Back to NativesRESTORATION

 

Habitat Hike: Signs of Spring Sunday, May 4, 2008, 9-11AM
Join Back to Natives on Sunday, May 4, from 9-11AM for a walk along the Serrano Creek trail in the City of Lake Forest to search for spring wildflowers and butterflies.  We’ll learn about native host and nectar plants that butterflies depend on for survival.  Come pot some native plant seeds for free and grow them at home for the hummingbirds and butterflies in your neighborhood.  Hiking distance is approximately 2-3 miles on a dirt or gravel trail. This hike is recommended for ages 8+ and is rated easy in moderation.
Fee: $2.00 includes a snack and drink
Location: Meet at the Lake Forest Nature Park Gazebo (26215 Dimension Dr)
For more information call: The City of Lake Forest at 461-3459

 

Starr Ranch Sanctuary hike
Saturday, May 17, 9:00AM             
Join Back to Natives at the WILDEST place in Orange County -- the Starr Ranch Sanctuary – for a hike led by Director of Research and Education, Sandy deSimone.  Starr Ranch is a 4,000 acre Audubon California sanctuary in southeast Orange County.  We’ll hike through a mosaic of grassland, oak woodland, riparian woodland, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral. Guests may see or hear fence lizards, tree frogs, California gnatcatchers and red-shouldered hawks.  Hopefully we’ll see signs of the elusive mountain lion!  The Starr Ranch hike is #8 in our “Around the County in 18 Hikes” program in 2008.  We’ll be keeping track of the number of times you join us, because at the end of the year those who have attended THE MOST hikes will be entered to win a fabulous prize!  Visit www.backtonatives.org/specialevents.html for details on all 18 hikes and events.  RSVP to info@backtonatives.org – we’ll send you directions. 

 

Midsummer Morning in Mason Regional Park
Saturday, June 21, 9:00AM            
Join BTN for a Summer Solstice Walk in Mason Regional Park (Wilderness Area).  We’ll celebrate the longest day of the year together! Bring a picnic lunch, and a song or musical instrument to share, or just listen to the music.  Our morning will start with a hike into the wilderness area of mason regional Park.  At the end of our hike we’ll enjoy our lunch and some music.  Midsummer Morning is #9 in our “Around the County in 18 Hikes” program in 2008.  We’ll be keeping track of the number of times you join us, because at the end of the year those who have attended THE MOST hikes will be entered to win a fabulous prize!  Visit www.backtonatives.org/specialevents.html for details on all 18 hikes and events.  RSVP to info@backtonatives.org – we’ll send you directions.  Parking fee is $5.  Hike is free.

 

Upper Newport Bay:  Back Bay Science Center Tour & Casual Bike Ride along Back Bay Road
Saturday, July 12, 9:00AM
Join BTN for a tour of the new Back Bay Science Center led by a docent from the Upper Newport Bay Naturalists & Friends.  From there we’re off on a slow, casual bike ride (so bring your bike!) along Back Bay Road.  Upper Newport Bay is #10 in our “Around the County in 18 Hikes” program in 2008.  We’ll be keeping track of the number of times you join us, because at the end of the year those who have attended THE MOST hikes will be entered to win a fabulous prize!  Visit www.backtonatives.org/specialevents.html for details on all 18 hikes and events.  RSVP to info@backtonatives.org – we’ll send you directions. 

Full Moon Walk at Crystal Cove
August 16, 7:00PM
Join us for a quiet, slow paced walk to enjoy the Full Grain Moon.  We’ll stroll through the backcountry listening for the song of tree frogs and nocturnal insects.  As the sky fades to black, we’ll search for the darker silhouettes of bats and owls, as they soar across fields of stars.  The Full Moon Walk is #11 in our “Around the County in 18 Hikes” program in 2008.  We’ll be keeping track of the number of times you join us, because at the end of the year those who have attended THE MOST hikes will be entered to win a fabulous prize!  Visit www.backtonatives.org/specialevents.html for details on all 18 hikes and events.  RSVP to info@backtonatives.org – we’ll send you directions.

