By Jennifer Morrissey | Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation

Supporters gather for presentation on geology of Mission Trails

Members of the Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) community gathered for a special reception and presentation by Pat Abbott, Ph.D., a world-renowned geologist, presenter, and author of numerous books including “Geology–Mission Trails Regional Park.” A catered reception on the Visitor Center terrace preceded the presentation, and MTRP supporters had the opportunity to mingle and take in the stunning view of Mission Gorge.

During his lecture, Dr. Abbott explained the four phases of geologic history of MTRP, looking back over the past 126 million years. As Abbott demonstrated, the rocks within the park give testimony to very different topographies and climates.

This special program was organized to recognize friends and donors of the MTRP Foundation for their dedication and support of MTRP projects, programs, and initiatives. If you’d like to be invited to future donor events, please make a contribution to the MTRP Foundation! For more information, contact Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Morrissey at 619-582-4502 or email [email protected].

Photo contest winners announced

On June 10, the winners of the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation 26th annual Amateur Photo Contest were announced. Organized by Betty and Mike Ogilvie, the photo contest offers visitors to the park the opportunity to share their unique perspective of Mission Trails, one of the largest urban parks in the United States.

The MTRP Foundation received more than 180 entries from photographers of all ages, submitted in categories including landscapes, plants, and animals. The Best of Show award was presented to Michael Peddecord for his “Sphinx Moth on Sage.” Congratulations to all our winners, and thank you to the local photographers who participated.

Blind Lady Ale House to host fundraiser

The good people at Blind Lady Ale House — a favorite spot for pizza and craft beer — will donate a percentage of all sales on Sunday, July 29, to support Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP)! Gather up the friends and head to Blind Lady Ale House (BLAH) anytime that day to enjoy their award-winning pizza and craft beer knowing that your good time is also supporting the MTRP Foundation’s education programs!

The funds raised from the event will help bring more schoolchildren to experience MTRP, from elementary school field trips to sixth grade overnight campouts at MTRP’s Kumeyaay Lake Campground.

At BLAH, there will also be an opportunity drawing that includes gear from REI, gift certificates, and experiences. So mark the calendar, tell your friends, and plan to join us! Blind Lady Ale House — recently recognized by the Food Network as being one of the best pizza places in the country — is open on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to midnight and located at 3416 Adams Ave. in Normal Heights. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with open seating, but bring your ID if you plan to partake.

— Jennifer Morrissey is executive director of the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation. Reach her at [email protected].

MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK  EVENTS CALENDAR*

Wildlife Tracking Walks: 8:30 a.m., first Saturday each month – Visitor Center

Guided Nature Walks: 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday each week – Visitor Center

Guided Nature Walks Kumeyaay Lake Campground: 8:30 a.m., second and fourth Saturday each month – KLC Campground

Birding Basics: 1 p.m., last Saturday each month – Visitor Center

Bird Walks: 8 a.m., third Saturday each month – check website schedule for meeting locations

Family Discovery Walks: 3 p.m., fourth Sunday each month – Visitor Center

Discovery Table Demos: 10 a.m.–1 p.m., second Saturday each month – Visitor Center

Live Hawk Demos: 9 a.m.–noon, first Sunday each month – Visitor Center

Native American Flute Circle: 1 p.m.–3 p.m., second Sunday each month – Visitor Center Outdoor Amphitheater

Free Concert Series: 3 p.m., Sunday, July 15, jazz pianist, Yuko Maruyama – Visitor Center Theater

Free Concert Series: 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 5, jazz vocalist, Allison Adams Tucker – Visitor Center Theater

Summer Twilight Walks: 7:15 p.m., July 7 and July 21 – meet at Bushy Hill Parking Lot, across from KLC Campground

*Partial listing of monthly events at Mission Trails Park. View our website for full calendar of free activities and programs at mtrp.org or call the MTRP Visitor Center at 619-668-3281.