On Friday, July 3rd a huge Alder tree fell at Camp Pollock causing damage to the caretaker trailer. Tim and his two yellow labs (Philbin and Luther) were inside the trailer when the tree came down, and while very shook up, thankfully they were all able to walk away. The tree pierced the roof and side of the trailer and caused damage to the inside. While they haven't received an official assessment (no one available on the July 4th holiday) the trailer is likely totaled.
Tim and his pups have lived on-site and managed this beautiful hidden jewel for the last 5+ years.If you've ever met Tim, you know he's a kind and caring person with a HUGE heart, he works hard to manage the entire 11 acres and is always willing to lend a hand to visitors. Sacramento Valley Conservancy (SVC) owns the trailer and manages the site without any dedicated funding. With COVID-19, SVC has lost nearly all rental income and does not have the funds to purchase a new caretaker unit. This is where they are asking the community for help. The trailer is insured but it's an older model and even though they've worked hard to maintain it, the insurance likely will pay out a few thousand at most and not cover the cost of a replacement. Caretaker housing needs to be durable, and quickly movable since Camp Pollock floods. A tiny house is the best long term solution. SVC will raise as much as they can and go from there.
Having a 24-7 caretaker presence is a critical component to keeping Camp Pollock open to the public. SVC board and staff is scrambling to secure a safe unit (trailer or tiny house) for Tim to continue living on site and fulfilling the essential role of taking care of and looking after the site. It's critical that they have eyes on the property at all times and the unit has to be moveable since the property has flooding most years.
Can you help keep Camp Pollock a safe and free location to access the American River? Any donation you can give will help make an impact. They are raising money to help SVC purchase a safe trailer or tiny house for Tim to stay in, so he can continue caring for the space 24-7. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me .
More information about Sacramento Valley Conservancy:
SVC's mission is to preserve the beauty, character and biodiversity of the Sacramento Valley landscape by protecting and stewarding natural and working lands, and scenic open spaces for the benefit of current and future generations.
SVC's vision is to permanently protect a network of natural and working landscapes in the Sacramento Valley.
Wednesday, 08 July 2020
#RecreateResponsibly
With or without Covid-19, the concept of responsible recreation should come as naturally as breathing. Loving the land. Leaving no trace. Following the rules. Building an inclusive outdoors for all people regardless of race, color, religious, or sexual orientation access to natural resources. It is a human right. Nurturing the soul by thanking Mother Nature for all she has provided - she sets no barriers or borders.
The new #RecreateResponsibly coalition embraces all of these guidelines and more. Seven guidelines, in fact. The guidelines are meant to provide a starting point for getting outside during COVID-19, and as things have evolved in 2020, the guidelines have too. Most importantly, the critical seventh guideline, “Build an Inclusive Outdoors,” recognizing that safety in the outdoors is not just about packing the right gear or bringing a face covering, but ensuring everyone feels safe and welcome.
As we venture more into the great outdoors - urban and rural open spaces, public and private lands - #recreateresponsibly! We have just this one planet that is depending on all of us to help Her survive.
More than 400 organizations have signed onto #RecreateResponsibly. An all volunteer organization, you can join the coalition. Or just adopt and share the guidelines. We all win!
Friday, 03 July 2020
No time to waste: The Urgent Mission of Betty Reid Soskin
Premiere Broadcast on NBC Bay Area July 4th at 7pm PST
As fans of Betty Reid Soskin and what Betty has done to illuminate the invisible histories of African Americans and other people of color, the Rosie the Riveter Trust is excited to share the news that the acclaimed documentary, No Time to Waste - The Urgent Mission of Betty Reid Soskin, will be broadcast on NBC Bay Area on July 4th at 7pm PST. Betty will also be doing a televised interview with NBC's Cheryl Hurd which will air right after the 7pm screening of the film.
Please help get the word out and share the date and time with your network - see links below!!!
About the Film:
Betty Reid Soskin is an iron-willed American woman who became a National Park ranger at age 85. The great granddaughter of a slave, Betty has lived a life filled with painful and often humiliating memories… yet she remains a defiant voice of hope.
No Time to Waste examines this 98-year-old park ranger’s mission to restore critical missing chapters of America’s story. Betty is elegant and incisive in conveying hard truths to wide audiences in telling a story about the value of American democracy, the realities of the African American struggle and the importance of continuing progress.