Autumn Equinox Walk at O’Neill Park
September 22, 9:00AM                   
Join BTN at O’Neill Park for a walk to celebrate Nature’s bounty!  In Autumn there is a slight nip in the air and animals begin making preparations for the long cold months to come. We’ll search for signs of fall and celebrate autumn together!  The Autumn Equinox Walk is #12 in our “Around the County in 18 Hikes” program in 2008.  We’ll be keeping track of the number of times you join us, because at the end of the year those who have attended THE MOST hikes will be entered to win a fabulous prize!  Visit www.backtonatives.org/specialevents.html for details on all 18 hikes and events.  RSVP to info@backtonatives.org – we’ll send you directions.

National Public Lands Day “Hike and Weed”
September 27, 9:00AM                   
Join back to Natives at the Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy to celebrate National Public Lands Day as we “Hike and Weed.”  The rains have brought out weeds in many different areas. Some of the areas require a hike in order to get to them, so Back to Natives will be partnering with the Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy to lead volunteers in this fun habitat restoration project!  The Hike and Weed is #13 in our “Around the County in 18 Hikes” program in 2008.  We’ll be keeping track of the number of times you join us, because at the end of the year those who have attended THE MOST hikes will be entered to win a fabulous prize!  Visit www.backtonatives.org/specialevents.html for details on all 18 hikes and events.  RSVP to info@backtonatives.org – we’ll send you directions.

Fall Eco-Tour:  Caspers Wilderness Park
October 4, 9:00AM – 1:00PM         
Join BTN on the last of three seasonal “Eco-Tours,” which will give us a chance to visit a wild place, as well as a nearby “green” business and a yummy independent restaurant.  We’ll start the day with a short, easy hike in Caspers Wilderness Park, and then go next door to Tree of Life Nursery to shop for locally native plants.   Later we’ll travel down the Ortega Highway to San Juan Capistrano for a delicious lunch at Pedro’s Tacos!  YUMMY!  The Fall Eco-Tour is #14 in our “Around the County in 18 Hikes” program in 2008.  We’ll be keeping track of the number of times you join us, because at the end of the year those who have attended THE MOST hikes will be entered to win a fabulous prize!  Visit www.backtonatives.org/specialevents.html for details on all 18 hikes and events.  RSVP to info@backtonatives.org – we’ll send you directions.

Fire Ecology Walk at Whiting Ranch
October 18, 9:00AM                        
Join Back to Natives for a fun and informational Fire Ecology Walk at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park – led by Nature Conservancy Ecologist Trish Smith.  The fire ecology walk is #15 in our “Around the County in 18 Hikes” program in 2008.  We’ll be keeping track of the number of times you join us, because at the end of the year those who have attended THE MOST hikes will be entered to win a fabulous prize!  Visit www.backtonatives.org/specialevents.html for details on all 18 hikes and events.  RSVP to info@backtonatives.org – we’ll send you directions.

Fall Colors Hike at Laguna Coast Wilderness
November 15, 9:00AM                    
Join back to Natives for a hike through beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.  We’ll be led by LCWP Resource Specialist Laura Cohen, whose love and passion for the wilderness is contagious!  We’ll be on the lookout for the California Sycamore tree, as it’s leaves turn from green to gold before blanketing the ground for it’s Winter slumber.  The Fall Colors hike is #16 in our “Around the County in 18 Hikes” program in 2008.  We’ll be keeping track of the number of times you join us, because at the end of the year those who have attended THE MOST hikes will be entered to win a fabulous prize!  Visit www.backtonatives.org/specialevents.html for details on all 18 hikes and events.  RSVP to info@backtonatives.org – we’ll send you directions.

Buy Nothing Day Hike in the National Forest
November 28, 9:00AM
Join Back to Natives for a hike in the Cleveland National Forest in celebration of Buy Nothing Day -- an informal day of protest against consumerism on the day after American Thanksgiving. This day, often called "Black Friday," is one of the busiest shopping days of the year.  Participants will wear off their Thanksgiving meals when they hike through the Elfin Forest past granite outcrops covered in colorful lichen.  Bring plenty of water, energy food, and a hat. Be prepared for narrow sections and rocky slopes. A Forest Adventure Pass is required.  Buy Nothing day is hike #17 in our “Around the County in 18 Hikes” program in 2008.  We’ll be keeping track of the number of times you join us, because at the end of the year those who have attended THE MOST hikes will be entered to win a fabulous prize!  Visit www.backtonatives.org/specialevents.html for details on all 18 hikes and events.  RSVP to info@backtonatives.org – we’ll send you directions.

