Volunteer Opportunities and Public Events for 2009-2010
The following are opportunities for the public to assist in maintaining the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Work is done under the supervision of Monument staff, and the recreation days are led by volunteers who know the Carrizo Plain well. Some projects are organized through the Sierra Club, others by Los Padres ForestWatch, but membership is not required to join the group - only a desire to help and to become more acquainted with the land. The trip sponsored by Desert Survivors does require membership, but the cost is a nominal $20 a year. There are no other charges whatsoever. Contact the designated leader(s) for meeting time, place, and other details.
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September 26, 2009 (Sat) - National Public Lands Day
This is an opportunity to join a large group assisting the Bureau of Land Management in improving the overlook area above Soda Lake. Contact: Ryan Cooper, BLM Bakersfield Office (661-391-6048)
October 3-4 (Sat-Sun) - Fences, Hiking, Carcamp
Pronghorn antelope will not jump fences to escape predators but rather attempt to crawl under. Help us remove fences on the Cal Dept of Fish and Game Reserve. Work Saturday, camp and potluck dinner that evening. hike Sunday. Leaders: Cal and Letty French, (805-239-7338). Prefer e-mail lettyfrench@gmail.com (Sierra Club)
Nov 7-9 (Sat - Mon) - Serve and Explore the Carrizo
On Saturday we will help paint the exterior of the Visitor Center. Sunday will be reserved for recreation. Those who can stay on Monday will assist in another project . Leader: Craig Deutsche, craig.deutsche@gmail.com, (310-477-6670) (Desert Survivors)
Dec 5, and 6 (Sat-Sun) - Fences and Exploring
This outing is planned to introduce new (and past) volunteers to the art of fence removal and modification for the benefit of the pronghorn. Work on Saturday, hike or explore Sunday. Stay at Selby campground for potluck, stories, and stars. Leader: Craig Deutsche, (310-477-6670), craig.deutsche@gmail.com (Friends of Carrizo Plain with Sierra Club)
Dec 28 - Jan 2 (Mon-Sat) - Work and Play over the New Year’s Break
A welcome hike on Dec 28, Three and a half days of service modifying barbed wire fencing, and a full day for hiking and exploring are planned. Use of accommodations at Goodwin Ranch included. Limited to 14 participants. $30 covers 5 dinners. For more information contact leader: Craig Deutsche, (310-477-6670), craig.deutsche@gmail.com, or co-leader: Melinda Goodwater, mgoodwater@sbcglobal.net (Sierra Club)
Feb 20-21 (Sat-Sun) - Winter in the Carrizo
Service on Saturday will modify fences for pronghorn antelope. Camp that evening at Selby with dinner provided. Sunday is a day for exploring or hiking. Project Leader: Jeff Kuyper, (805-617-4610, jeff@LPFW.org, (Los Padres ForestWatch)
March 13-14 (Sat-Sun) - Fences, Hiking, Carcamp
In early spring the Carrizo may be turning green, and if the winter has been wet there should be wildflowers. Help us remove fences on the Cal Dept of Fish and Game Reserve once again. Work Saturday, camp and potluck dinner that evening. hike Sunday. Leaders: Cal and Letty French, (805-239-7338). Prefer e-mail lettyfrench@gmail.com (Sierra Club)
April 5 - 10 (Mon-Sat) - Wildflowers and Fences in the Carrizo
When the Carrizo campgrounds are crowded with visitors in the spring, we will be privileged to stay at the Goodwin Ranch. With longer daylight hours there will be time for some exploration after work. We spend three and a half days modifying fences and take a day of for hiking. Limited to 14 participants. $30 covers 5 dinners. Contact leader: Craig Deutsche, (310-477-6670), craig.deutsche@gmail.com. (Sierra Club)
May 1-2 (Sat - Sun) - Fences or Weeds (to be determined)
This may be the last of springtime in the Carrizo. Depending upon the needs of the BLM we may be removing (invasive) tamarisk or else modifying fences in the Caliente Mountains Once again, Saturday is for work and Sunday is for play. Leaders: Jeff Kuyper, (805-617-4610) jeff@LPFW.org and Craig Deutsche, craig.deutsche@gmail.com, (310-477-6670) (Los Padres ForestWatch and Desert Survivors)
Volunteers Needed Individuals who can commit for return visits can provide a great range of service: monitoring roads, installing signs, leading hikes, removing weeds, assisting visitors. If this is you, contact volunteer coordinator: Craig Deutsche, (310-477-6670), craig.deutsche@gmail.com
The Friends of the Carrizo Plain is a California (501)c Public Benefit Corporation. The Managing Partners of the Carrizo Plain National Monument are the United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management, The Nature Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Game.
