Bird Walk, Nature Hike, Art Day in the Angeles National Forest

On Sunday, April 12 the USFS Chilao Visitors Center and Chilao School will host a series of complimentary events, beginning at 8 AM with a volunteer-guided bird walk at the Visitors’ Center. Take a stroll around the Center and enjoy the sites and sounds of the forest in one of the places where birds can be found in abundance year-round. Bring your cameras and your binoculars; feeding stations at the Center ensure good viewing opportunities at close range. While you’re there enjoy the fascinating architectural legacy of the Center as well as its educational and artistic displays and meet the dedicated, friendly volunteers and staff that are committed to the well being of the forest and its visitors.

At 10 AM, Redbird’s Chilao School opens its doors for the 2015 season with a moderate hike and an Artist’s Open House. If you’d like to join the hike, be prepared with sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and suitable hiking clothing (long pants recommended). Bring a jacket - Chilao sits at an altitude of 5,200 feet, and the weather can vary considerably from hour to hour and from sun to shade.

For those wanting to spend the day engaged in art...or relaxing...bring your art materials or a good book to read and use Chilao School as a base camp for a day or relaxation and exploration.

Light refreshments will be available and contributions to the refreshment table are always welcome. There are two refrigerators, indoor flush toilets, indoor and outdoor seating and working spaces, two outdoor camp stoves and a vintage 1963 playground (parents, please keep an eye on your children at all times; the playground equipment is solid metal, and the playground base is decomposed granite sand and not soft to land on).

These events are free. Redbird accepts donations but does not solicit visitors - a donation receptacle will be located in the school.

The event is listed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/772110522858315/

Both Chilao Visitors Center and Chilao School are located in the heart of the Angeles National Forest, and two miles from the famous Newcombs Ranch Bar and Restaurant.

To reach Chilao School, DO NOT USE GOOGLE. Follow written directions, and look for signs on the road.

From the La Canada/Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley area, take the 210 freeway to Angeles Crest Highway/Highway 2 exit. Turn north, up hill, away from the city, toward the mountains. If you immediately come to Foothill Boulevard you turned the wrong way. Go up the highway 26 miles to Chilao Road. Turn left into Chilao Campground. Follow signs to Chilao School.

From Sunland Tujunga take Oro Vista which become Big Tujunga Canyon to Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, turn right and proceed nine miles to Angeles Crest Highway, where you will turn left and proceed about eight more miles to Chilao School (look for Redbird/Chilao School signs).

From the Antelope Valley/14 freeway, exit Angeles Forest Highway. Proceed over the top of the mountain and down into a valley past Mill Creek campground. Turn left onto Upper Big Tujunga Canyon (look for Redbird signs). Take Upper Big Tujunga Canyon for 9 miles to Angeles Crest Highway. Turn left. Proceed 6 more miles to Chilao Road/Chilao Campground. Follow signs through campground to Chilao School.