Art, hiking, mountain bikes, food - Saturday in the forest

It's going to be a rather pleasant 79 degrees for the high on Saturday at 5,200 feet in the Angeles National Forest. And about that time, hikers will be coming under the cool canopy of big trees in Charlton Flat picnic area.

Chilao School is hosting an open house on Saturday, April 22 with a little something for everybody. The venue boasts a chorus of bird song and breath taking views. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the space and the surrounding forest. There will be art for sale, and artists - both individuals and groups - are welcome to come set up for the day and paint, draw, take pictures, sculpt, put their cameras to work...or perhaps hike, take a mountain bike ride, or simply relax.

And eat. Home made spaghetti will be the main item on the menu, accompanied by drinks, snacks and side dishes. Contributions to the potluck lunch are welcome. Chilao School's keepers like to call it "Chilao Style" - a combination of relaxed, friendly, eclectic and delicious.

Bring your art supplies, hiking shoes, cameras, birding books. Hat and sunglasses. A light jacket in case you choose to stay a little past 5 PM.

Art from the traveling show Highway 2 - the journey and the destination will be available for sale. All items marked "100% donation to Redbird" are fundraisers for the non profit organization which owns and operates the school.

Chilao School is a vintage 1963 one room school house, possibly the last one built in California, located in the heart of the forest, in Chilao Campground

This is a free event, and everyone is welcome. Hosted by the non profit group Redbird, the school is available for arts, cultural, environmental and healing arts programs on a donation basis. There are two donation vessels...one a traditional birch basket and the other a contemporary five gallon water bottle. All donations are used to host programs and address issues in the Native American and environmental communities.

The Hike/Bike Ride will depart by 11 AM from the school and take the Silver Moccasin Trail from Chilao to Charlton; hikers and riders will then have the option of continuing on self-propelled along the Mooney Road loop, or catching a ride back to the school.

To reach Chilao School, take Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) north from the 210 freeway in La Canada Flintridge 26 miles to mile marker 49.69, turn left into Chilao Campground and follow signs that say Redbird/Chilao School.

For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/events/249696768819421/

Or Email:

redbirds_vision@hotmail.com

Redbird website:

www.RedbirdsVision.org