December Newsletter 2013
In This Issue
Regularly Scheduled Programs
Bird Walks
Dec. 10
The wetlands within Whitewater Canyon attract many local and migrating birds. Join us for a walk through different habitats while looking for some of the more than 216 bird species that frequent the preserve. Bring binoculars and scopes.
DSLR Photography for Beginners
Dec. 7, 28
  
For ages 12 and up.
Learn the basics of your digital single lens reflex camera with Jack Thompson, Staff Photographer for The Wildlands Conservancy.
Youth Catch and Release Fishing
Dec. 1, 21
For ages 8 to 18.
Ranger and Docent led program. The program will start with a short walk to the river and then back to the ponds to sharpen your angling skills and perhaps catch your first fish. We provide all necessary gear. Bring water and a picnic for afterwards. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Volunteer Projects
Dec. 22
Help us care for the preserve by joining ranger-led work projects. Projects include trail building and maintenance, invasive plant removal, general clean-up, and native plant restoration. Be prepared to get dirty!
In a way winter is the real spring, the time when the inner things happen, the resurge of nature.
Edna O'brien
Special Events
Stargazing: Dec. 20th, 5:30 pm to 9 pm
Join us in the canyon for an evening under the stars. Learn stargazing tips, how to use a star chart with binoculars, or peer through a telescope into deep space. Guest Lecture Stephenie Slahor will be talking about Meteorites. Bring a chair or blanket, binoculars, and fixin's for s'mores (campfire subject to weather and fire danger).
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
Canyon View Loop Hike
Dec. 29th, 9 am to 11:30 am
Looking for a slightly longer hike? This trail is 3.5 miles round trip with a 500' elevation gain and spectacular views of Whitewater Canyon. Bring at least 1 liter of water, a snack and all necessary sun protection. Those preferring a shorter, 1 mile hike are welcome to turn around at the Pacific Crest Trail junction. Call to make a RESERVATION and/or for more information.
  
Photo by Jack Thompson
Hikes at Pioneertown Mountains Preserve
Saturday docent led hikes continue during the month of December at Pioneertown Mountains Preserve.  
  
All hikes start at 9 am.  Meet at the Ranger Station (Sawtooth Loop hike will carpool to trailhead).  Call to reserve a spot and to find out more about hike length, difficulty, etc. 
  
If your group would like a leader for any of these hikes on other days of the week, call 760.369.7105 to see if there is a docent available. 
  
Dec. 7                    Sawtooth Loop  (10.6 mile loop)
Dec. 14                  Up Canyon to Olsen Ruins  (3.5 mi. round trip)
Dec. 21                  Chaparrosa Peak  (6.6 mi. round trip)
Dec. 28                  Chaparrosa Peak  (6.6 mi. round trip)
  
**We will suspend docent led hikes during the months of January and February.
  
Quick Links
Programs by Request
Canyon Walk

Enjoy an introductory one hour walk and learn about The Wildlands Conservancy as well as the ecology and natural history of Whitewater Canyon.

Get to Know Your Desert's Watershed
This slideshow program traces water from the snows of Mt. San Gorgonio to the faucets of Coachella Valley residents and on to the Salton Sea.
Leave No Trace

This program reviews the seven Leave No Trace Principles in a fun and creative way that fosters cooperative team building.

Meet a Tree
Visit one of our largest cottonwood trees with a Naturalist. Learn the tree's story through close observation, drawing and sharing.
Nest Display
Families! Learn how to use binoculars and explore bird habitats and bird nests of Whitewater Canyon.

 

Preserving Wildlife Corridors

Whitewater Preserve has always been a corridor for species moving between the mountains and desert. This slideshow explores the science behind protecting land that provides safe passage through these corridors.

The Wildlands Conservancy | Whitewater Preserve | 760-325-7222
 http://www.wildlandsconservancy.org | [email protected]
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road
Whitewater, CA 92282
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Whitewater Preserve is open to the public free of charge. Special Events and Regularly Scheduled Programs are also made available at no cost to participants (except fundraisers).  This is all made possible through generous donations made by TWC's visitors and supporters. Please consider making a donation by clicking the DONATE link above or on your next visit to a TWC preserve so that The Wildlands Conservancy can continue to work toward its mission of preserving remarkable and important landscapes and opening them to the public free of charge for passive recreation and outdoor education.
Whitewater Preserve is owned and operated by The Wildlands Conservancy, a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation. 


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