Family Nocturnal Exploration up Silverado Canyon, Difficulty= Easy to moderate February 11, 2011

Part of the Santa Ana Mountains Wild Heritage Project tour series

After dark, Silverado Canyon is a surreal maze of sights, sounds, and smells. The temperature drops. Nocturnal foragers awake and wander. Strange creatures with curious adaptations appear in unexpected places. As the chills run up your spine, follow a professional naturalist on a thrilling sensory experience through a fascinating alternate world of darkness. Participants will have opportunities to smell night bloomers, spotlight possible wildlife occurrences, and listen for extended periods of time in total silence without artificial light. Navigate down a rough bank to a hidden rock pool where aquatic organisms may appear. Be prepared to cross a flowing creek with only a few inches of water.

Who: Kids and up (Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.)
Where: Meet at Silverado Canyon Market parking lot (next to library), 28192 Silverado Canyon Road # B, Silverado, CA 92676, (714) 649-2082, and carpool to trailhead. National Forest Adventure Pass required to park at trailhead (available at Silverado Canyon Market, REI, Big 5, Turner's). $5 for day pass and $30 for annual pass.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (2-3 miles round-trip, semi-paved wide trail, shallow creek crossing with possibility of getting wet, smooth terrain, some elevation gain)

Special Instructions/Supplies: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before start time. Bring a minimum of 1 quart (32 oz) of water per person. Bring snacks and/or full meal. Wear weather protection (jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.), durable hiking socks and close-toed hiking shoes (extra pair for wet tours), long pants, and backpack for snacks. Bring swimsuit and towel for wet tours. Bring first aid kit (Band-Aids, antiseptic, allergy medicine, tweezers, etc.) and cell phone. Bring flashlight/headlamp and layered clothing for evening tours. Walking sticks are recommended for tours with stream crossings or uneven terrain.

RSVP: Please email [email protected] or call 714-649-9084, unless otherwise noted in description. Donations are appreciated (suggested amount of $10/adult, $5/child). Please leave your name, contact information, and total # in your party. We cannot be reached by cell phone at tour locations, so please ask questions and confirm tour details well in advance.

See http://www.naturalist-for-you.org/calendar.htm or join http://www.meetup.com/naturalist-for-you/ for upcoming tours. You can also follow our fan page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naturalist-For-You/355183848682?ref=ts

When
Fri Feb 11 6pm – 8pm Pacific Time
Where
Canyon Market, 28192 Silverado Canyon Road # B, Silverado, CA 92676