sure to give them their space if you do see/hear them. They really are quite beautiful, once you get over the initial startle.
MARCH 19
FREE Showing of MULE Living on the Outside
Greater Goleta
The Los Padres Trail Riders are presenting a free screening of the great documentary of Mule’s wanderings around the Western United States. See attached for more details.
MARCH 22
Trails and Tales: A Behind the Scenes Look at Ojai’s Backcountry
Ojai
This is going to be awesome! The Ojai Valley Museum has organized a panel discussion about everyone’s favorite subject: The Ojai/Ventura Backcountry! The panelists are a who’s who, including Rick Bisaccia, John Boggs, Craig Carey and Mike Vaughn. The event starts at 4:30. I know, spend the day in the mountains, stop by Wheeler Gorge on your way back and then hit the Trails and Tales on your way back home. Perfect day! Thank me on Monday with some pictures of your hike. See attached for more information.
MARCH 25
Exploring the Dick Smith Wilderness Slideshow by James Wapotich
Santa Barbara
Join James Wapotich next Wednesday as he takes us on a tour of the forgotten Dick Smith Wilderness. Free event that will leave you wanting to risk bad trails and blood sucking California rose for the solitude and beauty of the Dick Smith. See you there….. More information attached.
MARCH 28
Wildflower Tour of Figueroa Mountain
Santa Ynez Valley
Helen Tarbet of the Forest Service will be leading a tour of the world famous Figueroa Mountain wildflowers. Helen’s passion and knowledge of the local flora is incredible. She’s great and you will have a terrific time on this tour, trust me. See the attached flier and please send us some photos to share when you get back.
MARCH 28
Santa Paula Canyon Trash Cleanup
Ojai Santa Paula
The Ojai Ranger District will be organizing a trash cleanup along Santa Paula Canyon on March 28. For more information, contact Ranger Heidi: handerson@fs.fed.us
MARCH 28-29
Santa Barbara Canyon Sawyer Project
Cuyama Pine Mountain
Join the UTMC and Wilderness Corp on a sawyer project along the Santa Barbara Canyon Trail in the Dick Smith Wilderness. The work starts Saturday at 9am and lasts through 5pm on Sunday. This is a beautiful trail in a remote corner of the forest. Great opportunity to give back to the forest. If interested click on www.WildernessCorps.com and click on Logging Trips; Santa Barbara Canyon Trail. Looking forward to hearing about all the great work they get done!
APRIL 11
Wheeler Gorge Open House
Ojai Highway 33
The LPFA is hosting our 11th Open House at Wheeler Gorge! This is a great family event. This is a perfect excuse for getting you and your family into the mountains. The Open House is from 10am – 2pm, which gives you plenty of time for an early morning hike or an afternoon swim in the nearby Matilija or Sespe Wildernesses. We’ll have games, arts & crafts, booths, Smokey Bear, BBQ, etc etc… See attached for more details.
I told you there was lots going on. Hope to see you out and about and have a great week……….
