News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Annual Fall Speaker Series at New Melones Lake

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, 09/09/2009 01:49

For Release: September 08, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation invites you to come join us this fall as we continue our Thursday Evening Speaker Series at New Melones Lake.

New this season, we are featuring living history, invasive species, and two programs that describe the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) work at the lake. This fall also offers a special Tuesday program on October 20, 2009, on touring the night sky and the universe; and returning this season is Ranger Hilary's Thursday program and Saturday activity combination featuring the Birds of New Melones Lake.

Speaker presentations begin at 7 p.m. at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum, 6850 Studhorse Flat Road, Sonora, CA 95370. The Fall Speaker Series is free of charge and no reservations are necessary. Please join us.

Thursday, October 8, 7 p.m., "Federal Stimulus Provides for Stimulating Work at New Melones" Presented by Dan Holsapple, Natural Resource Specialist and ARRA Project Manager The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 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. Join Dan Holsapple for an introduction to the projects that are currently under way. This is a unique opportunity to see how government recovery efforts are helping us right here in our local communities.

Additionally, Project Coordinator Jerimy Munroe will be leading a hike on Saturday, October 10, at 9 a.m., along the Heron Point Trail. This is an easy 2-mile hike and a great opportunity to see first-hand the ARRA work being done. 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.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at dusk, "Tour of the Night Sky and Universe with Telescopes" Presented by Denise Combs, Amateur Astronomer Local amateur astronomer Denise Combs (and friends) will present fall constellations, sky movements, and other deep sky objectsperhaps well see distant galaxies, nebulae, or global clusters.

Join us and watch the moon set, allowing dark skies for optimal viewing. Meet at dusk in the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum parking lot. Please wear warm clothes and bring a flashlight. Weather and viewing conditions permitting.

Thursday, November 5, 2009, 7 p.m., "Legends of the Mother Lode" Presented by Black Bart, aka Glenn Wasson

Ladies and gentleman, lock down your purses and wallets. The notorious gentleman bandit has returned to the Mother Lode. Glenn Wasson is a local author, poet, and occasional scoundrel when he portrays the legendary villain, Black Bart. Join us for an evening of poetry and storytelling that is sure to inform and entertain.

Thursday, November 19, 2009, 7 p.m., "Birds of New Melones Lake" Presented by Hilary Maxworthy, Park Ranger

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 formal program is the first of a two-part series that will culminate in a bird-watching activity on Saturday, November 21, at 10 a.m., near the Shell Road and Table Mountain trailhead areas. Participants will meet at the corner of Shell Road and Rawhide Road at 10 a.m. Alternatively, participants are welcome to meet the ranger at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center & Museum at 9 a.m., and follow the caravan. We will leave shortly after 9 a.m., so please don't be late.

Thursday, December 3, 2009, 7 p.m., "Invasive Species" Presented by Hilary Maxworthy, Park Ranger

Invasive Species are classified as any plant or animal that is not native to an area and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm to the economy, the environment, and/or harm to human health. Invasive species often "out-compete" native species, causing an imbalance in the native ecosystem. In extreme cases, recreation managers may choose to close certain recreation areas or entire facilities in an effort to restore native habitat. Join Ranger Hilary for an up-close look at the potential threats facing New Melones Lake, including the dreaded quagga and zebra mussels. Learn how these invasive species travel from one area to the next and what you can do to help keep them from spreading.

Thursday, December 17, 2009, 7 p.m., "Ranger Choice" Presented by Brian Scott Older, Park Ranger

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.

For more information, stop by the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum or call us at 209-536-9543. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. You may also check our website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones. 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 allow 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.

Relevant Link:

New Melones Lake Site