DOCSLIB.ORG

September 2003

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
September 2003 March 2009 Volume 15 Issue 3 Rancho Simi Trail Blazers A Division of the Rancho Simi Foundation UPCOMING EVENTS Please visit the website for details on Welcome, New Members! any of the following hikes and events. 805 Boot Camp “Love Run” Curtis Ball March 7th Fundraiser a Big Success! Backbone Trail Part 5: Latigo Susann Bachel Canyon Trailhead to Malibu For the past three years, a local fitness organization called 805 Boot Canyon Trailhead RSTB LOGO T-SHIRTS 9.8 Miles Moderate to Strenuous Camp has sponsored a trail run at Are your old logo T-shirts worn Rocky Peak. The weather March 14th out? We still have short sleeve, cooperated and quite a few runners Backbone Trail Part 6: Malibu long sleeve, and sweat shirts in took on the challenge. All of the Canyon Road Trailhead (Piuma assorted sizes and colors. Prices proceeds from the run were donated Road) to the Saddle Peak/Stunt are as follows: to the Trailblazers. Road Trailhead 7.2 Miles Strenuous short sleeve $12 long sleeve $14 March 18th Club Meeting Not strenuous sweat shirt $18 Please call Marty if you’d like to March 20th place an order: 805-526-4414 Friday Morning Work Party March 21st Wildwood Park: Paradise Falls Loop and Santa Rosa Trail Loop 8 MRT Moderate Free Wild Animal Shows We would like to extend a big thank March 28th you to Randy and Sarita Shoemaker Backbone Trail Part 7: Saddle Peak Bring the family! Once again, the for supporting the Trailblazers with (Stunt Road) to Trippet Ranch Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District their generous donation! 6.6 Miles Moderate and the Rancho Simi Trailblazers are sponsoring two programs featuring live More information on these events wild animals. The Nature of Wildworks RSTB CLUB MEETING can be found at will present a program featuring LIVE This month’s club meeting will be held http://simitrailblazers.com WILD ANIMALS. See page 5 for details. at the Community Center, Room B-1 To make reservations, 1692 Sycamore Drive, 7:00 PM please email Mark Gilmore at Simi Valley: Saturday, March 14, 10am March 18, 2009 [email protected] Oak Park: Saturday, March 28, 10am 1 Backbone Trail If you’ve ever wanted to experience consultants said the hearthstick was other parts of plants and take on a the trail along the ridgeline of the sometimes made out of mule fat, in number of forms, including hard Santa Monica Mountains, a fabulous which case another type of wood knots, balls, and star-shaped or series of hikes has been put together would be used for the fire drill. Fish spiny projections. In the case of by Les Wilson to hike the Backbone traps, to be used in streams during oak galls, they more often take the form of large, smooth, reddish Trail. We started with the Ray Miller the steelhead and salmon runs, were Trail to Big Sycamore Canyon on spheres. On oaks, they are often made using mule fat. Jan. 31, and there will be eight hikes called oak apples. In some cases, in all. Come and join us! they take on more than one form Source: Jan Timbrook, Chumash even though the same species of Ethnobotany, Santa Barbara wasp is involved. Museum of Natural History (2007), pp. 44-45. Many species of wasps infest oak trees of various species. For our Mike Kuhn area, they are the live oak gallfly 12-30-08 (Callirhytis pomiformis), which Many thanks to Les for organizing lays its eggs on the coast live oak these hikes. See page 5 for more (Quercus agrifolia), a type of red information, and check out the Thefts from Vehicles on the Rise oak, and the California gallfly website for links to maps and the Recently, several cars have been (Andricus californicus), which lays National Park Service flyer on the broken into at hiking trailheads and its eggs on the valley oak (Quercus Backbone Trail System. lobata) and the scrub oak (Quercus parking lots in general around Simi Valley, including Flanagan and berberidifolia), both of which are Evening Sky Drive. It’s happening classified as white oaks. all over the city. According to police, 92 vehicle break-ins were The live oak gallfly exhibits an reported in Simi between Dec. 10 alternation of generations in their and Jan. 30th. Purses, wallets and life cycle. In one phase of bags were targeted in more than 70 development both males and percent of the thefts. females are produced and reproduction is sexual. In another phase only females are present, and The Trail Blazers website is a rich