Mission Trails Regional Park News

Volume 25, Number 1 -- A Publication of the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation -- Winter 2014 Hawk, a Serious Threat To Humans? Article and photos by Trail Guide David Cooksy

One would think, and logically The while neither a them among the largest of . The conclude, that a flying predator which tarantula nor a hawk is a spider coloring on their wings warns potential hunts is a serious danger to which hunts tarantulas as food for predators that they are dangerous. humans. However, tarantula hawks may its larvae. Tarantula hawks belong to Their long legs have hooked claws appear intimidating but are generally any of the many species in the genera for grappling with their victims. The mild-mannered towards humans. and , in the family of a female tarantula hawk can Nonetheless, one should never attempt Pompilidae (spider wasps). be up to 7 mm (1/3 in) long, and the to pick up or molest a tarantula hawk as sting is considered the second most the sting is extraordinarily painful! The The more familiar species are up to two painful sting in the world. safest way to enjoy this beast of flying inches long, with blue-black bodies beauty: look but do not touch. and bright, rust-colored wings, making Tarantula Hawk, continued on p. 6 found within San Diego County. He has exhibited collaborative works at Mission Trails the Visions Art Museum in San Diego, Regional Park Foundation the Mission Trails Regional Park Gallery, and the Front Porch Gallery in Board of Directors Carlsbad. Cameron may be reached by Joseph C. Morse email at [email protected]. President To view some of his videos, including Nancy Acevedo some spectacular sunsets, go to vimeo. Vice President Dorothy Leonard com/cameronscottvisuals. Secretary Treasurer Sue Braun Dr. Mitsuo Tomita and Charles Carter Ted Griswold are two volunteers who continually Gary Krueger, O.D. Neil Mohr make a difference. Nearly 4 years J. Carlton Morse II, CFP A Message From ago, Dr. Tomita approached me about Shannon O’Dunn having concerts in the Visitor Center Betty Ogilvie Theater. He offered to find and schedule Johnnie Perkins Executive Director the groups, and assured me the groups Matt Rahn, PH.D., J.D. William L. Sperling, M.D. would donate their performances. Donald E. Steele Jay Wilson Three seasons later we are going strong with a free concert on the third Sunday Staff Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) of each month at 3:00 pm in the Visitor Jay Wilson and the MTRP Foundation continually Center Theater. With the start of the Executive Director benefit from talented individuals second season, Charles asked if I could Roland Roberge volunteering to lend a hand in a variety use some help with the concerts. He Administrative Assistant of ways. Not all of the Park’s volunteers now helps every group set up, produces Patty O’Reilly are directly involved in maintenance/ the programs, welcomes everyone Gift Shop Manager restoration, educating our visitors about attending the concerts, and has Advisors the flora and fauna, or staffing the front arranged for some of the musical talent. desk and gift shop in the Visitor Center. He also collaborated with George Varga, Patrick Abbott, Ph.D one of our key Trail Guideswho is also Professor Emeritus, San Diego State University Eric Frost, Ph.D Cameron Scott is a professional our amateur astronomer in residence, Associate Professor, San Diego State University videographer. In January of 2013, I met to produce three “Above the Ozone” Cameron while he was videoing an art programs. these programs feature Honorary Directors reception in the Visitor Center Gallery spectacular photos from the Hubble hosted by several artists, including his Hon. Jim Ellis Telescope with background ambient California State Senator, retired mother, who was exhibiting her unique “space music” shown to our Volunteers Hon. Jim Madaffer fabric art. I asked Cameron if he would and their guests. Council Member, City of San Diego, retired be interested in video recording each Hon. Judy McCarty of our monthly art exhibits; in turn he MTRP is always looking for volunteers. Council Member, City of San Diego, retired Hon. Dick Murphy would receive credit for the production. Check out our web page at mtrp.org, Mayor, City of San Diego, retired He agreed, and each month as a new art click on “The Park” and scroll down Superior Court Judge, retired exhibition is hung, Cameron produces a to “Volunteers” to view the volunteer Michael R. Pent new two to three minute preview video opportunities including an on-line Past Chair Mission Trails Citizens’ Advisory Committee to help promote the art exhibition. He volunteer application. Applications are Past President Mission Trails Regional Park uploads the videos to vimeo and we also available at the Visitor Center. Foundation send a link to over 4,000 individuals Hon. Larry Stirling through our email list, post it on our Superior Court Judge, retired website, and send the link to a number Scan California State Senator, retired of print and digital sources. He is a our freelance video producer, cameraman, Find us on editor, and photographer. His work QR is inspired by, and often focuses on, Facebook the diverse environments and events code 2 Save the Date

Explore Mission Trails Day Saturday, May 17, 2014

Welcome the Park’s Newest Ranger After a career in the publishing industry, Chris Axtmann decided to trade in her desk for hiking boots. Lifetime nature lover, she began volunteering at Mission Trails Regional Park in 2008. Having Climber’s Loop Trail attended and successfully completed the Park’s Trail Guide Training Class, Mission Trails is a multi-use open space Trail and ascend, with numerous she has donated much of her time park. It affords access to numerous switchbacks, to the base of the rock educating the public during Trail Guide recreational activities such as hiking, face. From here the hiker traverses led nature walks. biking and horseback riding. What along the bottom of the outcroppings may not be readily known by its visitors until reaching the trail back down the is the only authorized section of the mountain. Please, stay on the trail and park which may be utilized by rock remember, there is no access to the climbers. This area can be accessed by mountains summit from this trail. The using the Climber’s Loop Trail. trailhead for the Kwaay Paay summit is located off of FJST across from the Old This trail, which is accessible from two Mission Dam. separate trailheads off Father Junipero Serra Trail (FJST), is the only trail in As you hike, be sure to stop along the the park that goes up a mountain, but way to view one of the more beautiful does not go to the top of the mountain. views in the park. You may not be at This mountain is Kwaay Paay and has the top of Kwaay Paay, but you are at an spectacular rock faces and outcroppings elevation where you can see the ocean that, for years, have been used by in the distance. It also affords a view professionals, as well as amateurs, of the Visitor Center, as well as South Chris has also aided our patrons as to hone their climbing skills. These Fortuna, but don’t forget to look down Trail Patrol, staffed the Visitor Center athletes have even given sections of this at the incredible sight of the San Diego front desk and gift shop, and assisted area (unofficial) fanciful names, such as River’s riparian woodland below. The the Foundation at outreach events. Middle Earth, Limbo, Underworld and most dramatic view of all is when A recent graduate of California State Main Wall. you look up at the impressively huge Parks Academy, Chris is ecstatic at boulders that loom over you, many being hired by the City as a Park Not a rock climber? No problem. Any of which are as big as houses. Look Ranger and having the opportunity to visitor to the park may explore the down again and, if you haven’t already apply her training and her knowledge Climbers Loop Trail, however, if you done so on your way up the trail, note of our city’s largest open space park to want to do some rock climbing and are the boulders strewn along the side of its care and preservation. She is also new to the sport, it is suggested you the mountain and in the river below. looking forward to maintaining and first join one of the many rock climbing Most of them were once majestically enhancing recreational opportunities, classes offered by local sporting perched near the top of the mountain and assisting in and developing unique businesses. Both trailheads begin on just waiting for natural forces to propel educational programs. the east side of Father Junipero Serra them downward. 3 Thank you to our many Mission Trails contributors of 2013

