Wet 'n' Wild Exploration, Orange County, Difficulty=strenuous. January 27, 2011

Weekday Wander: Upper Silverado Canyon Wet 'n' Wild Exploration, Orange County, Difficulty=strenuous.
Three miles up from the forest gate, there lies a virtually unexplored section of Silverado Canyon. Follow in the footsteps of Willis E. Pequegnat (author of The Biota of the Santa Ana Mountains) along a densely vegetated streambed to see what hidden wonders await. Pass through a TOWERING FOREST OF BIG CONE DOUGLAS-FIR, BIG LEAF MAPLE, CANYON LIVE OAK, AND CALIFORNIA BAY LAUREL. Scramble over boulders and giant fallen trees. Crawl through low branches and scraggly shrubs. There is a possibility of finding springs, rare wildlife, and unique plants. Notable species will be documented in an effort to better understand the biological significance of the Santa Ana Mountain range. Enjoy a hot meal at the Silverado Cafe afterwards.
Who: 18 and older.
Where: Meet at Silverado Cafe, 28272 Silverado Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676, and carpool to trailhead. Forest Service Adventure Pass required to park at trailhead (available at REI, Big 5, Turner's, and Silverado Liquor Store). $5 for day pass and $30 for annual pass.
Difficulty: Strenuous (8-10 miles round-trip, significant elevation gain, lots of poison oak, no formal trail, rock scrambling, rough terrain, streambed is flowing with large pools, YOU WILL GET YOUR FEET WET)

Special Instructions/Supplies: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before start time. Bring a minimum of 1 quart (32 oz) of water per person. Bring snacks and/or full meal. Wear weather protection (jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.), durable hiking socks and close-toed hiking shoes (extra pair for wet tours), long pants, and backpack for snacks. Bring swimsuit and towel for wet tours. Bring first aid kit (Band-Aids, antiseptic, allergy medicine, tweezers, etc.) and cell phone. Bring flashlight/headlamp and layered clothing for evening tours. Walking sticks are recommended for tours with stream crossings or uneven terrain.

RSVP: Please email jrobinson@naturalist-for-you.org or call 714-649-9084, unless otherwise noted in description. Donations are appreciated (suggested amount of $10/adult, $5/child). Please leave your name, contact information, and total # in your party. We cannot be reached by cell phone at tour locations, so please ask questions and confirm tour details well in advance.

See http://www.naturalist-for-you.org/calendar.htm or join http://www.meetup.com/naturalist-for-you/ for upcoming tours. You can also follow our fan page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naturalist-For-You/355183848682?ref=ts

When
Thu Jan 27 9am – 5pm Pacific Time
Where
28272 Silverado Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676