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