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Reclamation Announces Fall Hikes at New Melones Lake
Media Contact:
Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, 09/08/2009 19:49
For Release: September 08, 2009
The Bureau of Reclamation invites you to join a Park Ranger on one of many assorted hikes this fall to explore the diversity of nature and history around New Melones Lake. Bring plenty of water and clothing appropriate for the weather. All hikes are weather permitting and free of charge; no reservations are needed. We look forward to seeing you there.
Sunday, October 4, 9 a.m., Norwegian Gulch Hike, "Remnants of the Past" Travel through history as you walk along the Norwegian Gulch trail with Ranger Kevin. 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.
DIFFICULTY: This is a family-friendly hike, about 1 mile, easy, with a few short steep areas.
INSTRUCTIONS: Meet at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum at 9 a.m.
Saturday, October 10, 9 a.m., Heron Point Hike, "Federal Stimulus Provides for Stimulating Work at New Melones" The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, also known as the "Recovery Act," was passed by Congress in January and signed into law by President Obama in February. The ARRA funds are part of a stimulus package that is an important component of the President's plan to jumpstart the economy, create or save jobs, and put a down payment on addressing the nation's challenges. Reclamation secured a portion of these funds for use at New Melones Lake. Hike along with ARRA Project Coordinator Jerimy Munroe as he demonstrates the improvements this money is providing to our trail system. This program complements the formal program presented on Thursday, October 8, at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center & Museum at 7 p.m. Be sure to catch them both.
DIFFICULTY: This is an easy 2-mile hike.
INSTRUCTIONS: Meet at the Tuttletown Entrance Station at 9 a.m. Participants will receive a parking pass for the duration of the event. We will caravan down to the trailhead parking.
Saturday, October 17, 9 a.m., Angels Creek/Buck Brush Hike, "Peoples Choice" Park Ranger Leanne brings nearly 10 years of experience on this hike to Angels Creek. She has a vast wealth of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, the history of the Mother Lode, and the role of Reclamation in the management of New Melones Lake. She is the assistant to the Natural Resource Specialist and a master interpreter. This is a hike you wont want to miss.
DIFFICULTY: Participants can choose an easy 1-mile loop or a longer easy-to-moderate 2-3 mile trail.
INSTRUCTIONS: Meet at the Glory Hole Entrance Station at 9 a.m. Participants will receive a parking pass for the duration of the event. We will caravan down to the trailhead parking.
Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m., Natural Bridges Hike, "Identifying the Flora of Natural Bridges" Hike along with Ranger Hilary to discover the diverse plant communities along the Natural Bridges Trail. Learn how to identify the floral communities of Natural Bridges.
DIFFICULTY: This is a moderate-to-strenuous downhill hike, 1.5 miles roundtrip. Participants may return uphill on their own.
INSTRUCTIONS: Meet at the Natural Bridges trailhead on Parrott's Ferry Road. The ranger will post a temporary sign upon arrival. No dogs are allowed on the trail to Natural Bridges. Alternatively, participants are welcome to meet the ranger at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum, at 9 a.m., and follow the caravan. We will leave shortly after 9 a.m., so please don't be late.
Saturday, October 31, 9 a.m., Carson Creek Hike, "The Race to Ravenous Ruin" Enjoy spectacular lake views as you walk along with Ranger Kevin. Discover the lives of the gold miners, including the hardships they endured and the glories they celebrated.
DIFFICULTY: This is an easy 3-4-mile hike with an optional 0.5 to 1 mile loop. INSTRUCTIONS: Meet at the Glory Hole Entrance Station at 9 a.m. Participants will receive a parking pass for the duration of the event. We will caravan down to the trailhead parking.
Sunday, November 8, 10 a.m., Natural Bridges Hike, "Ranger's Choice" Come join us for an exciting walk into a secluded canyon and enjoy the cool waters of Coyote Creekthe creek that runs through a cave. A fun and educational morning awaits you. Enjoy the walk and get your questions answered.
DIFFICULTY: This is a moderate-to-strenuous downhill hike, 1.5 miles roundtrip. Participants may return uphill on their own.
INSTRUCTIONS: Meet at the Natural Bridges trailhead on Parrott's Ferry Road. The ranger will post a temporary sign upon arrival. No dogs are allowed on the trail to Natural Bridges. Alternatively, participants are welcome to meet the ranger at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum, at 9 a.m., and follow the caravan. We will leave shortly after 9 a.m., so please don't be late.
Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m., Table Mountain Hike, "Peoples Choice" Park Ranger Leanne brings nearly 10 years of experience with her on this hike to Table Mountain. She has a vast wealth of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, the history of the Mother Lode, and the role of Reclamation in the management of New Melones Lake. She is the assistant to the Natural Resource Specialist and a master interpreter. This is a hike you wont want to miss.
DIFFICULTY: This is a 2-mile walk to the top of Table Mountain. Be prepared for a 1/4 mile series of steep, rocky switchbacks to make it to the topits worth it.