From a kitchen stool in a tiny theater of 48 seats at the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, to media interviews for national and international audiences who now hang on every word she utters, her remarkable sense of humor shines through as she challenges her fellow citizens to move together toward a more perfect union of humanity, and its best and highest interests.
This 50-minute film is a special opportunity to witness how Betty’s work has impacted the way the National Park Service conveys history to audiences across the U.S. No Time to Waste is a must-see for anyone who understands that history is remembered by the people in the room and that this story of Betty Reid Soskin shall not be forgotten.
Rosie the Riveter Trust is the official nonprofit partner building support to expand public education programs and preserve historic resources for the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, the flagship national park for telling stories about home front efforts across the United States. For more information, visit: www.rosietheriveter.org
Friday, 26 June 2020
California waterfalls
The adjectives: awe-inspiring; breathtaking; spectacular; mesmerizing. The verbs: plunging; plummeting; crashing. The metaphors: like a thundering curtain or the roar of a hurricane; or like the sound of bells or murmuring voices.
Waterfalls. They are mystical and magical. Their size and strength are often times terrifying; their beauty: tranquilizing and hypnotic. Who hasn't dreamed of showering in their chilling spray or swimming in an emerald pool; or longed to track the water's ancient origins in search of a quiet resting place? In California, there are memorable waterfalls to match any you have imagined.
Abundant winter rains and a melting snow pack have California waterfalls exploding with water. Springtime is generally the best time to view these natural wonders as many falls dry-up in the summer heat due to decreased water flows. But during the right winters, waterfalls come crashing back to life. The Native Americans called them "laughing waters." This year, California waterfalls are giggling, chortling, screaming, and lifting their voices in tumultuous laughter.
In Siskiyou County McCloud Falls (upper, middle and lower) are 5.9 miles east of the town of McCloud and can be reached by following the signs to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Fowlers Campground located on the Uppler McCloud River. The three falls are within two miles of each other and Upper McCloud Falls is accessible by car. There is fishing and a natural swimming hole on Hwy. 89. Near Mount Shasta city, Ney Springs Canyon Trail and Faery Falls are easily accessed. The 1.5-mile round-trip hike to Faery Falls passes through the 19th-century ruins of Ney Springs Resort. Located near Dunsmuir are Hedge Creek Falls and Mossbrae Falls. Hedge Creek is well marked and has a picnic area near the base of the falls. The trail leads visitors beneath the falls and, a short distance away, to views of the Sacramento River. Mossbrae is fed by melting water from the glaciers on Mount Shasta. Considered one of the most scenic waterfalls in California, hiking to the falls is trespassing with fines as much as $300.
Burney Falls, once called "the eighth wonder of the world" by Teddy Roosevelt, is fed by spring flows of 200 million gallons daily. Much of the water from these underground streams actually spouts from the rock. The divided falls rumble down a 129-foot cliff into an emerald pool before flowing into Lake Britton. Trails that almost anyone can manage lead down to the pool on both sides. For the best view, hike the 1/2-mile trail that traverses the hillside. You can cross the top of the falls most of the year, but waters run heaviest in the Spring. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is located mid-way between Lassen National Volcanic Park and Mt. Shasta.
Approximately 41 miles east of Redding, Potem Creek Falls empties into the Pit River. A gentle, winding trail makes the falls accessible to hikers.
Yosemite Falls, the tallest falls in North America (and fifth tallest in the world), drops 2,425 feet to the valley floor. The Upper Fall plunges 1,430, feet, connecting with the 320-foot Lower Fall by a 675-foot cascade. Follow a 3.6-mile trail, which includes a 270-foot gain in elevation, to reach the top of Yosemite Falls. Start at Lower Yosemite Falls for a 1/2- day hike with excellent views of Half Dome. The best views are about two thirds of the way up, so don't feel as if you're missing out if you don't make it to the top. Impressive views of the falls are seen on the path to the base.
The Merced River flows from the snow fields in the Sierra Nevada, spills over the 594-foot Nevada Falls and then plummets another 317 feet over Vernal Falls. Known as The Mist Trail, the hike starts uphill through the mist sprayed by Vernal Falls. When the light is right, hikers are rewarded with rainbows in the mist of Vernal Falls. The climb to the top of Nevada Falls is difficult; the last 900 feet of elevation gain are up steep polished granite. The half-day round-trip up the falls is 3.4 miles one way.
