We will be guided on this walk by the Portal Ridge Wildlife Preserve Land Steward Wesley Skelton who has a wealth of knowledge on the natural history and botany of this area, having grown up on this land. This preserve is an Audubon Important Bird Area and a significant part of the Portal Ridge-Liebre Mountain Significant Ecological Area. The PRWP sits in a transitional zone between the Tehachapi foothills, San Gabriel Mountains and Western Mojave Desert, the PRWP. Over 110 wildlife species,13 plant communities and naturally occurring springs are protected within this preserve. The Swainson’s Hawk, Southern California Mountain Lion, Western Burrowing Owl, Joshua Tree woodlands, wildflower fields, rare plants and pristine desert washes can all be observed at this preserve.
Meet: We will meet under the shade structure near the wash at the end of the dirt road. There will also be a sign-in sheet for visiting the preserve here.
Directions: Entrance is free. Heading North on CA-14, take exit 44 for Ave I, Turn Left on to W Ave I, continue on as the road transitions with a hard right and becomes Lancaster Rd. Follow Lancaster Rd past the AV Poppy Reserve. Lancaster Road will become W Ave F-8 shortly before 170th Street West. Make a Left at the 190th St W intersection and continue down the road until you reach the sign for the Portal Ridge Wildlife Preserve, the dirt road to the Left leads to the front gate of the preserve. (see attached Google maps photo)
Parking: Parking is free. Park along the end of the dirt road, from here you will be able to see the trail ahead slopes down into the desert wash with the shade structure.
Preparation: You may view and print the plant list or trail map (there are also some trail maps at the entrance).
Difficulty: Medium – we will be going up some inclines.
Bring: Bring a hat, layers in case of wind chill or heat, sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks to enjoy along the trail, sturdy shoes and hiking poles if you would like (there will be some slight inclines).
Restrooms: There is a Port-a-Potty and hand washing station near the parking area.
Cancellation: If the event is cancelled or rescheduled for any reason, notifications will be sent over Eventbrite emails.
Background info: Plant List, Trail Maps, Wildflower Gallery, Western Joshua Tree Regeneration study permit, Preserve Description on THC website
Questions: Event organized by Alana Dixon info@cnps-sgm.org
