It is with much regret that I, again, must "officially" cancel tomorrow's field trip to the Coachella Wildlife Preserve. The temperature is expected to be 100deg. or more. I say "officially" cancelled because my health issues are such that I cannot endure that level of heat; it would be quite risky for me. However, for those that are more intrepid and heartier (read: crazier) than me, you are certainly welcome to "unofficially" go on your own. We will "officially" try again next year.

Coachella Valley Reserve

Thousand Palms Road

Desert Hot Springs, CA

April 27th, 9:00 a.m. - CANCELED

The Coachella Valley Preserve is located 10 miles east of Palm Springs near 1000 Palms. It is a 17,000-acre site that is home to the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, which is found nowhere else in the world. It is also the home of the spectacular Thousand Palm Oasis, as well as several other palm oases, all of which are fed by water seeping out of the San Andreas Fault. The Thousand Palms Oasis includes a mile-long trail that winds past pools containing endangered desert pupfish. Native vegetation includes creosote bush, burro bush, smoke tree and desert lavender, part of this area's unique habitat for wildlife. More than 183 bird species have been recorded here, including Gambel's Quail, Black-throated Sparrows, Phainopeplas, Black-tailed Gnatcatchers, Scott’s Orioles, and American Bitterns.  Cactus Wrens nest among the chollas.  Year-round, visitors can view songbirds, a plethora of upland birds, and several species of birds of prey. Other animals that live in this area include black-tailed jackrabbits, bobcats, and sidewinders. Other reptiles may be seen in the summer, while Spring through Autumn is the best time to look for fish in the pools.

Directions: Take Interstate 10 to the Bob Hope exit (about 10 miles east of Palm Springs); go north and turn right on Varner road.  At Ramon Road, turn left.  Drive east to Thousand Palms Canyon Drive.  Turn north and drive about two miles to the entrance.

For those who prefer to carpool, please meet at El Dorado Library parking lot at 6:45 a.m.  If you would prefer to meet at the venue, please be at the site by 9:00 a.m.  There are restroom facilities.  This is an all day trip, so bring a lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Rain cancels the trip.  Hope to see you there!

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you always check the website (www.eldoradoaudubon.org) for last minute cancellations or call me on my cell at 562-822-9548.

Reminder: We also have monthly local field trips to El Dorado Nature Center, Gum Grove Park, and Los Cerritos Wetlands. All skill levels, especially beginners, are welcome to these events. For more information on these events, please see our Events Calendar to the right of this webpage.

Whittier’s Sycamore Canyon

Sunday, April 14th, 8:00 a.m.

Led by Donna Bray

It’s spring migration, and this little local canyon can be quite good.   Hopefully our timing is right to let us see lots of warblers, flycatchers and the resident cactus wrens among others.   Parts of it are riparian, but even the parking lot can be pretty exciting.

Directions:  Take the 605 Fwy north to the Beverly Blvd exit (turning L onto Beverly from Pioneer).  Then left on Workman Mill Road.  Proceed to 5030 Workman Mill Road which is just before Rose Hills Gate 17 and across from Gate 19.  Park in the lot and meet your leader (Donna Bray) there.   No formal carpooling from the library is being planned.  Bring a snack if desired, but anticipate being done by about 11 a.m., and there are no picnic facilities here.  Bring water, cap, wear boots or sturdy shoes.  The restroom facilities are limited.   Sometimes there has been a porta-potty, but in case there is a restroom just inside Rose Hills Gate 17.  Heavy rain cancels.

San Juan Loop Trail

Cleveland National Forest, CA

Friday, April 19th, 9:00 a.m.

Since this field trip was rudely rained out, again, I thought we should still give it one more try in April.  Actually, this might even be a wee bit better since even more wildflowers might be blooming, especially poppies, Monkey Flower, Wild Cucumber, California Peony (no promises) and a host of others.

This is an easy and relatively short hike, yet offers a very complete experience.  As the name says, it is a 2.2-mile loop trail in the Cleveland National Forest off of Ortega Highway.  It winds through different portions of open trail amidst a chaparral ecosystem, and sections covered with large and very old oak trees.  You can enjoy views of the landscape, see a small waterfall in a gorge, hike along a creek bed, and of course bird watch!  It does have some stretches along the trail that have bedrock poking through, but not too bad.  However, if you have balance issues, it could be problematic.

Directions: Take the I-5 Fwy (S) to Ortega Highway (E); drive about 21 miles to the parking lot across from the "Candy Store" (Ortega Country Cottage).  You will be turning left into the trail’s parking lot where we will meet.  The entry into the parking lot is not easily seen, so when you see the Candy Store on the right, the entry will be almost straight across to your left.  If you end up in Lake Elsinore, you’ve gone too far.  Also, double check that the trail you are starting is the San Juan Loop Trail, and not the San Juan Trail, which is a much longer hike also in the area. Make sure to bring a National Forest Adventure Pass (or carpool with someone who has one) and keep it displayed in your parked vehicle.  You can get a pass at any sporting goods store, or on-line.  You can also buy one at the Candy Store.

For those who prefer to carpool, please meet at El Dorado Library parking lot at 7:45 a.m.  If you would prefer to meet at the venue please be at the site at 9:00 a.m. There is food available at the Cottage, or feel free to bring a lunch and snacks.  Rain cancels the trip.  Hope to see you there!

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you always check the website (www.eldoradoaudubon.org) for last minute cancellations or call me on my cell at 562-822-9548.

Coachella Valley Reserve

Thousand Palms Road

Desert Hot Springs, CA

April 27th, 9:00 a.m.

The Coachella Valley Preserve is located 10 miles east of Palm Springs near 1000 Palms. It is a 17,000-acre site that is home to the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, which is found nowhere else in the world. It is also the home of the spectacular Thousand Palm Oasis, as well as several other palm oases, all of which are fed by water seeping out of the San Andreas Fault. The Thousand Palms Oasis includes a mile-long trail that winds past pools containing endangered desert pupfish. Native vegetation includes creosote bush, burro bush, smoke tree and desert lavender, part of this area's unique habitat for wildlife. More than 183 bird species have been recorded here, including Gambel's Quail, Black-throated Sparrows, Phainopeplas, Black-tailed Gnatcatchers, Scott’s Orioles, and American Bitterns.  Cactus Wrens nest among the chollas.  Year-round, visitors can view songbirds, a plethora of upland birds, and several species of birds of prey. Other animals that live in this area include black-tailed jackrabbits, bobcats, and sidewinders. Other reptiles may be seen in the summer, while Spring through Autumn is the best time to look for fish in the pools.

Directions: Take Interstate 10 to the Bob Hope exit (about 10 miles east of Palm Springs); go north and turn right on Varner road.  At Ramon Road, turn left.  Drive east to Thousand Palms Canyon Drive.  Turn north and drive about two miles to the entrance.

For those who prefer to carpool, please meet at El Dorado Library parking lot at 6:45 a.m.  If you would prefer to meet at the venue, please be at the site by 9:00 a.m.  There are restroom facilities.  This is an all day trip, so bring a lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Rain cancels the trip.  Hope to see you there!

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you always check the website (www.eldoradoaudubon.org) for last minute cancellations or call me on my cell at 562-822-9548.