reproduction is asexual. Apple source of information such as the galls are caused as a result of News section for hike reports and asexual reproduction and photos. Thanks to Mark Gilmore for mushroom leaf galls are caused by making this great resource available! sexual reproduction. Words to the Wise The mechanism by which the Don’t leave anything of value visible female wasp or feeding larvae in your car at the trailhead or cause the galls to be formed is not CHUMASH USE OF MULE FAT anywhere else you park, for that understood. Some chemical Mule Fat (Baccharis salicifolia, matter. These thefts are crimes of stimulus is thought to be involved wita’y in Ventureno Chumash) opportunity. It takes just a second which causes excessive tissue was much used by the Chumash for a thief to break a window and be growth in specific shapes. The gall for firesticks, i.e., fire drill. The off with the goods. is used by the larvae as food, with drill was about the thickness of a the adults eventually burrowing to pencil. The point of the drill rested the surface and leaving an exiting THE OAK GALL WASPS hole. in a cup-shaped depression in a hearthstick, usually made out of Galls are very common on many native Mike Kuhn California sagebrush (Artemisia plants. They are an unusual growth on 12-5-04 leaves, stems, roots, flowers, stems and californica) wood. Some Chumash 2 February 14th 2009 - Backbone Trail Part 3: January 31st 2009 - Backbone Trail Part 1: Ray Backbone Trailhead (across from Mishe Mokwa Miller Trailhead to the Big Sycamore Canyon Trailhead) to Encinal Canyon Road Trailhead Shuttle Trailhead Shuttle On a clear, chilly winter morning, 15 hikers assembled at On a clear unseasonably warm winter day 23 hikers the Simi Valley carpool point ready to tackle the third assembled near the Ray Miller trailhead in La Jolla section of the Backbone trail. A couple of days of rain Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains, ready to immediately preceding the hike had washed the smog embark on the first of eight Saturday day-hikes which will from the sky and left the newly washed foliage sparkling cover the entire Backbone Trail. brightly in the sunlight; a few stretches of the trail were a The nearly 70-mile long Santa little muddy, but most of the trail was in good shape. The Monica Mountains Backbone Trail road to the trailhead wound through the Santa Monica (BBT) winds through the Santa Mountains providing beautiful views along the way, Monica Mountains National particularly to the north where the Topa Topa (Chumash Recreation Area from the mouth for village) mountains wore a mantle of fresh snow. The of La Jolla Canyon in Point Mugu trail began at the edge of the parking lot directly across State Park to Will Rogers State Yerba Buena Road from the Mishe Mokwa trailhead. It Historical Park in Pacific headed east along the south flank of the mountain for Palisades. On its way it crosses several miles until it met Little Sycamore Canyon Road. three major canyons – Big Sycamore Canyon, Malibu Canyon, and Topanga Canyon. It travels along ridgelines that offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands, unique rock formations, deep canyons, and, given a normal rainfall, a dazzling array of wildflowers in season. It passes through grasslands, valleys, and oak woodlands and crosses seasonal creeks. As the Ray Miller trail climbed via gentle switchbacks up to the Overlook Fire Road, it afforded views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands. The mountainside was pleasantly green and a few wildflowers were blooming (perhaps confused by the recent warm weather). The BBT (Backbone Trail) then followed the fire There were excellent views of mountains, coastal road to the Wood Canyon valleys, the Pacific Ocean, and a couple of the Channel Vista Trail (also part of the Islands. There were also a few patches of early BBT). Along the way the wildflowers near the trail. After a short walk along the hikers were treated to paved road, the trail continued along the Etz Melloy panoramic views of La Jolla Motorway (an old dirt road); there were panoramic views Valley to the west and Boney Mountain, Serrano Valley, to the north (all the way to the Topa Topa Mountains) and Big Sycamore Canyon to the east. The trail then and to the south (over the ocean). Eventually we left the descended into Big Sycamore Canyon until it met the dirt old motorway and descended to Mulholland Drive via the road in the bottom of the canyon. The hikers took a newest section of the Backbone Trail, a wide gently lunch/rest break at the junction, taking advantage of the sloping serpentine section that was built in 2006/2007 availability of drinking water (from a faucet), a nice log to and opened to the public in late 2007. After crossing sit on, and a good vantage point from which to watch the Mulholland Drive, the final portion of the Day 3 hike led bicycle riders go by on their way down the canyon.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • TRAIL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE [email protected] FEBRUARY 2011 Thru JUNE 2011
    SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS TRAILS COUNCIL PO BOX 345 AGOURA HILLS, CA 91376 (818)222-4531 TRAIL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE WWW.SMMTC.ORG [email protected] FEBRUARY 2011 thru JUNE 2011 JOIN US !! ALL VOLUNTEERS INVITED - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY !! • Call the listed leader to receive specific information about the trail and meeting place and to answer your questions. PLEASE let the leader know in advance of your intention to participate so that enough tools will be available. A parent or organization group leader must accompany volunteers under the age of 18. • Meeting places and times vary as noted on the schedule below, and are subject to change, make sure when you call that you confirm the meeting time and place. We plan to end work at 2 pm at the trailhead, please tell the leader when you call if you need to leave earlier. Keep in mind we often car pool, shuttle or hike to the actual work site. • General information: Call 818-222-4531. If you can’t reach the leader call Burt Elliott at 805-338-7150. • BRING: water, lunch, work gloves, long sleeve shirt and eye protection. Sturdy shoes or boots and long pants required. We provide trail maintenance tools such as McLeods, Pulaskis, loppers, saws & mattocks. --VISIT THE TRAIL MAINTENANCE VIDEO AT SMMTC.ORG FOR AN OVERVIEW OF THE WORK WE WILL DO --- The WWW.SMMTC.ORG website maintains the most up to date schedule and directions to the various work sites. Schedule changes sometimes occur. 2/5/11 8:30am Saturday BACKBONE TRAIL – SADDLE PEAK TRAIL, MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK ** Leader: Burt Elliott 805-338-7150 Meet on north side of Stunt Road at milepost 2.9 (measured from Mulholland).
    [Show full text]
  • The Backbone Trail!
    Welcome to the Backbone Trail! Look west from Los Angeles and you’ll see not just the Santa Monica Mountains, but also the gateway to one of America’s premier long-distance trails. Stretching 67 miles, the Backbone Trail invites nearby residents to explore surprisingly accessible nature. Basic Facts 67 MILES 108 KM Official Highest Point Trailheads Sandstone Peak, Circle X Ranch Lowest Point 12 Ray Miller Trailhead, Pt. Mugu State Park Distance from LA Longest section that doesn’t cross a road 20 MILES from downtown 16 MILES Los Angeles to Will Rogers Ray Miller Trailhead to State Historic Park Mishe Mokwa Trailhead What can I do? Why should I visit? Of the trail’s 67 miles: The Backbone Trail crosses the best-protected stretch of coastal Mediterranean habitat in the world and offers an Hikers can access all 67 amazing diversity of trail experiences. You’ll experience deep wooded canyons, rocky outcrop spires, ocean vistas Mountain bikers 43 that include the Channel Islands, and sweeping inland views to the San Gabriel Mountains and downtown LA. Equestrians 67 Other activities Picnicking Rock climbing Photography Birding Trail running Dogs Camping Dogs are welcomed on There are only a few National Park Service campgrounds on and trails, as long as they are near the Backbone Trail. leashed and under control. We recommend day hiking in sections rather than attempting a multi-day backpacking trip. What will I see? Plants Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, riparian woodlands, freshwater marshes, oak woodlands, and oak savannas Wildlife Coyote, mule deer, red-tailed hawks, turkey vulture, California quail, California towhee, scrub jays, western fence lizards, Pacic rattlesnakes, and king snakes Where should I go? Ocean Views Summit Ascent Ray Miller Trail at Sandstone Peak Point Mugu State Park at Circle X Ranch Awesome Rock Formations Hollywood History and Easy Access Castro Crest at Malibu Creek Inspiration Point at State Park and Upper Solstice Canyon Will Rogers State Historic Park For more information, visit: www.nps.gov/samo.
