Aspire to An Awe Filled Life - by Bette Lee

It is with much regret that we volunteers and naturalists for the Laguna Canyon Foundation say goodbye to our trusted, generous and so dearly loved Volunteer Manager, Bette Lee.

Bette's dedication, professionalism, honesty and passion for both the canyon and her volunteer corps will be forever remembered by all who worked beside her. While we are eagerly awaiting the announcement of a future Volunteer Manager, and are looking forward to collaborating with him/her as much as possible, one thing is certain: there is no replacing Bette Lee.

As an involved member of our canyon's growing community of volunteers and visitors, I take the liberty tonight to publish the above words. With 2010 on its way, a new chapter for us volunteers and naturalists is about to begin. It is my hope that a renewed sense of excitement and appreciation for all on the trails, be it rock, plant or person, will come to define the upcoming year.

Tonight's post features a heart-felt message from Bette, destined to all of you who read this blog. It is entitled, "Aspire to An Awe Filled Life," and it shall be the final posting of this blog this year.

See you on the trails next year!
Jennifer Wood

Aspire to An Awe Filled Life - by Bette Lee

Awake each morning, potentially inspired, centered, with a sense that many options and opportunities stretch before you. Awe is a power unto itself, and by its very nature transforms us. The best part is it is free, natural, and continually available.


When you get out of bed in the morning and put your feet on the floor, give thanks that you are part of a great adventure, an ever-expanding journey.


Each moment is a gift. Savor it. Be in it. Even in the tough times, take a moment to breathe, ground yourself and become present in the moment.


Take time to consider bigger questions, such as how you are willing to use the space and time left to you.


Realize that you are MORE than petty or narrow judgments.


Stay open to the possibilities and surprises of life; they may be around the corner. When you’re in conversation or working, or just simply being, realize that change—often positive change—can spontaneously occur.


Pain is our teacher. As difficult as it is, pain can be an opening—as well as closure—to a new way of life. For example, if you are sad, perhaps you can view the sadness as a long neglected chance to slow down, appreciate subtleties, and consider life anew.


Try for balance. We all experience fragility and resiliency. To cope best with this life, acknowledge both your limits and your possibilities. Recognize that limits and possibilities play off one another and that to live fully one must be open to tearfulness as well exhilaration.


Accept change. Life is ever revolving. An ability to stay present to, and accept, the evolving nature of life is a powerful skill. As painful as conflict can be, realize that, like everything else, it too shall pass, and something new will emerge.


You are so much more than what you think you are. So take the leap if you dare, follow your grandest visions and dreams, and partake of the greatest investigation ever known—your own awe-filled life. Breathe in the awesomeness of life!


SO -

• Open to the mystery of Life and Being
• Surrender and Trust in the Unknowable
• Take a Leap of Faith into Your Future

New observations at the Park

Our good friend and fellow naturalist Len Gardner shares his observations of late:

Nov 29

In the stretch of upper Laurel between the waterfall and signpost 10, there are a few shoots of new growth. Maidenhair fern and Polypody fern are both putting out bright green new foliage. This is a hopeful sign in an otherwise continuing drought. Also, sagebrush has its flower buds out and Fuschia-flowered Gooseberry is sporting new leaves. Otherwise, things still look pretty bleak.

Dec 4

I stopped by the Nix this morning [...] While there, I checked for Jepsonia.

I could only find five plants, all near the picnic table on the knoll and all fading fast. Laura said that at Thanksgiving she found them doing well at the Conservancy. She pointed out it's more sheltered there and it was earlier. They're at their best in November.

In good news, there's rain in the forecast for next week. At this point, they're predicting serious rain (1" or more).

More Poetry Contributions!

Check out Volunteer Voices' "Poetry Corner" for more Poetry Contributions from Chuck Wright: http://www.lagunacoastwilderness.com/volunteer-voices/poetry

Dat Guy is at it again! :)

Read Part Two of Dat Guy's Series, "Asphalt Jungle to the Back Country – A Journey."

(Click HERE : http://www.lagunacoastwilderness.com/volunteer-voices/short-stories/dat-guy)

New Poetry Contributions!

We're so excited!!!! New Poetry Contributions have been added to the Permanent Site www.lagunacoastwilderness.com (in the volunteer voices section). We're also including them below, so that you can read them Right This Instant! :)

• Poetry by Jim von Tungeln

• Poetry by Patricia Minassian

Jim von Tungeln

Whispering Winds

Whispering winds through the window of my soul,

Gently asking me, "What is your true and final goal?

Looking around at all I see,

Assuming it is all just for me --

While it whispers sweetly to my soul --

"Don't you want to be set free?"

At the mountain top the flying ants put on their best wedding show,

So much to see, so much to know…

A long reflective walk back down through the blooming meadows of ancient green,

And then a quiet beckoning sunset that finally burst it's love deep within me.

