News Release Archive

Interpretive Events at New Melones Lake Campground for July and August 2005

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

For Release: June 28, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation announces summer programs at New Melones Lake. All programs will be held at Ironhorse Campground in Glory Hole Recreation Area Amphitheater, unless noted. All programs are free and open to the general public, and parking is available.

Fourth of July Weekend Events Saturday, July 2, 2005, 10 a.m., Children's Craft Program-"Making Animal Tracks" Rangers Pattie Guida and Leanne Bryan will provide animal print molds and plaster to make authentic hoof or paw prints. Animal fur, skulls, and scat replica will be available for viewing.

Saturday, July 2, 2005, 7 p.m., "Our Slithery Friends-Reptiles and Amphibians" Join Mike Sutton and Herb Ashton, teachers with an extensive collection of local and regional snakes, skinks, lizards, and other "slithery" creatures, for a close-up view.

Sunday, July 3, 2005, 10 a.m., "Outdoor Nature Games" Attendees may participate in activities designed to teach them how a bird hides its eggs, and how a fox hunts for them, and how to do animal calls. They may also participate in a scavenger hunt.

July Events Saturday, July 9, 2005, 9 p.m., "Summer Milky Way Attractions" Denise Combs, Frank Gault, and Mike O Neill, local amateur astronomers, will set up their powerful scopes for a look at our own galaxy. Participants will meet at Angels Creek Boat Ramp at Glory Hole Recreation Area. They should dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Parking is provided at the fish-cleaning parking lot.

Saturday, July 16, 2005, 8 p.m., "Turkey Vultures-Nature's Recyclers" Ranger Therese Carll will present a wealth of interesting information about turkey vultures unique and sometimes repulsive habits.

Saturday, July 23, 2005, 8 p.m., "Understanding Bats, Our Nighttime Super-Flyers" Ranger Brett Walder will give an entertaining slide show on our smallest mammal, "Bats of America" and bat games.

Saturday, July 30, 2005, 8 p.m., "Water Fun, Water Safe" Ranger Harold Sanders will teach simple life-saving rules for the whole family and present games and prizes on water safety.

August Events Saturday, August 6, 2005, 10 a.m., "Natural Bridges'Unique Geology" Ranger Teri Woodward will lead an easy 1½ mile round-trip walk to a limestone cavern in Coyote Creek. Attendees should wear sturdy walking shoes and bring sun screen, water, snacks or lunch. Participants will meet at Natural Bridges trail head on Parrotts Ferry Road and share in the natural and human history.

Saturday, August 13, 2005, 7:30 p.m., "Stanislaus River-Voices Through Time" Ranger Leanne Bryan will present a dramatic "voices of the past" human history of the Stanislaus River using historical photos of the canyon, gold mines, and Miwok times.

Saturday, August 20, 2005, 8 p.m., "Moon Magic" Ranger Mindy Morales will entertain and enlighten participants with moon history, legends, and unusual facts as they gaze through telescopes. Saturday, August 27, 2005, 7:30 p.m., "Dragonflies and Damselflies-Winged Dancers" Kathy Biggs, author of "Common Dragonflies of California," will give a slide show presentation on these magnificent flying insects of summer. Participants will learn about their life cycle, common species in our area, and why we need them.

FREE CHILDREN'S CRAFT PROGRAMS will be held every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at the Ironhorse Amphitheater in Glory Hole Recreation Area. Each week will focus on a different subject-wildlife, plants, Native Americans, lake ecology, gold rush history, and water safety. Programs are designed for children 15 years and younger.

Mosquitoes are out in bigger numbers this year, so please use repellant and/or wear insect-repellant clothing.

For further directions and information, please phone 209-536-9094, Ext.22.

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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.