News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Summer Programs at New Melones Lake

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, 06/10/2009 10:55

For Release: June 10, 2009

The public is invited to attend the Bureau of Reclamation's summer programs at New Melones Lake. All activities are free of charge, suitable for all ages, and do not require reservations. Also, participants do not have to camp at New Melones to attend.

Tales of the Mother Lode - Campground Program
Saturday, June 13, 7 p.m.
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

Meet Hardluck Lin, a living history persona of Linda Teigland Clark, who "edu-tains" audiences with authentic tales of the Gold Rush. This presentation is designed to introduce the listener to a variety of Gold Rush characters, places, and events, thereby enhance their understanding of who and what shaped the history of the California Forty-Niner.

The Story of Stuff - Campground Program
Saturday, June 20, 7 p.m.
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

Do you ever wonder where your stuff comes from or where it goes? Come over and learn about stuff! Join Ranger Taylor for fun and learning about where stuff comes from, where it goes, what we do with it, and what we can do to reduce waste and conserve our natural resources.

Turtles and Tortoises - Campground Program
Saturday, June 27, 7 p.m.
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

Back by popular demand, Mr. Stan Reif will introduce everyone to his fascinating collection of native and exotic turtles and tortoises. Hear about their lives and challenges and the care these unique animals require. Mr. Reif's local sanctuary is a refuge for many neglected, abused, and non-releasable animals.

Close Encounters of the Reptilian Kind - Campground Program
Saturday, July 4, 6 p.m.
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

Join Special Guest Mike Sutton and his entourage of snakes, lizards, and toads for an evening of education and fun!

Hike to Natural Bridges - Ranger's Choice!
Sunday, July 5, 9 a.m.
Natural Bridges Trail

Come join us for an exciting walk into a secluded canyon and enjoy the cool waters of Coyote Creek -the creek that runs through a cave. A fun and educational morning awaits you. Enjoy the walk and get your questions answered! Meet at the Natural Bridges Trailhead on Parrots Ferry Road. Bring water, sunscreen and hiking shoes. This is a moderate-to-strenuous 1 mile downhill hike. Participants may return uphill on their own. No dogs allowed on the trail to Natural Bridges.

Ranger's Choice - Campground Program
Saturday, July 11, time TBD
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

Join the park rangers and volunteers for an exciting evening program that could be on just about anything! Come join us for a fun evening and learn something, too!

The Flying Mammal - Campground Program
Saturday, July 18, 8:30 p.m.
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

What are these mysterious creatures? Who are they? Where are they? Why are they important? To find out, join Ranger Casey who will have slides and activities for an evening of discovery.

Water Safety - Campground Program
Saturday, July 25, 7 p.m.
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

Summer is here, and there has never been a better time to play on the water! Come join Ranger Kevin for a night filled with fun as you learn about a very important topic: water safety. Don't forget to bring your life jackets for a courtesy ranger inspection - and a special prize! Play "Save the Ranger" and other fun activities. Activity books and other goodies will be given out.

Dangerous Creatures - Campground Program
Saturday, August 1, 8:30 p.m.
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

Join Park Ranger Hilary and learn about some of the creepy creatures at New Melones Lake. Learn how to avoid being injured and what to do if you are. Develop a better understanding of these creatures and how important they are to our own survival. This Junior Ranger Program is appropriate for ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Remnants of the Past - Ranger-Led Hike
Sunday, August 2, 9 a.m.
Norwegian Gulch Trail

Travel through history as you walk along the Norwegian Gulch trail with Ranger James. Identify the path of the old Sierra Railroad, search for remains of a gold mining camp, and learn how to protect our remnants of the past. This is an easy, family-friendly hike of about 1 mile. Meet at the New Melones Visitor Center and Museum. Bring water, sunscreen, and hiking shoes.

Ranger's Choice - Campground Program
Saturday, August 8, time TBD
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

Join the park rangers and volunteers for an exciting evening program that could be on just about anything! Come join us for a fun evening and learn something, too!

Skins, Scat, and Skulls - Campground Program
Saturday, August 15, 7 p.m.
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

Come and join Ranger Kevin to see a great collection of skins, scat, and skulls. Feel a bear's fur, examine real skulls, and identify tracks and scat. Discover where these animals live, what they eat, and which ones to avoid.

Ranger's Choice - Campground Program
Saturday, August 22, time TBD
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

Join the park rangers and volunteers for an exciting evening program that could be on just about anything! Come join us for a fun evening and learn something, too!

The History of Natural Bridges - Ranger-Led Hike
Saturday, August 29, 9 a.m.
Natural Bridges Trail

Discover the natural wonders along the trail of Natural Bridges as you explore with Ranger Phil. Hear the stories of "Old Bach" and the early inhabitants of this unique location. Meet at the Natural Bridges Trailhead on Parrots Ferry Road. Bring water, sunscreen, and hiking shoes. This is a moderate-to-strenuous 1 mile downhill hike. Participants may return uphill on their own. No dogs allowed on the trail to Natural Bridges.

Working With Water - Campground Program
Saturday, August 29, 8:30 p.m.
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

2009 is California's third consecutive critically dry water year. There has never been a better time to discuss the critical role water plays in our lives and what we can do to help conserve water during this uncertain time. Bring the whole family for the evening and play interactive games, watch a video called Drought Survival in California, and most importantly, learn 20 water-conserving tips that will help us through these dry times.

The Calaveras Community Band - Campground Program
Saturday, September 5, 6 p.m.
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

Come celebrate the end of summer with us! The Calaveras Community Band will be playing all your favorites until the sun goes down! Bring the family and enjoy one last summer night!

The Flora of Natural Bridges - Ranger-Led Hike
Sunday, September 6, 9 a.m.
Natural Bridges Trail

Hike along with Ranger Hilary to discover the diverse plant communities along the Natural Bridges Trail. Learn how to identify the communities and flora of Natural Bridges. Meet at the Natural Bridges Trailhead on Parrots Ferry Road. Bring water, sunscreen, and hiking shoes. This is a moderate-to-strenuous 1 mile downhill hike. Participants may return uphill on their own. No dogs allowed on the trail to Natural Bridges.

Man Eating Bugs - Campground Program
Sunday, September 6, 8:30 p.m.
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

Ever wonder what bugs taste like? Are they crunchy or slimy? Good or gross? Here's a chance to find out. Join Ranger Randy for an evening of entomophagy, the eating of insects, and never go hungry again. Try one and earn your "I Ate a Bug" club button!

Ranger's Choice - Campground Program
Saturday, September 12, time TBD
Ironhorse Amphitheater in the Glory Hole Recreation Area

Join the park rangers and volunteers for an exciting evening program that could be on just about anything! Come join us for a fun evening and learn something, too!

If you would like to participate in a program and need accommodation, please contact Park Ranger Tracy Neal at 209-536-9094 x215 or e-mail tneal@usbr.gov a minimum of 14 days in advance. The Federal Relay Service is available at 800-877-8339.

The New Melones Visitor Center and Museum is managed by Reclamation's Central California Area Office and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information on these activities, directions, pet restrictions, or any other questions, please call 209-536-9543.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

New Melones Visitors Center website