Yosemite Indians called the 620-foot Bridalveil Fall, Pohono, or "spirit of the puffing winds." Strong winds often lift the thundering water and blow it sideways. Bridalveil is visible from the road, but an easy 10-minute walk will take you to its foaming base.
On a strenuous 9-1/2 mile walk from the Tuolumne Meadows area, you can view the exuberant Tuolumne Falls. Other falls such as the spectacular Waterwheel Falls, are a short distance beyond, near Glen Aulin Camp in the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne.
Other lesser known falls include: Cascade Falls, Chilnualna Cascades, Wapama and Tueeulala Falls. After the winter snow melt, Yosemite is easily accessible by Hwy. 120 and 140 from the west and Hwy. 120 from the east (Mono Lake Area).
Just five miles from the south entrance to Yosemite, along the 3.7-mile Lewis Creek Recreational Trail, lies a hidden treasure -- Corlieu Falls. The trail follows the route of the historical Madera Sugar Pine lumber flume past the 80-foot waterfall, and the smaller Red Rock Falls. With no signs to publicize their existence, Corlieu Falls can be enjoyed in a kind of quiet solitude not possible at some of the better known falls. For additional information, contact: Yosemite Experience.
On the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada is Rainbow Falls, located in the Inyo National Forest south of Devils Postpile National Monument. Along a 1.3-mile trail the San Joaquin River plunges 101 feet over volcanic rock into a box canyon. Multi-colored rainbows are clearly visible in the mist of the mighty falls. Devils Postpile is a brief walk from parking lots and shuttle stops. The trail to Rainbow Falls is a short 1-1/4-mile hike from Devils Postpile.
Drive around the Mammoth Lakes Basin -- Lake Mary, Twin Lakes, Mamie, George and Horseshoe (there is no Mammoth Lake). Spilling down from Lake Mamie west of the town of Mammoth Lakes is Twin Falls, which cascades 300-feet along a granite bed into Twin Lakes. It can be viewed from the overview at Twin Lakes. For additional information, contact: Visit Mammoth.
Located 25 miles east of Oroville, the Feather Falls National Recreation Trail will lead you to 640-feet high Feather Falls. The trail, located within the 15,000-acre Feather Falls Scenic Area, winds through the foothills 3.8 miles to Feather Falls. Water flows at Feather Falls are heaviest during the spring months.
The diminutive Indian Falls in the Plumas National Forest is just 20 feet high, but creates a dramatic affect falling on Indian Creek. Large sun-bathed rocks, swimming holes, and sandy shores beckon. The 0.5-mile round-trip hike is easy but can be icy in winter months. Well-placed interpretive panels provide insight into the lives of the Maidu tribes who inhabited the region. Ten miles west of Quincy, the falls are two miles north of the intersection of Highways 70 and 89.
The Bay Area has been blessed with a number of beautiful water falls. At a height of 70 feet, Berry Creek Falls in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, may be the Bay Area's most impressive waterfall. A fairly comfortable hike, take the Skyline to the Sea Trail to the falls and back for an 8-mile round-trip.
Twenty-five miles from Foresthill in Placer County is Grouse Falls, one of California's most scenic waterfalls. Cascading down several hundred feet, the falls are hidden at the head of an isolated box canyon. The falls were largely inaccessible until 1992, when a trail constructed to a deck perched along the canyon wall allowed the falls to be seen. The trail is an easy, 1/3-mile walk. The best time for viewing the falls is in the spring when water flows are high.
Truly an oasis in the desert is Darwin Falls, with its sparkling stream and year-round 30-foot cascading waterfalls. Just off Hwy. 190, leading into Death Valley National Park it's an easy half-mile hike to lower Darwin Falls. Another short hike ends at the rushing waters of the upper falls. In sharp contrast to this water wonderland is Fossil Falls, located 45-minutes north of Ridgecrest. The trail is a short 1-1/2 mile, round-trip hike and leads to a sculptured and polished 40-foot dry waterfall. Black lava cliffs were smoothed and shaped over thousands of years by the now-dry Owens River. The graded dirt access road to Fossil Falls is accessible with a two-wheel drive vehicle.
If my Subaru can't get me there,
that's a good reason not to go!