I pray you, too, discover exactly what I mean.

Because deep down inside, I think, we all yearn so much to be finally set free.

Patricia Minassian

Dilley under the Oaks
11-14-09

A canyon grandfather provides the canopy under which I lay
I am a grateful interloper in a sacred place
Through a veil of delicate oak branches intertwined
Cirrus clouds swirl, ever-changing like oil on water
Impressionistic lace on lace
In the distance a loving pair call “squeaky clean!”, “squeaky clean!”
All the while, the woodpecker does her daily chores
Come In!

Naturalist Training Course Starts January 13, 2010

Train to be a Volunteer Naturalist!
The Spring 2010 Training Program Starts on January 13.

A training program for those wishing to become volunteer naturalists will be the subject of an 8-week course at Saddleback College: Ticket #14095, Environmental Studies 200: Naturalist Training.

The class is worth 2.5 units of college credit, and consists of 8 Wednesday evening seminars on topics ranging from ecology to human history, and 8 weekend field trips to various natural areas in Orange County. Instructors are some of the most dedicated and talented local scientists and naturalists.

There is a fee for the course. To enroll, call Saddleback College Admissions directly at 949-582-4555 or visit the website: www.saddleback.edu.

Throughout Orange County, setting aside open space is only a small part of preservation. The most important job is helping the public learn how to keep the wilderness wild while enjoying it.

As a volunteer, you can make it all happen!

After successful completion of the training program, you will be eligible to lead tours at a variety of local natural areas, such as Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Irvine Ranch Land Reserve, City of Irvine Open Space, Donna O'Neill Land Conservancy, Crystal Cove State Park, Chino Hills State Park, Cleveland National Forest, Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, O'Neill Regional Park, General Riley Wilderness Park, and many others.

For more information, please email Elisabeth Brown: LGreenbelt@aol.com

"Asphalt Jungle to the Back Country – A Journey" by Dat Guy

A "VOLUNTEER VOICES" ANNOUNCEMENT!

I am so excited to announce to you today the newest contribution to "Volunteer Voices" - a series entitled "Asphalt Jungle to the Back Country – A Journey," written and submitted by "Dat Guy."

Below, you will find the link to the very first part of Dat Guy's series.

http://www.lagunacoastwilderness.com/volunteer-voices/short-stories/dat-guy

Follow Dat Guy's writings on our new website, www.lagunacoastwilderness.com - the website dedicated to housing permanent articles, photos and information on the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, and maintained by yours truly!

Suggestions and comments are always welcome.
Keeping it WILD,
Jennifer Wood

Update at the Dilley Preserve - 30 October 2009

All photos in this update (except for one) were taken by Thea Gavin on 30 October 2009 at the James Dilley Preserve. Photo of the Twiggy Wreath by Jennifer Wood ;)
Above: Sycamore leaves in the morning sunlight.

10-30-2009: This morning at 7:45 AM, Thea Gavin (www.theagavin.com) and I went on a nice little hike on Canyon trail in the James Dilley Preserve. It was a nose-numbing 46 degrees outside, and our warm bodies were the only ones shivering in the otherwise peaceful, waking landscape.



We were greeted immediately by a very healthy-looking coyote - and I was ecstatic!; I realized that this was the very first time that I saw a coyote in our park (sounds strange, doesn't it? after all this time???). After the coyote went on his way, we headed towards the sign-in table, where we spotted some beautiful deerweed in bloom, and lots of croton. (Croton pictured to the left! along with my hand. Thea says I make a wonderful hand model. I am thus now rethinking my career.)




Lining the beginning of the trail were a few of my favorite sage scrub plants, including beautiful displays of California Buckwheat, new growth on California Sagebrush, and new blooms of Twiggy Wreath. (To right: Twiggy Wreath). Of the more remarkable changes to be noticed were the new white and pink flowers which crowded the crowns of the buckwheat plants, creating a very colorful compilation of brown, red, pink and cream tones. (To left, buckwheat). This new blooming reminded me of the power of rain and its gift of life the plant community. (We did get some rain this past month, along with some humidity and lower temperatures, and some of the plants have taken advantage of the situation to get their reproductive processes underway!)



As the sun rose higher in the sky, beautiful silver linings haloed the dried out phacelia (right), and warmed up the air sufficiently for the bees to begin vibrating their wings and to start a new day of flight (below, left).















Update on the lemonade berries in the park: While I recently observed that the lemonade berries on our trails were lacking in zing, some of the lemonade berries at Dilley have a slight zing left in them. It really depends on location, and on the shrub/tree's individual timing.

Thanks for reading!
Jennifer

"In All Her Glory" - Acrylic on Canvas by W. Bradley Elsberry

"In All Her Glory" ~ Acrylic on Canvas ~ 36 x 48" ~ C. 2007
by W. Bradley Elsberry

After a photo taken by Mr. Elsberry on the old Laguna Canyon Road in 2005.

