The
Confluence Summer 2003
PARC Middle Fork Headwaters Outing-Saturday,
October 18 & 19
Picayune Valley - Big Tree Campout to French Meadows
 On
Saturday we will take a leisurely drive up the Middle Fork divide
area stopping at the Placer County Grove of Giant Sequoia trees and
the Red Star fire burn area to compare and contrast these unique eco-systems.
We will camp in the French Meadows area, on the look-out for osprey
during the day and hooting for spotted and Northern Pygmy owls at
night with Audubon birder Deren Ross. Breaking camp early Sunday we
will drive the short distance to the Picayune Valley trail located
in the Granite Chief Wilderness Area. This Middle Fork headwaters
glaciated valley is characterized by large old growth trees, waterfalls,
petroglyphs, ancient volcanic flows and brilliant colors in the Fall.
In the valley with Deren's expertise we will be looking for the "raucous
voiced" Clark's Nutcracker, the "stealth hunter" Goshawk
and the "elusive" Towsend's Solitaire.
It is 60 miles from Auburn to Picayune valley on a sometimes-twisted
road. Hiking in the valley is a relatively easy 6-8 mile round trip.
Space is limited. To confirm your spot and for more details contact
Deren Ross @ 530-885-9740 or Eric Peach @ 530-885-8878.
Two Hikes offered by American River Nature
Center
Historic Bridges of the Confluence
Saturday, November 1, 10am-1pm
Canyon Keeper Danielle Fisher will lead a short leisurely loop
along the North Fork in the Confluence Area describing the history
behind the historic bridges and showing photos. She will also provide
information about the flora and fauna.
Bring a lunch to enjoy along the river. Call ARNC at 530-621-1224
to register.
November Canyon Keeper Hike to Indian
Creek
Indian Creek Hike
Sunday, November 9
Hike leader Evan Jones will lead the monthly Canyon Keepers hike
to Indian Creek, a tributary of the North Fork of the American River
near Yankee Jim's river crossing. This classic meandering foot-path
follows a gentle contour above the river through a canopy of canyon
live oak trees sprinkled with occasional glimpses of the boulder
strewn river gorge below. The hiker is rewarded at the Indian Creek
confluence with a pleasant beach picnic area and a creek lined with
Indian Rhubarb and sedge grasses. Water Ouzel birds can occasionally
be observed dipping into the creek looking for an aquatic insect
appetizer.
For information on meeting time and location contact Evan 916-645-4361
or Jim Ferris
530-885-3776.
The Plant People
Saturday, December 6, 9am-1pm
John Muir and the Indians spoke of plants as if they had lives
and spirits. Who are these "plant people"? A recent study
calculated that a 50-year-old tree in America, sawed and laid on
a lumber truck was worth an average of $600. However, when its "ecosystem
services" in actual costs for replacing those benefits provided
by the same tree over its 50 years of life, its value soared to
$190,000.
Sierra College Professor Joe Medeiros will lead this walk as we
take stock of the benefits provided by plants and the importance
of plants to our very survival. This will be about a four-mile hike
along the Middle Fork of the American River. Call ARNC 530-621-1224
to register.
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