    [Show full text]
  • 2011 Progress Report Full Version 02 12.Indd
    CALIFORNIA RECREATIONAL TRAILS PLAN Providing Vision and Direction for California Trails Tahoe Rim Trail Tahoe Rim Trail TahoeTTahhoe RRiRimm TrailTTrail Complete Progress Report 2011 California State Parks Planning Division Statewide Trails Section www.parks.ca.gov/trails/trailsplan Message from the Director Th e ability to exercise and enjoy nature in the outdoors is critical to the physical and mental health of California’s population. Trails and greenways provide the facilities for these activities. Our surveys of Californian’s recreational use patterns over the years have shown that our variety of trails, from narrow back-country trails to spacious paved multi-use facilities, provide experiences that attract more users than any other recreational facility in California. Th e increasing population and desire for trails are increasing pressures on the agencies charged with their planning, maintenance and management. As leaders in the planning and management of all types of trail systems, California State Parks is committed to assisting the state’s recreation providers by complying with its legislative mandate of recording the progress of the California Recreational Trails Plan. During the preparation of this progress report, input was received through surveys, two California Recreational Trails Committee public meetings and a session at the 2011 California Trails and Greenways Conference. Preparation of this progress Above: Director Ruth Coleman report included extensive research into the current status of the 27 California Trail Corridors, determining which of these corridors need administrative, funding or planning assistance. Research and public input regarding the Plan’s twelve Goals and their associated Action Guidelines have identifi ed both encouraging progress and areas where more attention is needed.
    [Show full text]
  • 2021 (2-23-21) Agenda Tick Collection Table.Xlsx
    Los Angeles County West Vector Control District 2021 TICK COLLECTION RESULTS Date Collection Location # of Ticks Result 1/5/21 Malibu Creek State Park - Mott Road 0 N/A 1/5/21 Malibu Creek State Park - Chaparral Trail 1 Negative 1/5/21 Tapia State Park - Spur Trail 4 Negative 1/5/21 Tapia State Park - Lower End Trail 0 N/A 1/6/21 Solstice Canyon Park - South Loop 0 N/A 1/6/21 Solstice Canyon Park - North Loop 0 N/A 1/7/21 Topanga State Park - Dead Horse Trail 5 Negative 1/7/21 Topanga State Park - Musch Trail 6 Negative 1/7/21 Will Rogers State Park - Backbone Trail 7 Negative 1/7/21 Will Rogers State Park - Betty Rogers Trail 7 Negative 1/8/21 Sullivan Canyon Park - Flood Control Trail 8 Negative 1/8/21 Sullivan Canyon Park - Canyon Trail 11 Negative 1/8/21 Franklin Canyon. Park - Hastain Trail 2 Negative 1/8/21 Franklin Canyon Park - Ranch Trail 3 Negative 1/11/21 Cheseboro Canyon - Modelo Trail 0 N/A 1/11/21 Paramount Ranch - Coyote Trail 0 N/A 1/12/21 Rocky Oaks State Park - Overlook Trail 0 N/A 1/12/21 Latigo Canyon - Eastside Backbone Trail 0 N/A 1/13/21 Malibu Creek State Park - Cage Creek Trail 3 Negative 1/13/21 Malibu - Piuma Backbone Trail 62 Negative 1/13/21 Palos Verdes Estates - Bluff Cove 7 Negative 1/13/21 Palos Verdes Estates - Apsley Path 1 Negative 1/13/21 Rolling Hills Estates - George F.