Take a look at a not-so-distant past, when the old Laguna Canyon Road was a two-lane, winding path from the ocean to the freeways. Now, go back in your mind, quietly, slowly. Do you remember how dark and mysterious that road was, when you drove along it at night? How many curves did you count in that road, and how few cars passed you by? Do you remember seeing the cattle by day? How about the hippo? And what about the view that you had at the north end, looking out towards Irvine?

It is true, that simple two-laner is no longer with us, and the memory of it through first-hand experience may likely end with those who are now in their early twenties. At twenty-five, I sometimes find myself making a conscious effort to keep my recollections of the old canyon road vividly sketched in my mind. Luckily for me, there are archives to consult when my memory lacks - including photos, written accounts (stories, poetry, news articles, etc.), and art. These resources fill in the gaps and educate me about the past I never knew, before my existence on Earth even began.

Yet, references to the past do not have to come strictly from the past. Today, through certain forms of expression, we can bring back the old canyon road in its myriad colors and curves, and recount the thousands of stories of those who traveled upon it. This is especially the case with art, and more specifically, with painting.

In August, I wrote about Candice Bohannon's magnificent oil on canvas entitled "Cardoons," painted in 2008. (Read the post on "Cardoons" HERE). "Cardoons" acts very much as a testament to the changing destiny of Laguna Canyon Road, as it evokes in its very imagery the transition commanded by man from a time of simplicity to an era of booming construction and heavy commuting. With the orange fencing representing mitigation work along the 133, and the cardoons' presence suggesting man's disruption of the soil layers, "Cardoons" asks us to not only understand the new reality of the much larger and expanded Laguna Canyon Road, but to bring back into view the simpler road that we lost to changing needs.

Local artist W. Bradley Elsberry of Irvine also brings back the memory of the old Laguna Canyon Road through his acrylic on canvas entitled, "In All Her Glory," painted in 2007. It is this very special work that I wish to share with you all today. Elsberry's piece gives us a beautiful glimpse of a part of the road (or part of the land sitting just beside the old road) that can no longer be accessed today, for its very existence has been forever modified by tractors and construction. It also evokes the native life that was lost, and the implications of such a loss on our consciousness. Below, you'll find a few of Elsberry's personal comments, that he has graciously accepted to share with us on the blog.

"This portrait of this tree could be considered a "Nude" since at this point in her life cycle she has at last shed all her leaves and the late afternoon light guilds the beautiful form and textures normally hidden from view. While this tree is no longer green it should be noted that there is new growth coming up from her roots. At first glance desolate, this is actually a look at a moment when the time of day, the time of year, and this time of transition in this tree's life give us a clear golden look at this Oak tree's strength and beauty.

"I photographed this tree along the side of old Laguna Canyon Road in 2005 and it was not spared when the new road went through. I like to think that some of the smaller Oaks still standing are her offspring." - W. Bradley Elsberry

Elsberry's paintings are currently being represented by Len Wood's Indian Territory Gallery in Laguna Beach, and can be seen on the gallery's website HERE.

Until next time,
Jennifer

Volunteer Voices: Chuck Wright

Today I received an email with some inspired poetry, written by LCF volunteer Chuck Wright.

In order to maintain the poems' visual composition, I am unable to publish them on this blog, but I have put them here: PLEASE CLICK HERE to read Chuck Wright's poetry! (Thank you, Chuck, for sharing your pieces with us!)

Please email me with your contributions and we will be able to develop a section online entitled "Volunteer Voices."

Contact: Jennifer at lagunacanyon@gmail.com

Laurel Loop Update: 24 October 2009

Trail Update - 24 October 2009 - Laurel Loop (Lower Laurel Trail and Willow Trail)

Hello, Friend!

This morning I hiked Laurel Loop (started on Lower Laurel, to finish at the end of Willow), from 8:45-10:20 AM. It was an absolutely beautiful morning, with warm temperatures, a beautiful blue sky with few scattered clouds, and the sweet smell of mulefat perfuming the air.

(photo on left: view from Lower Laurel today, looking towards the Laguna Canyon Road)

It had been a while since my last visit to the Willow Staging area, and the land somehow "feels" different to me, as if it is fuller, a bit heavier, less dusty - perhaps due to the recent rain that we received this month?

As I was on somewhat of a schedule this morning, I could not take my usual four hours to minutely observe what was going on in the canyon. I did succeed, however, in obtaining a general overview of the loop, and noted a few of the more obvious changes, to share with you today.

It was absolutely fantastic to get out on the trails again. Here are a few of my observations, for the record:


1. The Lemonade Berries have lost their Zing! Bam! Punch! and most of the "slimy" coating has left, leaving only a nice coat of oak woodland dust to color the berries a darker hue of red (bordering red-black in some instances). Their tart, lemon taste has almost faded completely. Guess we'll have to wait until the next batch comes along...





