By Audrey F. Baker
February, highlighted by Valentine’s Day, is the month of romance. What better way to express your love of nature than by enjoying a walk in the park? With fresh, green growth and songbirds chiming their rhythms, sage and chaparral are exhibiting classic floral symbols of love.
Entwining vines of wild cucumber speak of embraces, and dense buddings of California Everlasting voice eternal devotion.
Rosetted Lance-Leaf Dudleya, magically growing on rocky slopes, attests to the strength gained from commitment and the willingness to overcome obstacles to flourish.
Even the inhospitable Coastal Prickly Pear Cactus contributes its sentiment, by displaying its own tribute, heart-shaped pads.
Take your inspiration from the voice of nature. Come delight in our February offerings.
Our MTRP Trail Guide walks are an opportunity to learn more about natural Southern California, with its unique landscapes, habitats, local history and plant and animal life. The walks are free, interesting, fact-filled and geared to all ages and interests. Grab sturdy shoes, that comfortable hat, water bottle and sunscreen and hit the trail!
Morning walks are offered every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. You’ll start from the park’s Visitor and Interpretive Center, One Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Carlos. The walk beginning from the Kumeyaay Lake Campground Entry Station, Two Father Junipero Serra Trail, at the San Carlos – Santee border, gives a different perspective of the park and its diverse habitats. These walks are offered from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, and take in historic Old Mission Dam. We meet by the flag poles.
Wildlife Tracking reveals the secret life of animals and brings insight into their survival techniques and habits. Tracking Team members assist in identifying and interpreting tracks, scat and habitats. Join us at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7 in front of the Visitor Center for a two-hour tracking adventure.
Reading with the Ranger combines a captivating nature story with an embellishing activity and an arts-and-crafts project based on the story theme. Ranger Heidi invites five- to seven-year-olds to join her on Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 – 11 a.m. and eight- to 10-year-olds to attend on Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 – 11 a.m. Reserve your spot at 619-668-3279 to meet Ranger Heidi in the Visitor Center Library.
Discovery Table: Owl Pellets is hands-on science presented by MTRP Trail Guides. You’ll dissect an owl pellet to discover what scientists learn when using this important tool to enhance their knowledge of our fascinating nighttime fliers. See you Saturday, Feb. 14 between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. inside the Visitor Center.
Star Party Marvels is your invitation to participate in solar exploration along with MTRP Resident Star Gazer George Varga. He’ll be scanning the skies for the Orion Nebula, Little Bee Hive in Canis Major, Open Clusters M36, 37 and 38 in Auriga and more! We observe from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14. (Rain/cloud cover cancel.) Meet us at the far end of the Kumeyaay Campground day use parking lot.
La Mesa Walk ‘n Talk combines a stroll with your MTRP Trail Guide along Lake Murray’s scenic and teaming shores with conversations in nature. On Tuesday, Feb. 17, we’ll chat up, “Our Rain/No-Rain Water Cycle,” and explore how local plant species resourcefully fight this survival challenge. Join us 9 –10:30 a.m., starting from the boat docks, Lake Murray, 5540 Kiowa Drive, La Mesa.
Bird Oak Grove Loop features expert MTRP birders Jeanne Raimond and Millie Basden on avian adventure among the trail’s varied landscapes. Winter months are the best birding time, as many migratory species are sighted along with local resident birds. Bring binoculars and bird book if you’ve got ‘em. See you Saturday, Feb. 21, 8 – 10 a.m. in front of the Visitor Center.
Family Discovery Walk, our essential “family time” experience, connects your little ones to nature. This interactive outing for parents and their children focuses on childhood enrichment and fun along the trail! Meet inside the Visitor Center on Sunday, Feb. 22, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Birding Basics, the 90-minute class conducted by Mission Trails Bird Guide Winona Sollock, teaches five simple techniques to identify birds “at a glance!” You’ll also pick up tips on bird field guide use. (Bringing one is optional.) Class meets on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. inside the Visitor Center.
Meanwhile, come on out and enjoy the park!
Visit www.mtrp.org for more information and our events calendar, or call 619-668-3281. Special walks can be arranged for any club, group, business or school by contacting Ranger Chris Axtmann at 619-668-2746 or at [email protected].
—Audrey F. Baker is a trail guide at Mission Trails Regional Park.