Benefactor Pathfinder Kathryn Krug City of San Diego Special Pat Abbott - In Memory of Al and Lori Lehman Promotional Program Lance Patrick Abbott Dan and Dorothy Leonard Nancy Acevedo Perry and Christine Lieber Sponsor Barbara Anderson – In memory of Morton Lipman - In memory of County of San Diego Community Bill Cleves April Lipman Enhacement Program Captain T. Atwood, Jr. USN, retired Eleanor and Patrick Lynch, Ph.D. Rick Hatch John and Ann Aydelotte Michael and Genevieve Matherly Steven R. Pruitt Trust, Mission Trails Ed Barber James and Nan McKay - In memory of Endowment Trust Fund at the Myrna Bateman Adm. Lou A. Williams San Diego Foundation Rita and Jerry Bierman John and Cindy Mead SDG&E - A Sempra Energy utility Ed Bohanan - In memory of Mission Publishing Capt. Robert "Bob" Gillett, USN retired Chuck and Martha Moffett Steward Maurizio and Danielle Bottalico Neil Mohr Walmart Foundation Sue and Richard Braun Joseph and Rosemarie Morse Stephen Wojdowski CPA Edmund and Gale Capparelli Carlton and Cathy Morse Curtis Carlson Dick and Jan Murphy Patron Barbara and Michael Carr Charles and Ann Nickel Kaiser Permanente Terry and Gary Casey Mike and Pat Pent Superior Ready Mix Concrete Alan Clark Pent Family: Mike, Pat, Michelle and Mary Cloak Systems Cedarwood Young Company Robert and Constance Plaisted Shannon O'Dunn Helen Chang Philip Pryde GMRI, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Susan Christison Jodi Roisman David and Leatha Cooksy Sheryl and Bob Scarano Founder Jay and Nancy Coulter Philip Schey Family and Friends – In memory of Ted Daub Steve Seaborg Elizabeth Ojeda Lois Day William Simmons Edwin and Donna Gookin - Jim and Carol Ellis Theodore Sledzinski and BJ Withall In memory of Paul Freiman Wendy and Terry Esterly Judith Sofer GR Catering Eva Fedak Bill & Barbara Sperling Ideal Plumbing, Heating & Electrical Larry and Pat Fox Don Steele Pat and Jerry Johnson Front Range Climbing Dan and Katie Sullivan Kiwanis Club of Tierrasanta Sally and Einar Gall Team Northcutt Gary and Nancy Krueger Ruth Gibbs Donald and Barbara Teemsma David Nelson and Diane McLaren Linda Gillett Steve Thompson Linda Odening - In memory of Robert and Linda Gordon Tierrasanta Foundation Walter Odening Lea Goyne and Nancy Varah - In memory Len and Jan Trentacosta Arthur and Ruth Savage of Vernon Collins Marie Tuthill Starbucks Julia and Stephen Guroff Nancy and George Varga Joan Tedeschi and Family Patricia Knobloch and Bruce Harley Tom Walters Salah Hassanein Cissy Walters Trailblazer Tom and Joan Hayes Rex and Kathryn Warburton Jeremy Cowperthwaite Maria Carla Herriges Joseph Weening Green Elementary Lindsay and Dianne Hill Mike Weinberg Lawrence and Suzanne Hess Jim and Karen Hodson Elisa and Howard Wiggins Gary Hogue Peggy and John Holl - In Honor of Art and Connie Wood Kohl’s George and Nancy Varga Luann and Brian Wright Betty and Mike Ogilvie Mike and Debra Holmes Lonell and Dessie Wright REI Charles Jacobson Zack and Pauline Zacharias Jill Thacker and Gregg Rosner David Johnston Family Ron and Mickey Zeichick Rose Van Hook Derryck and Carolyn Jones Michelle Zix Charlie and Jeri Wilson Edward and Kaitlin Kallal Lois and Dennis Klepin Family Fred and Linda Kramer Raymond and Barbara Anderson Jack and Pennie Avery 4 Jim and Dorinda Bogart Maureen and Gerald Kelly Tom and April Boling Marsha MacDonald Arbor Day Glenn and Joan Braden Nadine Misiaszek Toni Caragozian Robert Muldrew John Caffrey - In memory of William and Mary Cederberg Laura Neal - In honor of Val Plummer Nancy L. Caffrey Colleen Conaway Aaron Old - In honor of Cheryl Old Tom Gitchoff Karen and Jerry Eisman Pat Pawlowski Leslie and Dianne Hill - in memory of Virgil and Martha Elliott - In memory of Arnold Saltzman Rolande McManus Capt. Robert "Bob" Gillett, USN retired Dorothy Stock Leslie Johnson-Leech - In memory of Marty and Marilyn Fink Rebecca Stewart