2. The fuschia-flowered gooseberry is just starting to leaf out on Lower Laurel, in the oak woodland portion. Exciting!



3. Toyon is in bloom in certain areas of Lower Laurel Trail. Take a look at these beauties!!!





4. I have a tradition of taking a photograph from this vantage point, of the California False Indigo and the surrounding plants/trail. You can observe the changes in the area in comparing this photo with the others, HERE.



The leaves of the False Indigo, especially their color loss/gain, was noted.


5. Speaking of color, Len Gardner recently mentioned the color of the Poison Oak at Aliso and Wood Canyons. He expressed his amazement at "the color in the poison oak leaves, which seems to be at a peak now. Even though poison oak starts to get color as early as June in some drought-stressed locations, most does not color up until this time of year. Right now, it's really very colorful." On Laurel Loop, the beautiful colors of green and red are also visible, especially in the oak woodlands.

As I mentioned in my earlier post today, I am excitedly awaiting your contributions to the blog! And I will be posting some art on the blog this next week. So, stay tuned!

Keeping it WILD,
Jennifer Wood

We are Back on the Blog - and So Are You!

Hello Everybody!

Well, I have a lot to catch up on, since the last time I posted (exactly 3 weeks ago - ouch!). The absence of news has not been without cause - a sprained muscle in my foot was the culprit, keeping me immobile and off our trails! For those of you who have checked in regularly, I apologize for the wait and for the lack of news. But thank you for your loyal readership!

Being unable to get outdoors and enjoy the coastal sage scrub, the oak woodlands, the grasslands, etc. these past three weeks really made me feel badly for the handicapped, who have little-to-no chance of enjoying our canyon like the rest of us mobile, healthy bipeds do. Sure, while I was on crutches for most of my injury, and could probably get up enough courage to visit the Nix Nature Center and look at the canyon through the windows, I knew that it would be impossible for me to "crutch-it" up Little Sycamore, Lower Laurel, Willow, Canyon, and all the other trails. Almost everything became "off-limits" to me - it was like a cruel taunting, a mirage of water in a dropless desert. Nope, I couldn't step onto the single tracks. I couldn't go even 10 feet up Little Sycamore. There was absolutely no way to get away from the canyon road. And even if I had found someone to push me in a wheelchair, it would have been in vain, for our trails are in no state to accommodate such contraptions.

Being handicapped and forced into a state of immobility also highlighted in my mind just how much the canyon has become part of my normal, weekly lifestyle. To not be able to get a whiff of the mulefat or the California sagebrush when Saturday came around left me with a noticeably duller, blander weekend. To not know how the birds were doing or with what kind of intensity they were singing their songs, and to not be able to watch the subtle changes in the plants, I felt increasingly out-of-the-loop, in another world, waiting, as a sailor far out at sea, to cross the interminable horizon and to reach my home port again.

A few of you have recently received requests for contributions to this blog, and I am excited about the articles, photos and observations that you have mentioned you will share in the upcoming weeks and months. Please let me know if you have any questions - you can email me any questions and your contributions at lagunacanyon@gmail.com.

Many of you have recently discovered my blog through the newsletter, "Canyon Views," sent home to you just recently. If this is your first time here, I strongly encourage you to get a feel for this blog by looking through the archives and reading some past posts. Recently, I have attempted to include fine art, depicting scenes of Laguna Canyon, in this online setting. If you know of any artist who has been inspired by Laguna Canyon and has shown this inspiration in their works, please let me know, and I will be happy to feature their art. A magnificent work by W. Bradley Elsberry is coming soon - so stay tuned!

So! To Come:
- Original Acrylic on Canvas by W. Bradley Elsberry
- Updates on the Trails of the Canyon
- Your contributions, comments, and questions? :)

Your friend keeping it WILD,
Jennifer Wood
lagunacanyon@gmail.com

California Coffeeberry, Stinking Gourd, and Mysteries at Aliso and Wood Canyons Park

Hiking at Aliso and Wood Canyons Park this morning with a friend, I came across a plant that I hadn't met before on the trail: California Coffeeberry! Here's a quick photograph of it (see left). For more pictures of the California Coffeeberry taken today, please click HERE.

"California Coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica) prefers somewhat more moist conditions than the other Rhamnus species and is more prevalent in somewhat shady environments, such as canyon bottoms and near creeks. Leaves are soft and elongate, with rounded margins. The fruit is a two-seeded, relatively large, round berry that turns red before becoming black at maturity." (p.261 of Oscar Clarke's Flora of the Santa Ana River and Environs).


I also was excited to note the large leaves of this stinking gourd plant. (Note the poison oak surrounding the stinking gourd - I made sure my friend, who is "giving me a hand" with scale in the photo, wasn't touching any of it!)

