News Release Archive

New Melones Lake Activities for Summer 2013 Support the Department of the Interior’s Let’s Move Outside Initiative

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, MP Region Public Affairs Officer, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: May 14, 2013

New Melones

SONORA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation announces summer interpretive programs and activities at New Melones Lake, located in Calaveras County. All activities are at the Amphitheater at the Glory Hole Recreation Area, are free of charge, are suitable for all ages and do not require reservations. Please wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing for weather conditions. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wheel of Wealth!
Saturday, May 25, 7 p.m.
Come to the Amphitheater to spin the Wheel of Wealth! Will your team go home bankrupt or will you win the grand prize? Spin the wheel just right and solve word riddles to find out! Let the games begin at 7 p.m.

Flying Rainbows
Saturday, June 1, 7 p.m.
Join Park Ranger Jayme and learn about our colorful flying friends. Discover the butterfly lifecycle, their importance and how to encourage them to live in your own yard. Find out what is threatening these beautiful creatures and what you can do to help.

Skins, Scat and Skulls
Saturday, June 8, 7 p.m.
Come see a great collection of skins, scat and skulls! Feel a bear’s fur, examine real skulls and identify tracks and scat. Match up the skin, scat and skull of the creatures and win a prize! Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Dangerous Creatures
Saturday, June 15, 7 p.m.
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. Fun activities begin at 7 p.m. and a PowerPoint presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Birds of New Melones Lake
Saturday, June 22, 7 p.m.
How important are birds to our existence? Discover their significance while we discuss how to identify species, flight patterns, habitats, calls and songs. Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Outdoor Safety
Saturday, June 29, 7 p.m.
What would you do if you got lost in the woods? Learn how to prepare before you go out and some hints to keep you safe in the outdoors. The presentation starts at 7 p.m.

New Melones JEOPARDY!
Saturday, July 6, 7 p.m.
Come to the Amphitheater and participate in one of America’s favorite games – JEOPARDY! For our version, we will divide into teams to test your group’s knowledge on the history and wildlife that make New Melones unique. Prizes will be awarded!

Eat a Bug Club!
Sunday, July 7, 7 p.m.
Join us for an evening discussing creepy crawlies and their role in the ecosystem. Join the club by crunching down some crispy critters! Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Water Safety
Saturday, July 13, 7 p.m.
What do you like to do around New Melones Lake? Swim, boat or fish? Join us to learn how you can be water safe. Play the Life Jacket Relay and Save the Ranger games. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones this summer at New Melones Lake. Activities will begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Bats are Your Buddies!
Saturday, July 20, 7 p.m.
Bats can be dark and mysterious creatures that scare many people. But don’t be afraid! Join us to find out why bats are really your buddies! Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Awesome Arachnids!
Saturday, July 27, 7 p.m.
Spiders are awesome! Learn about these amazing creatures and just how important they are to our own existence! Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Eagles and Osprey
Saturday, August 3, 7 p.m.
Join Ranger Greg for an insightful look at the raptors that call New Melones their home. While recently off the endangered species list, the Bald Eagle is still fragile in our changing environment. The Osprey possesses talents no other raptor can match! Discover what makes them unique and why we should continue to protect them. Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Dragon and Damselflies
Saturday, August 10, 7 p.m.
Did you know that dragonflies existed before the dinosaurs? Learn all about these tiny dragons and their evolution. Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Campground Feud!
Saturday, August 17, 7 p.m.
How well do you think you and your neighbor know New Melones Lake? “Survey says” this will be an exciting, fast-paced event on what the majority of people think about New Melones! Come to the Amphitheater to find out! Fabulous prizes will be awarded!

Whooo’s Up When You’re Asleep?
Saturday, August 24, 7 p.m.
Come to the Amphitheatre and find out who’s up when you’re not. Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m., a PowerPoint presentation at 7:30 p.m., followed by a short hike in the great outdoors around the campground in search of some night-time creatures. Please wear sturdy shoes appropriate for hiking. A headlamp or flashlight is required.

Calaveras Community Band!
Saturday, August 31, 6 p.m.
Come celebrate the end of the summer with us! The Calaveras Community Band will be playing all your favorites until the sun goes down. Get up and dance, clap and sing or just sit back and enjoy the music. Bring the family and enjoy one last summer night! Music begins at 6 p.m.

Interpretive programs and events at New Melones Lake tie into President Barack Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative (http://americasgreatoutdoors.gov/) which seeks to empower Americans to share in the responsibility to conserve restore and provide better access to our lands and waters and leave a healthy and vibrant outdoor legacy for generations to come. Ranger-led activities also support the Department of the Interior’s Let’s Move Outside initiative (http://www.letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside) which encourages children and their families to enjoy outdoor activities that abound in every city, town and community.

If you would like to participate in a program and need accommodation, please contact Park Ranger Tracy Neal at 209-536-9094, ext. 215, or email tneal@usbr.gov at least 14 days in advance.

The New Melones Visitor Center and Museum is managed by Reclamation’s Central California Area Office. Hours of operation are daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information on activities, directions, pet restrictions or other questions, please call 209-536-9543 (TTY 800-877-8339) or visit the website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/index.html.

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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:

America’s Great Outdoors

Let’s Move Outside