Elaine and Erv Landau Joe and Lesley Frazier Virginia Sturgeon Patty O’Reilly - In memory of Shirley Gilbert Barbara Whyte Judith K. O’Reilly Sue Griffith Karen Zatt Julie Grossman Katherine Zubel Mary Jo Grubbs Fred and Bobbi Hammack Notable Donations Ted Daub David and Sally Kotnik Ava Fedak Ed and Julie Krummenacher October 1 - December 31, 2013 Larry and Pat Fox Jim and Patricia Lawson Julie and Steve Guroff Morton Lipman - In memory of Sponsor - $10,000 -$24,999 Lindsay and Dianne Hill April Lipman Peggy and John Holl - In Honor of SDG&E -Sempra Energy Harley and Roy Alice Mayfield George and Nancy Varga Jocelyn McGrath Dr. Charles Jacobson Kathy and Jim McNairnie Steward - $5,000 - $9,999 David Johnston Family Steve and Kay Moreno Walmart Foundation Derryck Jones Amielle Moyer Stephen Wojdowski CPA Jon and Sharon Nachison Edward and Kaitlin Kalla Kathryn Krug Scott and Laurie Norton Founder - $1,000 - $2,499 James and Louise O'Neill Edwin and Donna Gookin - Fred and Linda Kramer Jack and Vicki Reed In memory of Paul Freiman Perry and Christine Lieber Barbara and Norwin Rosner GR Catering P. Harrison, Ph.D. and E Lynch, Ph.D. Frank and Beverly Rouston Dr. and Mrs. Gary Krueger Michael and Genieve Matherly San Carlos Garden Club Linda Odening - In memory of John and Cindy Mead Sue Schaffner Walter Odening Chuck and Martha Moffett Vicky Schlagel Neil Mohr Stan Schroeder Steve Thompson Marie Tuthill Carlton and Cathy Morse Richard Schwenkmeyer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Morse Tom Thompson Teirrasanta Kiwanis Mr. and Mrs. Richard Murphy Fred and Jeanenne Tietge Debbie and Bruce Van Hyfte Trailblazer - $500-$999 Michael and Patricia Pent Connie and Tim Verhoef Jeremy Cowperthwaithe The Michael Pent Family Harry and Darlene Wade Gary B. Hogue Robert and Plaisted Patricia and Hank Wesch Mike and Betty Ogilvey Philip Pryde Joy Winter Charlie and Jeri Wilson Jill Thacker and Gregg Rosner BJ Withall and Theodore Sledzinski Individual Path Finder - $100-$499 Dr. and Mrs. William Sperling Paul Barbour Nancy Acevedo Donald E. Steele Joyce Bartos Rita and Jerry Bierman Dan and Katie Sullivan Herbert Bernstein Ed Bohanan - In memory of Tierrasanta Foundation Sally Brumfield Capt. Robert “Bob” Gillett, Rose Van Hook Rosario Camacho-Reyes Tom Walters Arthur Casey USN retired Joseph Weening Cherry Diefenbach Dr. and Mrs. Richard Braun Kathy Fazekas Barbara and Michael Carr Mike Weinberg Ellen Fry Susan Christison Elisa and Howard Wiggins Gail Hanna Alan Clark Rev. and Mrs. Fred Zacharias Elizabeth Hill David and Leatha Cooksy Ron and Mickey Zeichick Loretta Huckabone Susan Christison 5 Photo Contest Date Change The 2014 Amateur Photo Contest exhibition will be held from September 13 to October 10. The deadline for Tarantula Hawk, of the southwestern United States, with submissions will be towards continued from p. 1 Pepsis formosis and Pepsis thisbe being the end of August. common. The two species are difficult Behavior to distinguish, but the majority of P. More information to come. The female tarantula hawk captures, formosa have metallic blue bodies and stings, and paralyzes the spider, then reddish antennae, which separates them either drags her prey back into her own from P. thisbe (both species have bright burrow or transports it to a specially orange wings that become transparent prepared nest where a single egg is laid near the tip). Free Concert on the spider’s abdomen. When the wasp hatches, it creates a small Sting Series hole in the spider’s abdomen, then The tarantula hawk is relatively docile enters and feeds voraciously avoiding and rarely stings without provocation. 