I asked a few of my knowledgeable plant friends about the size of the leaves, since I have been used to seeing leaves just a bit larger than the length of my hand at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park ( the Willow/Lower Laurel trails instantly come to mind ). Here, at the Aliso and Wood Canyons park, the leaves were double the length of my hands! I have been told that this larger size is quite normal, given the better living conditions this plant has at Aliso and Wood Canyons. Truly, with its more abundant water supply and good sun exposure allowing optimum growth, there is no reason for the leaves to be smaller than they are currently. It just goes to show you what more water can do for our native plants... I'd love to see this kind of growth in our plants at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park!

A few final observations from the trails this morning:

- I noticed some bush mallow (with lavender colored flowers [we also have a white flowered bush mallow in the canyon]) in full bloom on Wood Canyon trail. Most of the bush mallow in our parks has already been in bloom months ago; yet Oscar Clarke notes in his Flora of the Santa Ana River and Environs that bush mallow's flowers "may occur over a wide range of seasons, given sufficient precipitation" (180). I wonder if this particular bush mallow plant has been in continuous bloom since May/June when I first started to notice the mallow blooms in the canyon and on Irvine Ranch lands - or if this is the first blooming since a long while... It really makes me want to get out more than I do, plant myself in the earth amongst the rest of creation, and just watch us all grow together. I'd have so many more answers!

- There weren't any bees buzzing in the tree along Wood Canyon trail that I had come to know well (about 1 mile from gate 7?). What happened to their hive? Why the total absence of bees? Earlier this year, bees were buzzing all about the tree, flying back and forth from all over, and making themselves known to all. Who can tell me about bees, and why none were to be heard/seen today? (The hive is just after this water crossing, to the left, if walking towards Soka University on Wood Canyon Trail. Note the atrocious non-native plant thriving in the water. WHAT IS THAT PLANT? YUCK!)

- The weather today was just glorious. How lucky are we to have such sunshine and such deep, blue skies in the beginning of October?! Yet let us be wary as the Santa Ana winds come upon us - in these drought conditions, every season seems to be fire season - your heightened awareness of your activities and of others will help us all keep our treasured parks safe.

That's it for today - hopefully I'll have more updates for you soon.
And I'm counting on some of our newest volunteers to send me their submissions! ;)

With the cry of our local red-tailed hawks in my heart,
Jennifer

Natural History Lecture Series at the Orange County Great Park

Hello all - I am posting this information here since the events are close to our park and the subject matter is pertinent to what goes on in Laguna Canyon. More updates on our beautiful canyon will be coming soon!

On the Orange County Great Park's website, http://www.ocgp.org, one can find this very exciting announcement: (Click here to access their page directly)

October 8 and 22, 2009
7:00 PM, at Second Harvest
Free Parking & Admission

The Orange County Great Park will be a new center for experiencing our natural world, and understanding how people and our environment can advance together. The first expression of this mission is a new public and free evening lecture series offering new insights into our natural and dynamic world of Southern California. Our first speakers this fall will confront issues critical for us to have a sustainable world.

After the presentations, there will be ample time for a public discussion of the issues these fascinating speakers will present to us.

Lectures will be held adjacent to the Great Park in the Executive Conference Room of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, 8014 Marine Way, Irvine, CA. Please enter Marine Way from Sand Canyon Avenue and follow the signs to Second Harvest Food Bank.

For information please call 949-724-7420.

Lecture Schedule

Native California Bees Looking for New Real Estate
Thursday, October 8, 7:00 PM
Presented by Gordon Frankie, Ph.D., Professor of Entomology at UC-Berkeley
Pollinators are necessary partners for our food supply, critical for California agriculture, as well as sustaining our natural habitats. Dr. Frankie is a world expert on the ecology of bees and their fascinating adaptations for survival. After years of studying tropical and California bee species, he has begun to focus on our urban environments, understanding the hundreds of bee species around us, often ignored, and their role in sustaining our home gardens and communities. Have you thanked a bee today? Let Dr. Frankie tell you why you should!

21st Century Megafires in Southern California: Adapting to Fires in Paradise
Thursday, October 22, 7:00 PM
Presented by Jon Keeley, Ph.D., U. S. Geological Survey, and Adjunct Professor of Ecology, UCLA
Wildfire! A constant concern and fear for our human communities, and a big factor that molds the natural world around us. We struggle against fire, every year, yet the plants and animals of our region have managed to survive for eons under the pressure of regular and devastating fires. Dr. Keeley is a world expert on the “ecology of fire,” how plants manage with this stress and how the habitats around us persist and change as fires sweep through. How do they do it? What does the future hold for our communities as the frequency of wildfires changes as our climate changes?

Destruction of Wildliife Habitat Next to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Hello to all.

