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!