    [Show full text]
  • Backbone Trail Would Stretch from Will Rogers State Historic Park to Point Mugu, Anchored in the Middle by Malibu Creek State Park
    National Park Service Santa Monica Mountains U.S. Department of the Interior Santa Monica Mountains ridgeline trail has been a vision for more Santa Monica Mountains than 50 years. Originally, it was to run from Griffith Park to Point National Recreation Area Mugu, but that idea never went forward. In the 1970s, with the estab- A lishment of state parks in the mountains, the notion began to crystal- lize. The Backbone Trail would stretch from Will Rogers State Historic Park to Point Mugu, anchored in the middle by Malibu Creek State Park. Backbone Trail System During the 1980s, many who shared the vision started working on the project with California State Parks, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and the National Park Service. By 1990, 43 miles of the trail had been com- pleted. It followed ridges, traversed chaparral-covered hillsides, entered oak woodlands, and crossed creeks and valleys. Like Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the Backbone Trail System has progressed little by little across a patchwork of public lands. It has been constructed by volunteers, the California Conservation Corps, and professional staff from various parkland agencies. Parts of the trail were old animal paths that became single-track trails; other stretches were converted from fire roads. Only the newer sections have been built to modern trail standards. Because the trail system has been pieced together, trail sections may have different names and not all sections are open to all users. For example, mountain bikes are limited to fire roads and are not allowed on single-track trails—unless the trail is posted for mountain bike usage.
    [Show full text]
  • Equestrian Trails, Inc., Corral 36 ~ Established April 11, 1995
    “Pledged to Understanding the Horse” Equestrian Trails, Inc., Corral 36 ~ Established April 11, 1995 w.eticorral36.com Last preparations for MNVCA 60th Annual 4th of July Parade See pages 7 for ETI Waiver & 8 for Parade grooming tips RSVP now on our website! eticorral36.com/event/monthly-corral-meeting An Open Letter to the People – Projects planned in Calabasas NEW HOME Company – WEST VILLAGE AT CALABASAS -- EDITORIAL LETTER - June 23, 2019 The long game: We are looking to you for help. We must look together with an eye to the future. Do you think that the new building projects that are planned in the City of Calabasas are none of our business? Getting a MULTI-USE Trail Head in the Calabasas West Village Project is a critical piece in this puzzle of development. Within the city limits of Calabasas, there are no dedicated parking areas at the many parkland trail heads. Yet we have a dedicated portion of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. At either end of this national historic trail, there is no dedicated parking area at the western terminus and is totally lacking in adequate space for horse trailers at the eastern terminus on Calabasas Rd. Many of the equestrians residing in Calabasas (including Hidden Hills) ride the trails that take them across some of the 400 miles of trails within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA). Additionally, riders from surrounding cities of Simi Valley, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Malibu, and Newbury Park ride trails that go through Calabasas – along sections of the 67-mile Backbone Trail, a National Recreation Trail, that winds its way through Monte Nido along Stunt High Trail, Mesa Peak Fire Road, Tapia Park Trail, Piuma Ridge Trail, and Saddle Peak Trail --- all through the City of Calabasas or the sphere of the city’s influence.
    [Show full text]
  • Tick Collection Data 2021 (Website Version)2021 1 Los Angeles County West Vector Control District 2021 TICK COLLECTION RESULTS
