Wet 'n' Wild Black Star Falls Interpretive Tour, Difficulty = strenuous January 22, 2011

Follow a professional naturalist on a interpretive adventure up Black Star Creek into the heart of the Santa Ana Mountains. Splash through the streambed where newts congregate and stream orchids grow. Scramble over fossil embedded boulders. See one of the tallest and most dramatic waterfalls in Orange County!!! Prepare to get wet on a challenging journey through shady oaks, willows, and plenty of poison oak. Chance of seeing aquatic wildlife. Bring lunch and snacks.
Who: 13 and older
Where: Black Star Canyon, Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676. Take Santiago Canyon Rd east from Jamboree, follow past Irvine Lake, turn left on Silverado Cyn Rd, turn left on Black Star Cyn Rd, follow all the way to brown metal pipe gate (end of road) and park on dirt shoulder next to giant sandstone rock formation. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Difficulty: STRENUOUS - May feel like 10-15 miles round-trip, but it is actually only 7 miles round-trip. Bouldering and some scrambling involved. This trip is only for experienced hikers who have been on prior 7-10 mile excursions in backcountry settings with rough terrain.

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
Sat Jan 22 9am – 4pm Pacific Time
Where
Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676