2014 Schedule vital organs for as long as possible to However, the sting, particularly of P. keep the spider alive. After several formosa, is among the most painful of The Mission Trails Regional Park weeks, the larva pupates. Finally, the any insect, though the intense pain only Foundation Concert Series is free wasp becomes an adult and emerges lasts about three minutes. Because of to the public and is scheduled one from the spider’s abdomen to continue their extremely large , very few Sunday per month at 3:00 p.m. in the life cycle. are able to eat them; one of the the Visitor Center Theater, with a few animals that can is the . Tarantula wasps are also nectarviorous. Many predatory animals avoid these reception immediately following. The consumption of fermented fruit wasps and many different sometimes intoxicates them to the mimic them, including various other Feb 16 point that flight becomes difficult. wasps and , as well as , , Yale Strom and Lou Fanucchi While the wasps tend to be most active and . “Klezmer Music” in daytime summer months, they tend to avoid high temperatures. The male The state of New chose the Mar 16 tarantula hawk does not hunt; instead, insect in 1989 to become its official it feeds off the flowers of milkweeds, state insect. Its selection was prompted Candella String Quartet western soapberry trees, or mesquite by a group of Edgewood, New Mexico, Scripps Ranch High School trees. The male tarantula hawk has a elementary school children doing behavior called hill-topping, where research on states which had adopted Apr 06 he sits atop tall plants and watches for state insects. They selected three insects San Diego Harp Society passing females ready to reproduce. as candidates, and mailed ballots to all schools for a state-wide election. The Distribution winner was the tarantula hawk wasp May 18 Worldwide distribution of tarantula (specifically, P. formosa). Mary Lou Brandwein hawks includes areas from to with the Takahashi Flute Southeast Asia, , , and Tarantula hawks of a variety of species the . Tarantula hawk species can be found almost anywhere in San June 08 have been observed from as far north Diego County, from the coastal plain San Diego Native American as the state of Washington in the United to the foothills to the mountains to Flute Circle States, and as far south as Argentina the desert. Their only requirements in South America. Nine species of are flowers for the adults to feed at and tarantula hawks are found in the deserts tarantulas for the young to feed on. Performances are subject to change. 6 Mission Trails Regional Park Donor Opportunities By donating to Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, you are preserving the past and investing in the future. Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation provides opportunities for individuals, businesses, community organizations, and foundations to support a variety of programs and projects within the park. Community support is important to ensure adequate funding to maintain the award winning Mission Trails Regioanl Park Visitor and Interpretive Center and the multiple amenities the park has to offer. Special event and project sponsorship are also available. Sponsorships for Explore Mission Trails Day, an annual event held each May, range from $500 to $5,000. Exhibit sponsorships begin at $2,500. Bench and table sponsorships range from $1,500 to $4,000 depending upon the item and its location in the park. Contact Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation at 619-668-3280 or [email protected] for additional information. Names of contributors of $1,000 or more will be engraved on the donor board displayed at the Visitor and Interpretive Center. Yearly donations of $100 or more are accumulated from year-to-year for donor recognition purposes. Become a Business Friend of Mission Trails Business Donors making contributions of $100 to $500 are eligible for a web site link from the Mission Trails web site for a period of six months. Business Donors making contributions of $500 and above are eligible for a period of one year.