    Los Angeles County West Vector Control District 2021 TICK COLLECTION RESULTS Date Collection Location # of Ticks Result 1/5/21 Malibu Creek State Park - Mott Road 0 N/A 1/5/21 Malibu Creek State Park - Chaparral Trail 1 Negative 1/5/21 Tapia State Park - Spur Trail 4 Negative 1/5/21 Tapia State Park - Lower End Trail 0 N/A 1/6/21 Solstice Canyon Park - South Loop 0 N/A 1/6/21 Solstice Canyon Park - North Loop 0 N/A 1/7/21 Topanga State Park - Dead Horse Trail 5 Negative 1/7/21 Topanga State Park - Musch Trail 6 Negative 1/7/21 Will Rogers State Park - Backbone Trail 7 Negative 1/7/21 Will Rogers State Park - Betty Rogers Trail 7 Negative 1/8/21 Sullivan Canyon Park - Flood Control Trail 8 Negative 1/8/21 Sullivan Canyon Park - Canyon Trail 11 Negative 1/8/21 Franklin Cyn. Park - Hastain Trail 2 Negative 1/8/21 Franklin Cyn. Park - Ranch Trail 3 Negative 1/11/21 Cheseboro Cyn - Modelo Trail 0 N/A 1/11/21 Paramount Ranch - Coyote Trail 0 N/A 1/12/21 Rocky Oaks State Park - Overlook Trail 0 N/A 1/12/21 Latigo Cyn - Eastside Backbone Trail 0 N/A 1/13/21 Malibu Creek State Park - Cage Creek Trail 3 Negative 1/13/21 Malibu - Piuma Backbone Trail 62 Negative 1/13/21 Palos Verdes Estates - Bluff Cove 7 Negative 1/13/21 Palos Verdes Estates - Apsley Path 1 Negative 1/13/21 George F. Canyon Preserve - Stein Hale Nature Trail 0 N/A 1/14/21 Rolling Hills – Bowie Trail 0 N/A 1/14/21 Rolling Hills – Purple Canyon Trail 0 N/A 1/14/21 Rolling Hills – Upper Willow Springs Trail 8 Negative 1/14/21 Rolling Hills – Lower Willow Springs Trail 11 Negative
    [Show full text]
  • Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Foundation
    NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Foundation Document Overview Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area California © John Muller Contact Information For more information about the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Foundation Document, contact: [email protected] or 805-370-2301 or write to: Superintendent, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, 401 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Purpose Significance Significance statements express why Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area resources and values are important enough to merit national park unit designation. Statements of significance describe why an area is important within a global, national, regional, and systemwide context. These statements are linked to the purpose of the park unit, and are supported by data, research, and consensus. Significance statements describe the distinctive nature of the park and inform management decisions, focusing efforts on preserving and protecting the most important resources and values of the park unit. • High Biodiversity / Mediterranean Ecosystem – Influenced by the mild climate and complex geologic © Herbert Petermann setting, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area contains high concentrations of rare, sensitive, and endemic species, and represents one of the best remaining examples of the Mediterranean biome in North America. Mediterranean ecosystems are among the world’s rarest and SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL most endangered land types, occurring in
    [Show full text]
  • Backbone Trail System
    National Park Service Santa Monica Mountains U.S. Department of the Interior Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Backbone Trail System Information & Safety Information Fires At park visitor centers, take advantage of all the No wood or charcoal fires are permitted along the information about trail use in the Santa Monica Backbone Trail. Smoking is permitted only in park- Mountains. Maps and books on the Backbone Trail ing areas. National Park Service are available at the National Park Service Visitor Santa Monica Mountains Center in Calabasas, CA. Park staff can also answer Water Carry plenty of water. Water is not available at National Recreation Area questions about programs and other trails within Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. most trailheads. Water from streams is not safe 26876 Mulholland Highway For more detailed information visit: to drink. Calabasas, CA 91302 www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/backbonetrail.htm www.nps.gov/samo Dogs Safety Dogs on leash are permitted on trails managed Visitor Center: 805-370-2301 Always stay on designated trails, carry a current trail by the National Park Service. Dogs are not map, and let someone know where you will be hik- allowed on backcountry trails managed by In emergency: dial 911 ing. Learn to recognize and avoid common hazards, California State Parks. such as poison oak and rattlesnakes. Etiquette Camping Hikers must yield to horseback riders; mountain Future plans call for a series of trail camps spaced bikers must yield to hikers and horseback riders. along the trail. Currently, the trail is open to day-use Respect private property.
