Sat., Sept. 20
10 am – 4 pm
Henry Coe State Park
Register by Sept. 15: $48
Register after Sept. 15: $60
Bruce Elliott – See bio below
Natural Ecology of a Wildland Fire
During the summer of 2007 nearly 50,000 acres of pristine woodland and savannah burned within Henry Coe State Park, the largest fire in the State Park’s history. At the time, the impact of the flames on the park’s ecosystem appeared to be substantial. Now, however, the recuperative power of nature is manifesting itself amazingly.
During this class afield we will detail the original impact of the fire on both vegetation and animal life and the recovery that is now well underway. Dirt trails are well maintained and there are no steep grades in our study area.
A location map and letter will be given upon registration.
Class #01NSWF1-01
Sat., Sept. 20
10 am – 4 pm
Henry Coe State Park
Register by Sept. 15: $48
Register after Sept. 15: $60
Bruce Elliott – See bio below
Sat., Sept. 20
10 am – 4 pm
Henry Coe State Park
Register by Sept. 15: $48
Register after Sept. 15: $60
Bruce Elliott – See bio below
Eagles and Winter Bird Migration
Resident and Migrant Bald Eagles share southern Monterey Counties’ San Antonio Reservoir County Park with Golden Eagles, and a variety of wintering water-associated bird species (grebes, loons, pelicans and water fowl). Songbird species sufficiently rugged enough to endure winter conditions also grace the lakeside habitat. Even Osprey may frequent the lake in winter. We will also see black-toed deer at the conclusion of the annual breeding (“rutting”) season, and perhaps wild pig.
The process of migration and adaptation for over-wintering wildlife will be discussed, and the biology of the various species and their specific associated plant habitat.
A location map and letter will be given upon registration.
Class #01NSEM1-02
Sat., Nov. 22
10 am – 4 pm
San Antonio Reservoir
Register by Sept. 15: $48
Register after Sept. 15: $60
Bruce Elliott – See bio below
Winter Wildlife of the Carrizo Plain
Explore California’s newest high desert reserve nestled between the Temblor and Caliente mountain ranges of eastern San Luis Obispo County.
This quiet tableland of plains, rugged canyon and sprawling Soda Lake hosts populations of recently reintroduced pronghorn antelope and Tule elk as well as smaller predatory mammals, kit fox, jackrabbit and the endangered kangaroo-rat and antelope squirrel. In the winter, the desert basin hosts thousands of birds, waterfowl, sandhill cranes, mountain plover and raven. We will conclude our day by searching for wildlife at dusk including fox, badger, coyote, skunk and barn owls.
Participants will meet in California Valley just east of the Los Padres National Forest in San Luis Obispo County and form carpools for daily activities.
A location map and letter will be given upon registration.
Class #01NSCP1-03
Sat., Dec. 6
9 am – 6 pm
California Valley
Register by Sept. 15: $48
Register after Sept. 15: $60
Bruce Elliott is a retired senior Biologist Supervisor for the California Dept. of Fish and Game. He is a skilled field trip leader who conducts a variety of tours and explorations of the area's natural resources.
Backyard Astronomer
Learn how to identify the stars and constellations seen in our local skies in this fun hands-on workshop. Using the Cabrillo planetarium and observatory you will see the wonders of the universe and learn about astronomy history, methods, equipment, and recent discoveries.
Participants should dress warmly for outdoor observation on the hill. In case of rain or fog, class will assemble in the planetarium or be rescheduled.
Class #01NSBA1-08
2 Fri., Oct. 10 & 17
7 – 10 pm
Room 707
Register by Sept. 15: $46
$42 for each additional family member
Register after Sept. 15: $58
$52 for each additional family member
Karl von Ahnen has been an amateur astronomer and telescope user since age 12. He has served as lab instructor-assistant in the Cabrillo Astronomy Department and is the Technical Director of the Minolta Planetarium.