Mountains Restoration Trust to lead naturalist classes for seniors in January and February

Mountains Restoration Trust (MRT) now offers naturalist workshops geared for the senior citizen.  Workshops offer a variety of topics; Learn about the local Calabasas and Native American history, hike in the Cold Creek Valley Preserve, and birdwatch at the Headwaters Corner.  Learn from a plant specialist how to collect seeds and cuttings from native Santa Monica Mountain plants to grow your own.  These workshops offer an unique opportunity to discover special places within the mountains, learn about local nature and meet others to enjoy the great outdoors with. Workshops focus on hands-on activities in natural outdoor settings.

Nature 101
January 24, 2012
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Mountains Restoration Trust at Headwaters Corner, Calabasas
Meets at the Historical Masson House
23075 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas

Join us at the City of Calabasas Historical Landmark #1 Masson House, bordered by a year-round creek and surrounded with oak trees and other native plants.  We will discuss the history of the house followed by a walk-about.  Once outside, we will see the natural habitat that we work so hard to care for after years of neglect.   We will explain the flora and fauna that live here and hopefully see some of the fauna on their daily venture for food and water.  We will feel the breeze and sun on our shoulders and smell the fresh country scent while we experience the peace that nature inspires, beckoning us to come back. The fee is $10.00 per person.

Seed Propagation
February 7, 2012
10:00 am -12:00 pm
Founder’s Hall, City of Calabasas Civic Center
200 Civic Center Way, Calabasas

An introduction to seed propagation methods will be the subject of a two hour workshop led by Tom Hayduk, Restoration Specialist, Mountains Restoration Trust.  Topics to be discussed during the workshop will include seed collection, seed cleaning, and storage, treatments to overcome seed dormancy and seed sowing of plant species native to the Santa Monica Mountains.  The workshop will be hands-on, and participants will help clean and sow seed into flats.  The fee is $10.00 per person.

Birds
February 21, 2012
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Mountains Restoration Trust at Headwaters Corner, Calabasas
Meets at the historical Masson House
23075 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas

Out of all the animals that live in these mountains, the ones you will be sure to see are the birds.  Come join us and find out what makes a bird a bird.  We will see the local birds that live here year-round and the migratory birds that are just passing through on their incredible journey from one country or state to another.  The males will be in their breeding colors frequently calling for a mate while others are defending their territory.   We will have binoculars to lend but if you have your own please bring them.  There is a $10.00 fee per person.

Space is limited.  Reservations are required.  The classes are offered through the City of Calabasas Community Services Department and are listed in the Calabasas Recreation Brochure.  To register, visit http://com3.govtsystems.com/ResPcalabasas/?Common/Home.

For more information, call Susan Haugland at 818-591-1701 ext. 212.