Upcoming Events

The recent plentiful rains are ushering in a bountiful nature to explore and appreciate. BCLT is again hosting nature walks, work days and other family events this spring and summer.

Unless designated otherwise, all events begin in the front parking lot of Joan MacQueen Middle School, 2001 Tavern Road, Alpine.

Sunday, April 13: Sunset Walk in Wright's Field

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Join Geography Professor Michael Wangler for a sunset walk in Wright-s Field to explore its six habitats and enjoy a great show of spring wildflowers. End with a nice sunset overlooking the native grassland.

Saturday, April 26: I Love a Clean Alpine

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Join us in beautifying the Wright-s Field Preserve during a Saturday morning clean-up. Students will receive community service credit. All volunteers are meeting at the W. Victoria/Alpine Blvd/Arnold triangle. Call Tim Todaro (445-7764) for more info.

Saturday, May 10: Robert-s Ranch Nature Walk

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Join Yolaine Stout and Linda Richards in a walk through Robert's Ranch, BCLT's first effort in land preservation and now owned by the U.S. Forest Service. Meet at the Park and Ride on Japatul Valley Road north of I-8, and we'll walk across the road to the preserve.

Saturday, June 7 National Trails Day - First Event

Work Party at Wright's Field: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

The day starts with a trails work party on Wright's Field trails. Volunteers have done a great job slowing down trail erosion. Water, refreshments will be provided. This is a great opportunity for teens to receive community service credit. Please bring work gloves and wear sturdy shoes. Note there are two events this day--the times allow you to do both!

Saturday, June 7 National Trails Day - Second Event

Butterfly Nature Walk: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

With the plentiful rains, this should be a great year for butterflies. To celebrate National Trails Day, join butterfly expert Michael Klein at Wright's Field to identify and learn about butterflies. In addition to Behr's Metalmark, Buckeyes and several Blues (Acmon, Bernadino) we should also find the Hermes Copper. This rare butterfly is dependent on the spiny redberry found in Wright's Field. Michael will also point out interesting insects and share a wealth of nature knowledge. Bring water and sunscreen.

Saturday, June 14: Family "Bug Night" at Wright's Field

8:30 PM

Join entomologist Michael Klein for BCLT's second popular "bug night" to identify insects that live in the preserve. For the event, white sheets are set up next to ultraviolet lights, which dupe insects into thinking the bright sheet was a huge flower. More than 35 insects were caught, identified and released.

Please bring a flashlight and wear appropriate footwear. Children and families encouraged - adults will be surprised at how much they enjoy this event. Parking is available in the north parking lot of Joan McQueen Middle School, 2001 Tavern Road. We’ll walk into the preserve from there. (The event takes place at the eucalyptus grove.)