Apr 9 Flora and Fauna of the Antelope Valley, Saddleback Butte State Park

Mickey Long leads this CNPS San Gabriel Chapter field trip to explore the plants and ecology of the central Antelope Valley. We will look at the ecosystem as a whole, plants, birds, reptiles and desert ecology with emphasis on vegetation. We hope the rains were sufficient to provide for wildflowers, but desert plants are interesting regardless. We may hike part of the trail (2.5 miles) to the top of the butte.

Keep an eye on the CNPS San Gabriel Chapter website for last-minute changes - http://www.cnps-sgm.org/events.php . (Please also consider joining CNPS if you are not already a member)

Directions: Saddleback Butte is located approximately 17 miles east of Lancaster. Take the 14 (Antelope Valley) Freeway north to the exit at East Avenue J in Lancaster. Travel east on Avenue J to the junction with 170th St. East. Meet at 8:30 a.m. along the dirt shoulder at the junction of Ave J and 170th St. Water and toilets are located near the picnic area. Wear good sturdy shoes or boots, and a hat. Bring water and snacks, and a lunch if you wish to join us at the covered picnic areas. A per car entrance fee of $6 is required.

Michael (Mickey) Long was Director of Eaton Canyon Nature Center and worked in the County's Natural Areas system since 1971. He obtained his degree in Zoology from California State University Los Angeles, taught college environmental biology and human ecology courses and taught bird identification and biology classes at the Nature Center. Mickey's research interests are in ornithology, herpetology, and botany. He is a licensed bird bander, past president of the Pasadena Audubon Society, and is active in several conservation organizations. Read more at "Michael 'Mickey' Long: Los Angeles Naturalist" by Robert Jan "Roy" van de Hoek, Conservation Biologist for the Ballona Institute and Wetlands Action Network - http://www.naturespeace.org/mickeylongbiography.htm .