This past week I was contacted by Marcus, a concerned fellow resident of the area, who has become very concerned, frustrated, and saddened by the destruction of wildlife habitat just next to the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

His message was as follows: Hi, We live adjacent the end of the Lake Forest Road.
They bulldozed that area a couple of years ago to start to make way for the connection to the 133. Yesterday and moreso today they have been cuttin tall trees in a grove that does not block the road direction. Please see our site http://www.shinhill.com for the area. Tomorrow I will have pictures up of the current destruction.

There are three endangered species there among others:

Check this map for a map of the area that links these species:

http://imaps.dfg.ca.gov/viewers/cnddb_quickviewer/app.asp

I called the fish and game dept and got a run around. What can be done to stop it?

Unprocessed CNDDB Data for TUSTIN Quad (3311767) - 20 elements selected Record QUADNAME SCINAME COMNAME FEDSTATUS CALSTATUS 1 Tustin Ixobrychus exilis least bittern None None 2 Tustin Accipiter cooperii Cooper's hawk None None 3 Tustin Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus California black rail None Threatened 4 Tustin Rallus longirostris levipes light-footed clapper rail Endangered Endangered 5 Tustin Calypte costae Costa's hummingbird None None 6 Tustin Selasphorus sasin Allen's hummingbird None None 7 Tustin Picoides nuttallii Nuttall's woodpecker None None 8 Tustin Eremophila alpestris actia California horned lark None None 9 Tustin Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus sandiegensis coastal cactus wren None None 10 Tustin Polioptila californica californica coastal California gnatcatcher Threatened None 11 Tustin Vireo bellii pusillus least Bell's vireo Endangered Endangered 12 Tustin Dendroica petechia brewsteri yellow warbler None None 13 Tustin Icteria virens yellow-breasted chat None None 14 Tustin Aimophila ruficeps canescens southern California rufous-crowned sparrow None None 15 Tustin Chondestes grammacus lark sparrow None None 16 Tustin Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi Belding's savannah sparrow None Endangered 17 Tustin Ammodramus savannarum grasshopper sparrow None None 18 Tustin Carduelis lawrencei Lawrence's goldfinch None None 19 Tustin Choeronycteris mexicana Mexican long-tongued bat None None 20 Tustin Calochortus catalinae Catalina mariposa-lily None None Results for EL TORO Quad (3311766) - 34 elements selected Record QUADNAME SCINAME COMNAME FEDSTATUS CALSTATUS 1 El Toro Anaxyrus californicus arroyo toad Endangered None 2 El Toro Spea hammondii western spadefoot None None 3 El Toro Elanus leucurus white-tailed kite None None 4 El Toro Accipiter cooperii Cooper's hawk None None 5 El Toro Buteo regalis ferruginous hawk None None 6 El Toro Athene cunicularia burrowing owl None None 7 El Toro Eremophila alpestris actia California horned lark None None 8 El Toro Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus sandiegensis coastal cactus wren None None 9 El Toro Polioptila californica californica coastal California gnatcatcher Threatened None 10 El Toro Vireo bellii pusillus least Bell's vireo Endangered Endangered 11 El Toro Icteria virens yellow-breasted chat None None 12 El Toro Aimophila ruficeps canescens southern California rufous-crowned sparrow None None 13 El Toro Ammodramus savannarum grasshopper sparrow None None 14 El Toro Rhinichthys osculus ssp. 3 Santa Ana speckled dace None None 15 El Toro Eumops perotis californicus western mastiff bat None None 16 El Toro Neotoma lepida intermedia San Diego desert woodrat None None 17 El Toro Actinemys marmorata pallida southwestern pond turtle None None 18 El Toro Phrynosoma blainvillii coast horned lizard None None 19 El Toro Aspidoscelis hyperythra orangethroat whiptail None None 20 El Toro Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri coastal whiptail None None 21 El Toro Salvadora hexalepis virgultea coast patch-nosed snake None None 22 El Toro Thamnophis hammondii two-striped garter snake None None 23 El Toro Crotalus ruber ruber northern red-diamond rattlesnake None None 24 El Toro Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest None None 25 El Toro Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest None None 26 El Toro Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland None None 27 El Toro Southern Riparian Scrub Southern Riparian Scrub None None 28 El Toro Streptocephalus woottoni Riverside fairy shrimp Endangered None 29 El Toro Pentachaeta aurea ssp. allenii Allen's pentachaeta None None 30 El Toro Dudleya multicaulis many-stemmed dudleya None None 31 El Toro Nama stenocarpum mud nama None None 32 El Toro Nolina cismontana Peninsular nolina None None 33 El Toro Brodiaea filifolia thread-leaved brodiaea Threatened Endangered 34 El Toro Calochortus weedii var. intermedius intermediate mariposa-lily None None

