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True Opportunities for Family Adventures are Few and Far Between - Take Advantage of Them
April, 2006 - Issue #18
You never know how much something means to you until it's gone.

As a long-time resident, I still mourn the loss of Friday night car races at Saugus Speedway (A quick sidebar for Newbies: The SCV used to be home to an actual race track, where the joys of figure-eights and demolition derbies drew teenage daters and families from miles around.). I can still remember the smell of the nachos dad always splurged on (salty fake cheese), the sound of the crowd after a big crash (a mixture of excitement and concern) and the way I felt on Friday morning, knowing that my favorite family outing was only hours away (incredible anticipation). In summary, when I think of the Speedway races, I think of some of my most powerful and pleasant childhood memories.

It's for similar reasons that I nearly went out of my mind when, a few years back, it was announced that the Placerita Nature Center was due to close for lack of funding. The Edwards clan, lead by dad, of course, had spent what must have totaled weeks in and around the Center. Hiking, picnicking, learning about local flora and fauna... The thought of countless SCV kids missing out on the fun of the Center was truly traumatizing.

Alas, fate shone down on Placerita, and the Center is still operating. Below, you'll find a hearty list of family-friendly activities that you should take advantage of. For more information and directions, visit www.placerita.org.

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Placerita Canyon Nature Center Spring Programs

Family Nature Walk
Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. An easy, one-hour walk exploring the area's natural and cultural history.

Animal Presentation
Every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. See, learn and ask questions about live native animals of the area.

Volunteer Orientation
April 1, June 3. First Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn about volunteer opportunities at the Nature Center and Park.

Trail Team
April 2 and 16, May 7 and 21, June 4 and 18. First and third Sunday of the month at 9 a.m. Help repair trails, pick up litter and remove weeds. Fifteen minute safety orientation mandatory. Please wear long pants, boots and bring water.

Bird Walk
April 8, May 13, June 10. Second Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. For intermediate to advanced birders. Bring binoculars and field guide.

Wildflower Walk
April 9, May 14. Second Sunday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. See some of southern California's most spectacular wildflowers. Bring boots, water, and a field guide.

Reptile Club
April 16, May 21, June 18. Third Sunday of the month from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. For kids ages 7 to 17 who have reptiles as pets, and for those interested in having a reptile pet. Each month a different topic on reptiles is covered.

Moonlight Hike
April 21, May 19, June 16. Third Friday of the month from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. A short hike (less than a mile) exploring the creatures of the night. Bring jacket, boots, water and flashlight.

Campfire Programs
April 22, May 27, June 24. Fourth Saturday of the month from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each month a different topic on nature and history, for all ages.

Junior Rangers
April 23, May 28, June 25. Fourth Sunday of the month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Each month a different environmental science subject is discussed, as well as a session out in the field. For ages 6 to 12.

Open House
May 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our annual Family Festival with animals, hikes, crafts, games, petting zoos, food and many other environmental organizations.

National Trails Day
June 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join the Nature Center in celebrating the nation's most popular trails event. Several guided hikes will be led; help repair damaged trails.
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