Summer, 2009
As of July 2, 2009
FREE WALKS, TALKS, AND TOURS
Programs provided by the Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest
Thursday, July 16 at 9:30 a.m to noon. The Snow Forest in Summer with Susan Halabrin: Poison Park trailhead is named for the towering delphinium, larkspur, that thrives there among other eye-catching wildflowers due to the yearly melt of heavy San Juan snows. Take an easy walk with Susan to explore the ecology, wildflowers, and vegetation patterns in this aspen and mixed conifer forest. Susan is intrigued by the way disturbance creates mosaics within the forest. Meet at the Poison Park Trailhead. From Highway 160, go north on Piedra Road (CR 600/Forest road 631). Travel 22 miles, then turn right on Williams Creek Road (Forest road 640). Proceed 3.5 miles, turn left on Forest Road 644 and continue three miles to the trailhead at its end. This program is limited to 15 participants. For more information and to reserve a spot, call Pagosa Ranger District at 264-2268.
Saturday, July 18, 10:00 a.m. Slip, Slidin’ Away: Geology Tour of the East Fork Slide with Glenn Raby. In May of 2008, the earth began to move in the East Fork drainage. When the soil settled, forty acres of land had moved and the road was 100 feet below its original location. On this guided tour, you must be on time and will meet at the parking area on the right at the forest boundary on East Fork Road(667)—do not drive to the gate. East Fork road is about 11 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs via Highway 160. You will drive about 1.5 miles to a location near the slide, then walk about one mile, round trip. Please limit vehicles by car pooling. You must stay with the tour, which will last until about 2:00 p.m. Bring water and lunch. Dress prepared for changing weather.
Thursday, July 23 at 9:30 a.m. The Early Forest Ranger with Phyllis Wheaton
On a walk through the Turkey Springs area, you will learn about the life of the Forest Ranger in the early 1900’s. For this moderate walk (about 2.5 miles round trip), we will meet at the parking area on the right at the end of the pavement on Piedra Road (CR 600/Forest road 631), 5.5 miles from Highway 160. We will then drive about three miles out Turkey Springs Road to the beginning of the walk. Wear walking shoes/boots, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring drinking water.
Saturday, July 25, 10:00 a.m. A Family Walk in the Woods with Jill & Donovan Porterfield
Take a walk in the woods and learn about predators and their prey with activities for children (of all ages). All children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear walking shoes/boots, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring drinking water. Bring your own lunch if you would like to join Donovan and Jill for a picnic after the walk. Meet near the Turkey Springs Guard Station: from Highway 160, travel about 6 miles, then turn left on Turkey Springs Road (629), continue about 3 miles to the junction with the road to the Turkey Springs Guard Station.
Wednesday, July 29, 10 a.m. The Big Bang: Geology Tour of the Wolf Creek Valley with Glenn Raby
Learn how Pagosa country came to be: the geologic history of our area from the beginning of the Earth to today. This area already survived the biggest volcanic blast on Earth. What might the future hold? Meet Glenn behind the Arts Council building in Town Park on Hermosa Street in Pagosa Springs. This is a driving tour with a short hike at Wolf Creek Pass overlook at the end of the tour and typically continues until 4:00 p.m. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather and bring water, lunch or a snack. Bring a rock hammer and hand magnifying glass if you have them.
For outdoor programs, be prepared for any kind of weather. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, rain gear, and appropriate shoes. For outdoor evening programs, bring a chair, blanket and flashlight. For information call 264-2268, or go to the web at www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/ Click on Education then scroll down to Pagosa Ranger District.
Thanks!
Phyllis
Phyllis Wheaton
Visitor Information Services
Pagosa Ranger District
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