Watch a little footage that Marcus took on September 22, 2009 (the movement that you'll see on your screen near the end may leave a cold, dark pit feeling in the center of your stomach - it did for me...) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_brrwOBgNZ4


After trying to find some contact information for Marcus, so that he could avoid getting the run-around and start getting results, I realized once again how tragic it is that we are unable to stop the destruction of our wild lands just by individually stepping outside, walking up to those "in charge" and speaking sense to them (yes - SENSE, not "cents"...). Yet perhaps even more tragic is my lack of a fully combative spirit/attitude, faced with this desolate news. Sure, I'm a dedicated naturalist and volunteer for the Laguna Canyon Foundation and the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, and I'll post this information on my blog tonight, hoping that those who follow it will become aware of this issue and make a difference in their own way - but will this actually change anything at all? Will I really have done "my part" in posting this information online? Will your awareness help our lands?

I could write paragraphs on the moral implications of the challenges that we face daily here in Southern Orange County in regards to our natural lands - but we all know what they are, and we all know what's gone wrong. So tonight, I leave you simply with a single question, one that I will ask myself as I get quietly into bed: What will it take for us to want to help Marcus in his search for justice, for protection of these lands? What will get us motivated enough to become the true authorities, the true stewards of the land?

Until next time...

The Results are in for Laguna Beach's Coastal Cleanup Day (9-19-09)

California Coastal Cleanup Day: Laguna Beach September 19, 2009

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of California Coastal Cleanup Day, nearly 800 volunteers here in Laguna Beach took part in what has become an international event that focuses on removing debris from the open spaces, streams, lakes, estuaries and marine habitats worldwide.

In Laguna Beach 2800 lbs. was collected, consisting of 1600 lbs. of regular trash plus 1200 lbs. of recyclables.

Unusual items found were an intact lobster trap found in a Heisler Park cove, a brand new folding chair still in its wrapping, a large metal crate plus a small vessel boom and winch system.

Combining forces to supervise the cleanup of almost 5 miles of sand plus 1 mile of the Aliso Creek streambed were Michael Hazzard (Aliso Creek Steelhead), Rick Conkey (Help Blue Water) and Roger von Bütow (Clean Water Now! Coalition). They were assisted by numerous critical site leaders who helped organize the yearly event and gave up their beautiful Saturday morning to help turn the tide against trash locally.

Volunteers from Tesoro and Upland High Schools came out in force along with other local students plus our usual boy and girl scout troops from inland. Approximately 2/3 of our volunteers do not live or work in Laguna but travel significant distances to do their share for California’s coastal ecologies.

Kudos to Michelle Clark of Waste Management of Orange County who helped by having her crew collect and weigh the trash for us, also the underwater folks from South OC Divers and La Verne Dive Club sprinkled throughout the coves that pulled up their fair share.

Personal thanks to: Perennial participants Hearts of Montage led by Christine Loidolt, John Krill (Laguna Beat), Joanne Sutch, Art Fahy, Earl Longstreet, David Marchese, Trevor Keetch (Pacific Edge Hotel), Mike Cohan (Spencer Recovery), Bill Thornton (South OC Divers), Michel Olyer (Advisor Upland HS), Michal Peri (GS Troop 2084), Joseph Hassine (Tesoro HS) and the Dr. Russ Hill clan.

As a state-wide effort coordinated by the California Coastal Commission, we’re grateful to their educational program staff, Eben Schwartz and Shannon Waters, who also assist us throughout the year in our local Adopt-A-Beach cleanups.

Contact: Roger von Bütow Clean Water Now! 949.715.1912

CPR and Wilderness First Aid Training at Willow Staging Area, 09-19-09

On Saturday, September 19th 2009, a group of volunteers and naturalists for the Laguna Canyon Foundation participated in CPR and Wilderness First Aid Training.


From 8-11:45 AM, Compression-only CPR and Wilderness First Aid techniques and preparation were covered. Here are a few of the emergency scenarios that were reviewed (list non-exhaustive):

• Breathing is present yet labored
• snake bites
• fractures
• bleeding
• choking
  
• shock management
• asthma
• heart and stroke conditions
• stroke vs. heat stroke
• clinical health survival chances

All participants practiced their compression-only CPR techniques along with placing a victim into the "recovery" position. Watch the video HERE to observe the proper technique for the RECOVERY position.



Kirsten asks a question, other volunteers and naturalists listen attentively.

Mike telling the group about first aid preparation.

The rest of the photos below are those of volunteers practicing their Recovery Position skills with volunteer Damon. Thanks to everyone who came and participated in CPR Training! You are helping to keep our parks safe and WILD!

Volunteer Orientation A Success!

On Saturday, September 12th, 2009, the Laguna Canyon Foundation hosted its final Volunteer Orientation for the 2009 calendar year.

