Hill Canyon, BBQ, Opening of the new Conejo Canyons Bridge (Beginners OK)

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/3/4/8/event_91629032.jpegBe the one of the first to cross cross over the new Conejo Canyons Bridge!

Join us and the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) for a hike and opening ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Conejo Canyons Bridge on Saturday, February 11, 2012:

9:30 a.m. - 1-hour guided hike will lead participants across the bridge and into the Conejo Canyons Open Space along the Hill Canyon Trail. We will do some more hiking beyond the public hike 11 a.m. - Opening ceremony on the east end of the bridge; followed by a barbeque lunch on the west side of the bridge. Read the Official Invitation (http://files.meetup.com/454296/COSCA%20Bridge%20Ceremony%20Invitation%202_11_12.pdf)

You must RSVP with COSCA by Thursday to participate. Call or email Shelly Austin at 805-449-2339 / saustin@toaks.org

The 145-foot long Conejo Canyons Bridge provides trail access across the Arroyo Conejo for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. This bridge fills a missing link in COSCA's extensive trail system by connecting Wildwood Park to the Conejo Canyons Open Space.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/3/b/6/event_91629142.jpegThe bridge was constructed through a cooperative effort between COSCA, the City of Thousand Oaks and the Conejo Recreation and Park District. City Public Works staff drafted the construction plans, provided construction management and inspection assistance, and helped COSCA identify a supplier offering a pre-fabricated bridge at a significant discount. The Conejo Open Space Foundation, a private non-profit organization, helped fund the project with a generous donation of $35,000 raised by contributions from over 50 individuals and businesses.

Donate to the Conejo Open Space Foundation
The Conejo Canyons Bridge is located on Hill Canyon Road, 1/2 mile south of the intersection with Santa Rosa Road. The opening ceremony will be held rain or shine; rain or mud may cancel the hike.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/4/6/0/event_91629312.jpegHill Canyon is part of a system of deeply eroded canyons, plateaus and ridgelines known as the Conejo Canyons Open Space. On clear days, trails in this area afford dramatic views of Ventura and the coastline, as well as inland to the Topa Topa mountains north of Ojai. This area also conserves a variety of habitats, including coast live oak woodlands, riparian habitats, interior sage scrub/chaparral, and coastal sage scrub.

Directions

From Moorpark Road, drive west on Santa Rosa Road for 3.7 miles, turn left (south) on Hill Canyon Road for about ½ mile to the trailhead on the right.