NSC NEWS & EVENTS
FEATURED MEMBER ~ HIKE Program
THE TRAVELING
TORTOISE TRUNK
The Living Desert's Education Curator, Mike Chedester and Desert Tortoise Educator, Ramina Halgas, unvailed the Tortoise Trunk at an NSC meeting held at the BLM offices in Palm Springs. Pete A'Hearn, K-12 Science Specialist Palm Springs Unified School District, and KD Fleming, UC Riverside Center for Conservation Biology, Desert Studies help demonstrate student activities from the trunk. The Trunk is available to schools to educate students about the life and plight of our Desert Tortoise. The Trunk can be checked out by contacting Rhalgas@livingdesert.org or 760-346-5694 ext.2505.
Pete A'Hearn, KD Fleming, Mike Chedester, Ramina Halgas
All Month Long: Become a Junior Ranger with a fun (30
minute) program that explores our desert habitat!
Thurs. and Sat.
AM HikesEvery Thursday and Saturday; 9-11:30am
No hikes Saturday, Dec. 24th & 31st
Easy to moderate trails 3 - 4miles
RSVP: Not required. Limited to 30 participants, arrive early to
avoid disappointment.
2 liters of water and appropriate footwear required.
Happy Tails Dog Adventure Hikes; 9-11:30am
Every Wed. (Cahuilla Hills Park, Palm Desert) 3 miles, moderate
Every Sunday (La Quinta Cove, La Quinta) 3 miles, easy.
No hikes on Sunday, Dec. 25th & Jan. 1st
Join Ranger Emily Hoerner for FREE dog hikes.
Desert Mountains Art Faire
Saturday, December 3, 2011; 9am-3pm
Experience the lovely National Monument Visitor Center in the
foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains while supporting
Conservation and the Artists of the Coachella Valley.
Unique paintings, wood carving, jewelry, handmade clothing and
more ~ inspired by the natural beauty of the National Monument.
Admission is free
Life Zone Series - Boreal Zone
Saturday, December 3, 2011; 1-2pm
Our incredible Southern California landmark stretches from sea
level to a towering 10,834 ft. above the desert floor,
encompassing five different life zones. During today’s
presentation you will learn about the plants, animals and other
factors unique to the Boreal habitat.
Star Party
Saturday, December 3, 2011; 5–8pm
Host: Astronomical Society of the Desert
Please bring a flashlight and warm clothing for cool evening
conditions, and, if you can, binoculars for exploring the sky.
We will provide large telescopes for your viewing.
Visit www.astrorx.org.for more information.
Hike to Vargas Palms
Monday, December 5, 2011; 8:30am–12:30pm
Meet on Snow Creek Road ¼ mile south of Highway 111.
West of Windy Point, near the Interstate 10 and Highway 111
intersection.
Guide: Tracy Albrecht, Interpretive Specialist, Santa Rosa and
San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.
Hikers will journey through a variety of habitats including desert
wash, sand dunes, rocky canyon and native palm oasis. Bring sun
protection, water and snack, and be prepared for windy
conditions. Moderate, 1,000 feet, 5 miles
RSVP: Required by December 2, 2011. Limit: 15 participants.
Creating a Personalized Stepping Stone Workshop with
Diane “Annie” Mathias of Resources for Uncovering Wonder
Wednesday, December 7, 2011; 9am – Noon
Create a personalized Stepping Stone for your garden or
walkway inspired by the natural beauty of the National
Monument, using a variety of supplied natural materials.
Fee: $60.00 per person, includes materials
RSVP: Required by December 3, 2011
Plein Air Painting Workshop with California Impressionist
Diane McClary
Thursday, December 15, 2011; 9am – 4pm
Learn Plein Air painting techniques at this all day outdoor
workshop with renowned California Impressionist Diane
McClary. Students supply their own paints, canvas, easels, etc.
This month’s focus will be painting palm trees.
Fee: $80.00 per person RSVP: Sharon Curran (360) 840-7676
Jr. Trail Guides Explorer Program: Plants and Animals
Saturday, December 17, 2011; 1-4pm
Join us for an adventure on the trails as we learn about some
amazing things that plants and animals do to survive in the desert
and some techniques that will aid you in spotting wildlife while
exploring the outdoors. Earn the “Nature Detective” badge.
RSVP: Required by December 16. Application is available at the
Visitor Center or on-line at www.DesertMountains.org and must
be delivered to the Visitor Center or faxed to (760) 862-9240,
Attn: Dani Ortiz. Limit: 15 participants
Coachella Valley students have a growing awareness about the environment as the HIKE program expands. With a federal grant, the Natural Science Collaborative has supported a staff of environmental educators who have guided over 1000 4th grade students to explore the outdoors. HIKE (Healthy Initiative for Kids in the Outdoors) Crew members are 18-25 year olds who were hired on to teach classroom lessons and lead nature-oriented field trips. The program was initiated by Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, where the field study trips were located.The HIKE Crew stipends were provided by the Youth Initiative Incentive program, out of Washington DC.
This program is expertly implemented by Tracy Albrecht, Interpretive Specialist, Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, Bureau of Land Management California Desert District.
Healthy Initiative for Kids in the Environment (HIKE) Program aims to improve the quality of life for children and for generations to come by encouraging a stronger and more active interest in the natural environment. By introducing students to observation and outdoor study skills, followed by a field experience practicing these skills, students are more confident in the outdoors, increase curiosity and knowledge on how to obtain more information about the natural world. Fourth grade curriculum standards have been aligned with field experiences to supplement teaching of these standards, with additional emphasis on stewardship, outdoor recreation and fitness, and Leave-No Trace ethics.