Winter Solstice Walk at Alison & Wood Canyons
December 21, 9:00AM
Join us for a sunrise walk at Aliso & Woods Canyons Wilderness Park. We’ll celebrate the shortest day together!  Bring a song or musical instrument to share after our hike, or just listen to the music as you enjoy a picnic lunch.  Winter Solstice is hike #18 in our “Around the County in 18 Hikes” program in 2008.  We’ll be keeping track of the number of times you join us, because at the end of the year those who have attended THE MOST hikes will be entered to win a fabulous prize!  Visit www.backtonatives.org/specialevents.html for details on all 18 hikes and events.  RSVP to info@backtonatives.org – we’ll send you directions.

Restoration Volunteer Training Program

Back to Natives has partnered with the US Forest Service to train restoration volunteers over the course of 9 months. BTN will educate volunteers in dry restoration practices within the Cleveland National Forest. For more information and to sign up for this FREE training program please contact restoration(at)backtonatives.org or Deborah Clarke, Wilderness and Trails Manager for the Trabuco Ranger District at drclarke(at)fs.fed.us. Future dates include: April 12, May 10, & June 14. Although the class has already started, interested individuals can jump in at any time, and attend the next orientation, scheduled for Sept. 20, 2008.

Please help us at BTN make this project happen, to help preserve and restore our County's and Nation's natural heritage! Our goal is $9800 to be sure all aspects of this program can be addressed. So far the United States Forest Service has pledged $2500.00!

BTN is a Non Profit Public Charity under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.Contributions to BTN are deductible under section 170 of the IR code.. We are qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the IR Code.

School Program Consulting Allow Back to Natives to develop and implement a custom educational program for your facility or organization. Environmental Education is increasingly seen as the tool necessary for organizations to reach out to the community to help them become aware of more sustainable living practices. BTN curriculum is customized to your location and ecological emphasis for your organization. All BTN curriculum is aligned to state guidelines and standards.	Habitat Restoration Consulting .Let Back to Natives assist your organization with habitat restoration with research and development of an historically accurate and location appropriate species list. BTN provides full research on locale specific species research and onsite survey and monitoring. Planting and seeding procedures will be finely documented. Remember, restoration is only successful when the community is involved and volunteerism is encouraged.
Native Plant Propagation Program Back to Natives Restoration is dedicated to the appreciation and use of locally native plant species in every aspect of our lives. There is a great need for the understanding and proper training in the use of native plant species. People visiting a nursery to purchase plants areu usually not there for a specific species. instead they are looking for what looks healthy, green and has flowers. Propagating natives for the public is one necessary step towards shifting the mindset from water hungry plants.	Volunteer Training and Recruitment Back to Natives Restoration provides a full service Restoration Volunteer Training and Recruitment Program. Volunteer training and recruitment can be the most difficult and time consuming aspect of any organization. Without volunteers however many of our projects and daily tasks would not be performed. With proper training volunteers can be your most prized asset, and great friends to boot! Allow us to recruit Volunteers for your next project, and we'll show you how valuable volunteers really are!
Event Promotion and Media Relations Media relations and event promotion are a mysterious element of our non-profit community. Everyone has their own media contact list, but no one seems to cover your event. Let Back to Natives take care of media releases and raise Media Awareness of your events and organization. BTN has had much success in past events with phenomanal media coverage and public support and turnout. Let BTN promote your next event and relax as the media and the public respond with coverage and support of your worthy cause.	Native Plant Garden Consulting Water conservation and costs of garden maintenance are turning most people sour towards lawn and gardens. Let Back to Natives examine your yard and area to give you the tools and information necessary for a more successful landscape. BTN will visit your site and give you tips and information on how you can turn a water hungry lawn and traditional non-native landscape into a water saving, money saving beautiful native garden. Gardening should be enjoyable not a punishing labor, BTN will show you how to make it fun again while providing habitat for birds and butterflies!.