Celebrate spring in the Angeles National Forest

From David J. Cline, USFS Visitor Information Assistant, Angeles National Forest/San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

Hey everyone! This upcoming Saturday (April 4), between 9 am – 2 pm, is the seasonal reopening of the Chilao Visitor Center. Although we have stayed open throughout the winter months, this event is the annual kickoff for the busy upcoming 2015 season that falls between April and September.

Kicking off the event at 9 a.m. will be a combined geology talk and nature walk with volunteers extraordinaire, Nel and Dane. Learn what makes the San Gabriel Mountains so geologically unique before taking a leisurely stroll around the visitor center grounds to see what flowers are blooming or what animals have visited the area. The stroll is on a fairly level path, so all age groups and skill levels are welcomed. Please come prepared with sunscreen, walking shoes, water, and binoculars…just in case the illusive Mountain Quail makes an appearance.

Between the hours of 10 and 2, our resident Forest Service biologist, Ann, will be on site with live snakes, animal pelts & skulls, and lots of information about the local flora and fauna of the San Gabriels. This is a great opportunity to get up and close and personal with the docile rosy boa, amongst other neighborhood snakes. Or, a great way to scare your mother-in-law!

At 11 a.m., there will be a hands-on painting workshop near the amphitheater benches for those looking to try their hand at plein air painting. Experienced painters are more than welcome to join as Allan shows the young kids how to create masterpieces amongst the towering Cottonwood trees. Furthermore, the “ART WALL” inside the visitor center will be updated with a new collection of pieces that were curated from the highly successful, “Highway 2” show that made stops at the Modest Fly Studio in Sunland and the Townes Burr Gallery in Burbank.

As Smokey Bear is a huge fan of the Chilao Visitor Center, he will be making a special appearance between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., so come prepared with your cameras as Smokey loves to be photographed while he promotes fire safety. If available, a Forest Service fire engine may also be on-site.

Finally, between 7 p.m. and approximately 8:30 p.m., there will be our first full moon hike that will start and end at the visitor center. Learn how the moon was formed and the relationship it shares with planet Earth as you take an easy jaunt near the Chilao Picnic Area. (please bring flashlights)

Attached is the official flyer for the event, so please feel free to share with your family and friends or on all the social media sites, such as Facebook. Speaking of Facebook, please head on over to the volunteer run FB page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chilao-Visitor-Center-VIS/516194851760973 and press the Like button to stay up to date on what is happening at the Chilao Visitor Center.

We hope to see you this upcoming Saturday at the Chilao Visitor Center!

Thanks,

David J. Cline

(Chilao Visitors’ Center is located 27 miles above La Canada Flintridge on Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) - mile markers along the highway will help guide you - the Center is located within Mile 50 just before Newcomb’s Ranch Bar and Restaurant).