Regularly Scheduled Programs
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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.
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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.
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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
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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!
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In a way winter is the real spring, the time when the inner things happen, the resurge of nature.
Edna O'brien
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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.
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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.
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Hikes at Pioneertown Mountains Preserve
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Leave No Trace
This program reviews the seven Leave No Trace Principles in a fun and creative way that fosters cooperative team building.
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Meet a Tree
Visit one of our largest cottonwood trees with a Naturalist. Learn the tree's story through close observation, drawing and sharing.
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Nest Display
Families! Learn how to use binoculars and explore bird habitats and bird nests of Whitewater Canyon.
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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.
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