    [Show full text]
  • From Great Hikes and Movie Locations to Epic Views, Explore the Range of Recreation Options in the Santa Monica Mountains by Matt Jaffe
    into our Wild From great hikes and movie locations to epic views, explore the range of recreation options in the Santa Monica Mountains By Matt Jaffe ate one afternoon many years ago, I headed out for a hike in Franklin Canyon above Beverly Hills. As I climbed the chaparral-covered slopes, a red-tailed hawk wheeled overhead and a coyote yipped in the hills. I had to re- mind myself that this wild landscape lies just a few miles from Rodeo Drive. I first learned this place was part of something bigger after seeing Lsigns bearing the National Park Service’s familiar arrowhead-shaped emblem. Franklin Canyon belongs to the Santa Monica Mountains OXNARD THOUSAND National Recreation Area (SMMNRA), the world’s largest urban national OAKS park. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the park rambles from BURBANK the Hollywood Hills to the Oxnard Plain and protects 150,000 acres. But unlike traditional national parks such as Yosemite and Yellowstone, MALIBU LOS ANGELES SMMNRA’s land is not contiguous; it is an amalgam of federal, state, and SANTA MONICA local parklands stitched together after a decades-long grassroots effort. I’ve been hiking the Santa Monica Mountains for about 30 years now, and in that time I’ve experienced the range’s many moods: meadows For a detailed map of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and brightened with California poppies and lupines, high peaks veiled in information on sites mentioned in this story, go fog, and even a fast-moving wildfire raging at the end of my street.
    [Show full text]
  • Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council Trail
    SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS TRAILS COUNCIL PO BOX 345 AGOURA HILLS, CA 91376 (818)222-4531 TRAIL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE WWW.SMMTC.ORG [email protected] SEPTEMBER 2012 thru JANUARY 2013 JOIN US !! ALL VOLUNTEERS INVITED - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY !! • Call the listed leader to receive specific information about the trail and meeting place and to answer your questions. PLEASE let the leader know in advance of your intention to participate so that enough tools will be available. A parent or organization group leader must accompany volunteers under the age of 18. • Meeting places and times vary as noted on the schedule below, and are subject to change, make sure when you call that you confirm the meeting time and place. We plan to end work at 2 pm at the trailhead, please tell the leader when you call if you need to leave earlier. Keep in mind we often car pool, shuttle or hike to the actual work site. • General information: Call 818-222-4531. If you can’t reach the leader call Burt Elliott at 805-338-7150. • BRING: water, lunch, work gloves, long sleeve shirt and eye protection. Sturdy shoes or boots and long pants required. We provide trail maintenance tools such as McLeods, Pulaskis, loppers, saws & mattocks. --VISIT THE TRAIL MAINTENANCE VIDEO AT SMMTC.ORG FOR AN OVERVIEW OF THE WORK WE WILL DO --- The WWW.SMMTC.ORG website maintains the most up to date schedule and directions to the various work sites. Schedule changes sometimes occur. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9/1/12 8:30am Saturday MISHE MOKWA TRAIL, CIRCLE X RANCH, NPS Leader: Burt Elliott 805-338-7150 Meet at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead parking at milepost 7.0 Yerba Buena Road.
    [Show full text]
  • Zuma & Trancas Canyons
    National Park Service Zuma & Trancas Canyons U.S. Department of the Interior Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area The Chumash were the first people to experience the incredible landscape and diversity of plant and animal life in Zuma and Trancas Canyons. The name “zuma” is derived from the Chumash language and means “abundance.” The abundant expressions of nature in this Mediterranean ecosystem continue to inspire visitors to explore our park by hiking, horseback riding, or biking. Voice of the Chaparral As the largest piece of federal parkland in rabbits, coyotes, hawks, jays, tree-frogs, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation even the occasional bobcat. Area, Zuma and Trancas Canyons offers a variety of trails. Journey deep into these Listen closely for one of our Zuma and Trancas canyons and discover a perennial creek and celebrities: the shy wrentit. Though rarely seen, riparian habitat. Hike through chaparral, look its call sounds like a ping-pong ball echoing for basking lizards, and enjoy a stunning view through the canyon. This call has earned this little of the Pacific Ocean. You might also see deer, bird the nickname “Voice of the Chaparral.” Information and Safety TRAIL ETIQUETTE Hikers should yield to STAY ON ESTABLISHED TRAILS and off of equestrians. Equestrians should communi- private property. cate with passing hikers and bicyclists. Horses should not graze or leave the trail. Remove BE PREPARED by taking water, food, flashlight manure from parking areas. Bicyclists should and first-aid supplies. Be alert for ticks, bees, ride courteously and yield to hikers and eques- rattlesnakes, and poison oak.
    [Show full text]