This last group of incoming volunteers was quite inspiring, not only due to their collective interest & passion for the South Coast Wilderness, but also due to their sheer number! An all-time record turnout of 26 new individuals was reported on Saturday!

Laguna Canyon Foundation's volunteers are so important to the vitality and preservation of our beautiful South Coast Wilderness. Here are just some of the essential roles that they take on during their hours on duty (list non-exhaustive):

• they greet the visiting public at the major "staging areas" (Trailheads) of the park, ensuring that everyone has the information and equipment they need to fully enjoy their experience on the trails (providing maps, brochures, water, advice, etc.)
• they participate in trail maintenance
• they participate in plant restoration days (remove non-native plants from the park's trails)
  
• they work in Laguna Canyon's nursery of native plants
  
• they work at the front desk of the Nix Nature Center, fielding the public's questions both on the phone and in person, recommending appropriate hikes, taking reservations for the park's monthly led hikes and activities, assisting Foundation and County staff, etc.
  
• they participate in special events throughout the county as representatives of Laguna Canyon Foundation
• they are the eyes and ears of the land, reporting both exciting discoveries of wildlife activity as well as suspicious activity in the park - keeping our knowledge of what goes on in the wild as current and complete as possible.

To all of you who participated in the latest Volunteer Orientation, thank you so very much for joining us - we are so glad that you are on our team! And to those of you who have just discovered us, be it online or in the canyon, we can't wait to welcome you, too!

Please feel free to contact Volunteer Trainer Jennifer Wood at lagunacanyon@gmail.com for more information on how you can become a volunteer for the Laguna Canyon Foundation.

Become a Volunteer for the Laguna Canyon Foundation

Laguna Canyon Foundation's Volunteer Orientation

Saturday, September 12th, 2009 from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM
at the Nix Nature Center - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Learn about various volunteer opportunities, from greeting park visitors to helping with wilderness restoration projects, leading hikes and other activities.

Full Moon Hike at Willow

Full moon at Willow - September 4, 2009
Photo taken at 8:30 PM on Willow Trail

This evening, Laura Cohen led her wonderful Full Moon Hike at Willow, starting at 6 PM. We started up Lower Laurel Trail, along which Laura spoke about the beauty of our cherished wilderness and the importance of celebrating the special moments that we either step into or create - both in our park & in life in general.



Starting on Lower Laurel there were many acorns to be seen on the Coast Live Oaks, as seen below.


High above and far away from us, sat a raptor of some sorts. In binoculars, I believe to have observed yellow talons and a yellow beak. The body of this raptor was a dark brown with red highlights, through and through. He/she was huge!!!!! What I love about this photo is the aura of light that surrounds this majestic beauty. Anyone want to say this is a rarely seen Golden Eagle? Laura and I are hoping it was!


The poison oak and the California Buckwheat were displaying rich and varied hues of red, contrasting wonderfully with the various yellow and blue greens, and that creamy golden tone that I love so much.


Our California False Indigo that I have been tracking over time was rather droopy and dry - no doubt due to the heat spell that we've been having. Usually, False Indigo is found at higher elevations - I felt badly for it.


But my feelings went quickly from sad to happy ones when I turned around and saw this beautiful rose-colored cloud grouping in the sky.


It was in the mid-80s when we began our hike at 6:00 PM and it was quite warm the whole evening, especially going up Lower Laurel (which is no easy walk in the park, let's admit it). In fact, the heat combined with the upward climb and challenging terrain reminded us of the importance of knowing the trails and coming to the park prepared.

Which leads me to my (important) side note.

For those of you who are volunteers and naturalists, please remember that it is vitally important to ensure that the public understands what the trails involve and demand physically. If you are leading/sweeping a hike, please tell your visitors what they can expect (what kind of terrain, elevation gain, for how long) and give an idea of how it might be more challenging for certain physical limitations (bad backs, knees, ankles, etc.).

For those of you coming to the park on your own, do your best to inform yourself as to the conditions of the trail and to what you need to get out and back safely. If an advertised hike sounds appealing to you because of its title, make sure to read the description of the hike, and double check with the hike leaders before embarking on your journey to make sure that the description in words truly reflects reality. (If the word "strenuous" is used in the hike's description, but you have a really bad back and cannot do inclines without shooting pains every ten seconds, don't just overlook the mention of "strenuous" because you want to see the full moon on a hike in the park... believe me, it's not fun!!!)

So now that my side-note has been said, what were the other memorable highlights of the evening? Hearing poorwills in the dark as we descended Willow, listening in the not-so-quiet night to Laura's bat detector (and me making tricky sounds to fool us all), Ranger Sarah using the black light to detect the florescence of rat urine, and learning about how cats need only 1/16th of the light that we humans need to see objects clearly were definitely highlights for me.

And then, of course, there was the moon.
Hope to see you on a Full Moon hike in the near future!