INSTRUCTIONS: Meet at the Table Mountain Trailhead parking area at 10 a.m. (please close the gates behind you). The ranger will post a temporary sign upon arrival. Alternatively, participants are welcome to meet the ranger at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum, at 9 a.m., and follow the caravan. We will leave shortly after 9 a.m., so please dont be late.
Saturday, November 21, 10 a.m., Shell Road and Table Mountain Trailhead area, "Birds of New Melones Lake" Join Park Ranger Hilary in discovering the wonderful world of bird watching. Learn how to keep bird feeders, identify groups of species, flight patterns, and calls and songs. Discover how important birds are to our existence. This program complements the program presented on Thursday, November 19, at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum, at 7 p.m. Be sure to catch them both.
DIFFICULTY: This is an easy walk along well-maintained roads and trails. We will not be hiking to the top of Table Mountain.
INSTRUCTIONS: Meet at the corner of Shell Road and Rawhide Road at 10 a.m. The ranger will post a temporary sign upon arrival. Alternatively, participants are welcome to meet the ranger at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum, at 9 a.m., and follow the caravan. We will leave shortly after 9 a.m., so please dont be late.
Saturday, November 28, 9 a.m., Heron Point Hike, "Holiday HikeRanger's Choice" Bring the whole family and walk off those extra calories from holiday festivities. In keeping with the holiday spirit, we are leaving the topic for this hike literally free and open for discussion. Bring your questions and the interpretive staff will attempt to answer them as we explore the diversity of nature along the Heron Point Trail.
DIFFICULTY: This is an easy 2-mile hike.
INSTRUCTIONS: Meet at the Tuttletown Entrance Station at 9 a.m. Participants will receive a parking pass for the duration of the event. We will caravan down to the trailhead parking.
Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m., Natural Bridges Hike, "Identifying the Flora of Natural Bridges" Hike along with Ranger Hilary to discover the diverse plant communities along the Natural Bridges Trail. Learn how to identify the floral communities of Natural Bridges.
DIFFICULTY: This is a moderate-to-strenuous downhill hike, 1.5 miles roundtrip. Participants may return uphill on their own.
INSTRUCTIONS: Meet at the Natural Bridges trailhead on Parrott's Ferry Road. The ranger will post a temporary sign upon arrival. No dogs are allowed on the trail to Natural Bridges. Alternatively, participants are welcome to meet the ranger at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum, at 9 a.m., and follow the caravan. We will leave shortly after 9 a.m., so please don't be late.
Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m., New Melones Dam Overlook and Peoria Basin, "Peoples Choice" Park Ranger Leanne brings nearly 10 years of experience with her on this hike to the dam overlook. She has a vast wealth of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, the history of the Mother Lode, and the role of Reclamation in the management of New Melones Lake. She is the assistant to the Natural Resource Specialist and a master interpreter. This is a hike you won't want to miss!
DIFFICULTY: This is a moderate-to-strenuous hike, 3 miles roundtrip, with a steady 1/2 mile climb to the overlook.
INSTRUCTIONS: Meet at the Peoria Wildlife Equestrian Staging Area on Peoria Flat Road at 10 a.m. The ranger will post a temporary sign upon arrival. Alternatively, participants are welcome to meet the ranger at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum at 9 a.m. and follow the caravan. We will leave shortly after 9 a.m., so please dont be late.
Sunday, December 20, 10 a.m., Natural Bridges Hike, "The History of Natural Bridges" 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.
DIFFICULTY: This is a moderate-to-strenuous downhill hike, 1.5 miles roundtrip. Participants may return uphill on their own.
INSTRUCTIONS: Meet at the Natural Bridges trailhead on Parrott's Ferry Road. The ranger will post a temporary sign upon arrival. No dogs are allowed on the trail to Natural Bridges. Alternatively, participants are welcome to meet the ranger at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum, at 9 a.m., and follow the caravan. We will leave shortly after 9 a.m., so please dont be late.
Saturday, December 26, 9 a.m., Angels Creek / Buck Brush Hike, "Holiday Hike-Ranger"s Choice" Bring the whole family and walk off those extra calories from holiday festivities. In keeping with the holiday spirit, we are leaving the topic for this hike literally free and open for discussion. Bring your questions and the interpretive staff will attempt to answer them as we explore the diversity of nature along the Angels Creek Trail.
DIFFICULTY: Participants can choose an easy 1-mile loop or a longer easy-to-moderate 2-3 mile trail.
INSTRUCTIONS: Meet at the Glory Hole Entrance Station at 9 a.m. Participants will receive a parking pass for the duration of the event. We will caravan down to the trailhead parking.
Detailed descriptions of each hike are available on our website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones or at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum, at 209-536-9543. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Mondays and Tuesdays. If you would like a copy of our Fall Interpretive Calendar e-mailed to you, and to be added to our e-mail list, please e-mail tneal@usbr.gov. New Melones Lake is managed by the Mid-Pacific Region's Central California Area Office.
If you would like to participate in a program and need special accommodations, please contact Park Ranger Tracy Neal at 209-536-9094, extension 215. Please provide a minimum notice of 14 days. The Federal Relay Service is available at 800-877-8339.
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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.
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