News Release Archive

Recreation Advisory: New Melones Lake Interpretive Events, April and May 2005

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmccracken@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: March 21, 2005

Thursday Evening Spring Lecture Series:

April 7, 7 p.m., "Wildflower Photography" John Senser, professional photographer, will offer his expertise on taking close-up and landscape photos of flowers. For hands-on training, bring digital or 35 mm cameras and accessories. Note: Field trip on following Saturday, April 9, in Ranger-guided walk schedule. April 14, 7 p.m., "Sierra Nevada Butterfly Ecology" Jim Mori, retired entomologist, docent at Calaveras Big Trees, has spent years studying local butterflies. Come learn about their life cycle, how to identify them, their host plants, or just enjoy their beauty. April 21, 7 p.m., "Buzzards are Beautiful" Ranger Therese Carll loves Turkey Vultures and has researched their unique (and sometimes less endearing) characteristics. Come learn about their life cycle, sensory adaptation, soaring abilities, and oddities. April 28, 7 p.m., "Mushrooms and Lichens-Little Forest Gems" Boyd Poulsen, of the Lichen Society, and Patty Raggio, resource ecologist with Calaveras Big Trees State Park, will present a PowerPoint presentation on these forest dynamos that are of crucial importance to our ecosystems. Come learn common species, their biology, and human use. May 5, 7 p.m., "Salmon of the Stanislaus River" Salmon are returning to our river with the help of multiple agencies. Sue Ellen Wilkens, Park Ranger at Knights Ferry, with the Army Corps of Engineers, will tell their story: migration and life cycle, restoration efforts, and their importance to river ecology.

Special Event: May 11, 8 p.m., "Springtime Stars" Orion will be disappearing but "the dippers," Bernices Comb, Jupiter, Saturn, and bit of the moon will be visible. Come join Denise Combs, Frank Gault, and Mike O'Neill, who know the skies and will share their telescopes. Dress warmly and meet at the New Melones Visitor Center.

All lectures take place at the New Melones Visitor Center on Highway 49, just south of the Stevenot Stanislaus River Bridge between Angels Camp and Sonora. For further information, phone 209-536-9094 ext. 22 or 209-536-9543.

Ranger-guided Walks:

Please bring water and sun screen and wear sturdy shoes. Walks may be canceled due to heavy rain; suggest calling ahead.

April 2, 10:30 a.m., Natural Bridges in Springtime Ranger Sanders will lead this 2-mile walk to limestone caverns with a creek flowing through. Come and enjoy the wildflowers, geology, and more. Meet at the Natural Bridges trail head on Parrotts Ferry Rd. April 3, 10:30 a.m., Camp Nine Rd.: A Walk on the North Side of the River Join Ranger Trover for a walk along the north side of the flowing Stanislaus River, 2 miles roundtrip. This will be an informal trail with an initial steep walk to the riverside. Wildflowers, possible otters, and canyon wrens calling make this a lovely stretch to explore. Pre-registration required: Phone 209-536-9094, ext. 22. April 9, 8 a.m.-Noon, Wildflower Photography Workshop on Table Mountain John Senser will share his photography skills on this 2-mile round trip hike to the top of Table Mountain. A short, steep series of switchbacks are part of this hike. Pre-registration required: phone, 209-536-9094, ext. 22. April 16, 10:30 a.m., Heron Point Osprey will be nest-building and wildflowers will still be blooming, along this varied, 3-mile trail (roundtrip). Meet at Heron Point Day Use at Tuttletown Recreation Area. April 23, 7 p.m., Night Walk The moon will be out, and so will owls, coyotes, and other nocturnal creatures. Come enjoy the magic of the night on this 1-mile easy walk with Ranger Wilson at lower Carson Creek trail head. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. April 24, 10:30 a.m., Angels Creek Loop Join Ranger Bryan on a 3-mile walk with lake views, mushrooms, wildflowers, and dappled shade. Meet at Angels Arm Boat Ramp at Glory Hole Recreation Area. April 30, 10:30 a.m., Natural Bridges Hear the story of "Ole Batch," loyal protector of these unique geological wonders. See wildflowers and limestone caverns on this 2-mile walk with Ranger Woodward. Meet at Natural Bridges trail head on Parrotts Ferry Rd. May 7, 10 a.m., Heron Point Mother' Day Walk How about a pre-lunch walk for Mother's Day? Ospreys, lake views, green meadows, and cool wooded sections on this 3-mile roundtrip trail. Meet at Heron Point Day Use Area at Tuttletown Recreation Area. May 15, 10 a.m., Carson Creek Loop More of a leg stretch, this is a 4-mile circle that starts high with lake views off of Carson Creek, follows the shoreline, and comes back up a gradual grade. You will see birds, waterfalls, shady glades, and sunny oak woodland habitat. Meet at the upper Carson Creek trailhead at just past the Glory Hole entrance station.

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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.