EVENTS ABOUND AT THE COUNTY PARKS IN MAY

May 12, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego County Parks and Recreation has a cornucopia of events happening around the region in May.  There’s something for everyone – from guided hikes to campfires and stargazing.

Following is a list of the highlights:

AGUA CALIENTE REGIONAL PARK
39555 Great Southern Stage Rte of 1849, Anza Borrego Desert | (760) 765-1188 

SATURDAYS IN THE PARK 

(Morning or Afternoon) 
Check at Ranger Station for time. Children of all ages join park staff and friends for an interactive, educational, fun program at the Agua Club House located across from site #55 in the campground. 

NOCTURNAL DESERT ADAPTATIONS
Saturday, May 26, 7:00 p.m.

Listen, learn, and observe the behavior and necessary adaptations of our local desert wildlife including short hikes to visit bat and frog habitats. The event is located at Agua Caliente Amphitheater at the park entrance. Bring a blanket or pillow for comfort. Free of charge for campers, or $5 day use fee. 

ROCK AND MINERAL HOUNDS
Saturday, May 26, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Join the Rangers to learn about the rocks and minerals that surround the land. This program is part of the Jr. Science Program for children ages 7-13. All project materials will be provided. Free of charge, for campers, or $5 day use fee. 

NATURE HIKE 
Sunday, May 27, 9:00 a.m.

Join the Park Ranger for an interpretive hike along the Agua Caliente slopes and washes. View wildflowers in bloom with hopes of catching a glimpse of desert wildlife. The hike is open to all ages. Meet at the front entrance station. Free of charge for campers, or $5 day use fee.

DOS PICOS REGIONAL PARK
17953 Dos Picos Park Rd, Ramona | (760) 789-2220

EVERY SATURDAY

Free Saturday programs meet at the Amphitheater at the scheduled time. Programs may change or cancel without notice depending upon the weather and Ranger availability. The Ranger needs to have at least 10 people for each program to begin.

SNAKES ‘N SKINS WITH RANGER RON
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

See and feel creatures living and non-living. Ranger Ron will break out his animal skin collection and introduce some of the office critters too. Free of charge and fun for the whole family.

JR. RANGERS
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Jr. Rangers outdoor education program is based on California Science Standards. They will investigate and explore the rocks, plants, and critters of the park. Don’t forget to bring a Jr. Rangers log book to get credit for participation!

CRAFT TIME
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Remember how fun it was to sit down and make a cool craft? It still is! Come make a project you can keep. $1 donation per crafter.

EARTH BALL
4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Can you imagine a bunch of ants fighting over a grape? Well that’s what it looks like when playing with the giant Earth Ball. Get exercise and enjoy the game.

TEXTURE SCAVENGER HUNT
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

This is a Dos Picos favorite that combines crayon rubbings with a no-holds-barred scavenger hunt! Get a group together and try to find as many of the listed texture objects as you can before time runs out.

EVENING PROGRAMS
May 5 – May 26, 8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

After sunset at the Plymax Theater watch the evening come to life with a cool computer slide show, music, and check out a live bug cam. Free fun for all ages.

NIGHT STAR HIKES WITH RANGER RON
Friday, May 11, 18, 25. 9:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Meet at the Ranger’s office, and dress warmly. Bring a flashlight and an adult. Star Hikes will be cancelled during cloudy weather.

SELF-GUIDED HIKES AT DOS PICOS
At convenience of hiker 9:00 a.m. - sunset

Pick up a self-guided hiking sheet or try out our Audio Trail Guide on park provided iPods located at the Ranger’s Office free of charge! You can also borrow an Exploration Pack to help you in your nature investigations.

CABINET OF CURIOSITIES
At convenience of patron, 9:00 a.m. - sunset

Are you fascinated by the form and function of nature? Check out and touch all the cool, creepy things we have preserved at the Ranger’s office.

LAKE MORENA
2550 Lake Morena Dr., Campo | (619) 579-4101

NATURE HIKE

Saturday May 19, 2:30 p.m.

Take a relaxing and easy hike at Lake Morena Regional County Park. During the hike you will learn about native plants in the area, and how the Kumeyaay Indians utilized the natural vegetation in their daily lives. You will also learn the history of Lake Morena. The hike lasts about an hour. Free of charge for the public. Parking is $3 for those not camping at Lake Morena. Call in advance to confirm the hike start time.

LINDO LAKE COUNTY PARK
12660 Lindo Ln, Lakeside | (619) 709-2454 

DISCOVERY TABLE 
Sunday, May 20, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Join the Ranger at the Touch Table to check out the animal skins, live snakes, and other cool items that you will be able to touch. This is a great learning opportunity for children and families.

VOLCAN MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS PRESERVE
1209 Farmer Rd, Julian | (760) 765-4098 

TRAIL RESTORATION
Saturday, May 19, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Join County Park Rangers and other volunteers as they prepare the Five-Oaks Trail for another great hiking season. Meet at the Volcan Mountain trailhead located on Farmer Road. There will be a ½ mile hike to the work site. Please wear a long sleeve shirt and hiking shoes. Bring water, snacks, a wide-brim hat, sunscreen, work gloves, sunglasses, and a light jacket. Tools will be provided. If you’re coming with a large group, please call ahead. 

GUIDED HIKES
Saturday, May 12, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Enjoy the beautiful views of the Julian area and the desert from atop Volcan Mountain. Take a step back in time and learn the history of the area from the Rangers and Docents. Try and learn the names of the many flowers you’ll see along the trail and enjoy a great day on the mountain. Park along Farmer Road and meet at the trail head. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking attire. Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the event.

WILLIAM HEISE COUNTY PARK
4945 Heise Park Rd, Julian | (760) 765-0650 

NATURE HIKE AT HEISE 
Saturday, May 19. 10:30 a.m. 
Every Sunday thru May 27, 10:30 a.m. 

Join park staff for an easy to moderate hike through the trails of Heise Park. Weather permitting these hikes will be in the winter, so bring a sweater, jacket, gloves, water, and snacks. All hikes will start at the Ranger station. Free of charge for campers or $3 day use fee.