Sky Island and Climate Refugia, Lecture and Wilderness Discovery Hike

How are unique and isolated plants and animals adapting to a rapidly changing climate?

The mountains of Southern California rise above the surrounding desert like islands in an ocean of sand. Many unique species found nowhere else on Earth have evolved and flourished on these “sky islands", but how will these isolated plants and animals adapt to a rapidly changing climate? This will be a one hour presentation, followed by a special hike highlighting some of the unique species of the San Jacinto Mountains – found nowhere else on Earth!

The lecture portion of this event is free and open to the general public who may walk in without registration so long as there is seating available.

Note: Click on text that is bold and highlighted in blue for links to important information. DETAILS

• Parking: Parking is free for Coachella Valley and High Desert residents with I.D. Otherwise, $15 per vehicle.
• Hike Leader: Colin Barrows is a Coachella Valley naturalist and desert advocate who works to promote restoring relationships between people and their environment. He works with local agencies to advance habitat conservation, recreational trails planning, and promote community science to grow public understanding and appreciation of desert ecosystems. Colin serves on the boards of the Mt San Jacinto Natural History Association and CactusToCloud Institute.
• Event Date and Time: Sunday, May 18 at 9:00 am. ( see on purchasing Tram tickets and arriving on time) Remember, receive a 20% discount on Tram tickets.
• Meet at: The first floor Santa Rosa Theater, on the 1st floor next to the Visitor Center
• Hike rating: Moderate. Discovery Hike after the lecture. Optional
• Distance: 4 miles round trip.
• Cost: Registration is free.

REQUIREMENTS

• Everyone must register online in advance to participate. Each individual must register separately with their own name and contact information.
• Take the 8 am Tram car to arrive at the meeting location on time ( for instructions on purchasing Tram tickets and arriving on time).
• Each person must bring their own water (We recommend a minimum of 2 liters of water per person). Snacks, lunch, and day hiking gear are recommended.
• Please Leave No Trace on the mountain.
• Anyone under the age of 18 (minimum age 14) must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
• Proper hiking attire, i.e. hiking clothes, hiking boots (not tennis shoes!), hat, sunglasses.
• Hiking poles are suggested, but not mandatory.
• After the talk, we will depart the mountain station at about 10 am and will return in the midafternoon.

If you have any questions, please contact Colin at: Y3diYXJyb3cgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ== or cG9zdG1hc3RlciB8IG1zam5oYSAhIG9yZw==

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