Our Funds ... You may designate your Other ways you may donate ... donation for one or more of the following Memorial or In Honor Of gifts - Honor a friend or family member with funds. a donation. Friends of Mission Trails - General support Matching funds - Identify Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) for all Park programs. Foundation for a matching funds contribution if your employer has a Trail Maintenance policy of matching charitable gifts. Tree and Habitat Maintenance Gifts of Securities - To allow donors to realize full tax deductions for Education Programs appreciated stock, MTRP Foundation accepts gifts of stock. Contact us at Library Books and Supplies 619-668-3280 or [email protected] for furthur details. Lake Murray Wills - Remember MTRP Foundation in your will. Endowment Funds Charitable Remainder Trusts - With a CRT, highly appreciated assets General Endowment Fund are placed in an irrevocable trust. Those asset proceeds provide income to Library Endowment Fund the donor and/or the donor’s beneficiaries for life. Contact your financial advisor for information.

Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, Inc. One Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119-1008 Name______Business Name______Phone______Address______Email______

You may designate your donation for one or more of the following funds. Please indicate the amount. Donor Levels Friends of Mission Trails - General support for all Mission Trails programs and projects. $______$25 Individual MTRP Foundation Endowment Fund - Earnings used for programs and projects...... ______$50 Family Special Funds $100 Pathfinder Education Program Fund - Funds used for education program...... ______$500 Trailblazer Library Fund - Books and supplies for the library...... ______$1,000 Founder Library Endowment Fund - Earnings used for library books and supplies...... ______$2,500 Patron Trail Maintenance - Trail maintenance and improvement projects...... ______$5,000 Steward Tree and Habitat Maintenance - To help maintain the park’s habitat...... ______$10,000 Sponsor Lake Murray - Special projects at Lake Murray...... ______$25,000 Benefactor Total Donation - Make check payable to MTRP Foundation and mail to address above.... ______$50,000 Trustee $100,000 Director Charge my donation to VISA____MC____Card No.______Expiration Date_____/______

Card holder’s signature______

To donate online, visit our web site at mtrp.org/donors.asp MTRP Foundation staff use only: Date of check______Check#______Database____Letter____Newsletter____Web____ Mission Trails Non-Profi t Regional Park Foundation Organization U. S. POSTAGE One Father Junipero Serra Trail Paid San Diego, CA 92119 San Diego, CA Permit No. 658 Visitor and Interpretive Center: 619-668-3281 MTRP Foundation: 619-668-3280 Email: [email protected] Web Site: mtrp.org

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Mission Trails Regional Park News Volume 25, Number 1, Winter 2014

Mission Trails Regional Park News is funded in part by the City of San Diego Special Promotional Program.

Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, Inc., established January 1988, is a non-profit public benefit corporation organized for the purpose of preserving, improving and maintaining Mission Trails Regional Park.

Mission Trails Regional Park News is a publication of the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, Inc., published four times a year.

Roland Roberge, Editor Gerald Tietje, Masthead Photo

A COPY OF THIS AND PAST NEWSLETTERS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE: mtrp.org/newsletter.asp Another Successful Arbor Day in Mission Trails

Arbor Day in Mission Trails was celebrated at the East fortuna Equestrian Staging area on Saturday, December 7, 2013. The public was invited to take part in the donation and/or planting of oak trees. Although the morning was very chilly and rain clouds were threatening nearly 30 volunteers showed up to help with the planting - or act as cheerleaders. Especially helpful were members of Boy Scout Troop 950 and Cub Scout Packs 951 and 959. Foundation President, Joe Morse, and Senior Ranger, Matt Sanford were on hand to introduce the donors and thank the participants. This year’s donors were: John Caffrey, in memory of Nancy L. Caffrey; Tom Gitchoff; Lindsay and Dianne Hill, in memory of Rolande McManus; Leslie Johnson- Leech, in memory of Elaine and Erv Landau. Park Grounds Maintenance Workers, Carmelo Esquer and Tom Folk co-ordinated the event and instructed those attending on safety procedures and how to properly plant the trees.

Arbor Day in Mission Trails is sponsored by City of San Diego Councilmember Scott Sherman, City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department, Mission Trails Regional Park Citizens’ Advisory Committee and Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation.