Winter Wander up Silverado Canyon, Orange County, Difficulty=easy. January 26, 2011

Follow a professional naturalist to find the winter season in a chilly canyon. Cross a flowing creek with the possibility of getting your feet wet. Pass the pale trunks of the sycamores and dodge spinning yellow leaves as they drop. Observe the magic of dormancy as certain shrubs and trees go to sleep. Scramble down a rocky tributary to a secluded rock pool. See how long you can submerge your fingers in the icy water. Search for mushrooms, salamanders, and other secret treasures. Identify winter bloomers and wildlife evidence. A perfect opportunity for the whole family to have unstructured exploration time in a natural setting. Experience the unique and wondrous beauty of a Southern California winter. Appropriate for young children.
Who: All ages (Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian.)
Where: Meet at Silverado Cafe parking lot, 28272 Silverado Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676 and carpool to trailhead. National Forest Adventure Pass (available for purchase at REI, Turner's, Big 5, & Silverado Liquor Store) is required to park at trailhead. $5 for day pass and $30 for annual pass.
Difficulty: Easy (1-2 miles round-trip, semi-paved wide trail, shallow creek crossing with possibility of getting wet, mostly smooth terrain, small section of rocky scrambling that is appropriate for kids, some elevation gain)

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
Wed Jan 26 4pm – 6pm Pacific Time
Where
28272 Silverado Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676