By JENNIFER MORRISSEY

After 20 long months, we are pleased to announce that November 2021 marks the return of many programs at Mission Trails Regional Park. These activities include free, guided walks by the park’s volunteer Trail Guides; the monthly Hawk Talk and Native Flute Circle at the Visitor Center; Star Parties presented by the San Diego Astronomy Association; and the volunteer work crews.

In addition, we have some special programs in November including the “Dasha on the Trail” children’s book event on Saturday, Nov. 13, and Pat Abbott will continue his new online series “Mother Nature in San Diego” with three additional presentations. Registration for the book signing and online series and a full listing of all the park’s programs are available on the Mission Trails website: mtrp.org.

The giving season is upon us, and we hope that the park’s neighbors will support Mission Trails, a regional treasure, on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 30. All donations to the MTRP Foundation will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $30,000 if made before Dec. 31, 2021. In addition to knowing that your gift will support Mission Trails’ wildlife, improve trails, restore habitat, fund education programs and inspire our next generation of environmental stewards, your donation can entitle you to special benefits including a new MTRP calendar and other thank-you gifts. Donations can be made online through the MTRP website, and on the donation webpage you can also download a form to mail in your contribution. Thank you!

Another important way to support the park through the MTRP Foundation is by shopping the Gift Shop at the Visitor Center and our online store (mtrpstore.org). Select from Mission Trails-branded items, guidebooks, books for adults and children, toys, Kumeyaay pottery and baskets, and more. We have many new items that celebrate California wildlife and native plants, and practical tools for outdoorsy family and friends.

If you plan to do much of holiday shopping through Amazon and/or shop the site regularly, please note that the MTRP Foundation is a member of the Amazon Smile program and a percentage of all of your purchases can be a contribution to the park. Simply search the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation on Amazon Smile and select us as your beneficiary.

Have family visiting over the holidays? Here are some ideas for fun, free outings at the park:

MTRP Trail Guide Walks

Please wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bring bottled water. Reservations are not required, and the walks are canceled if raining.

Walks from the MTRP Visitor Center: 9:30-11 a.m. every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Walks at Kumeyaay Lake Campground: 8:30-10 a.m. on Nov. 13 and 27, and each second and fourth Saturday.

Hawk Talk: Live Hawk Demonstration

This is a drop in, free presentation.

9 a.m.-noon, each first Sunday of the month.

Star Parties at MTRP

Join members of the San Diego Astronomy Association for viewings of the night sky through telescopes. Please avoid the use of flashlights and white light in the area of the events. Cloudy skies and/or rain cancels the event. Free, and no registration is necessary.

Kumeyaay Lake Campground Day Use Lot

First Friday of the month, beginning at dusk.

West Sycamore Staging Area in Scripps Ranch

Third Friday of the month, beginning at dusk.

Meet in the parking lot at the far-east end of Stonebridge Parkway.

— Jennifer Morrissey is executive director of the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation.