Hi Mountain Lookout Project
& the California Condor Recovery Program
12th Annual Hi Mountain Condor Lookout Campout and Open House Event
Saturday, October 5, 2013 (all day event)
Hi Mountain Lookout, San Luis Obispo County, Los Padres National Forest
Photo by Susanne Stadler
Come and discover one of the largest and most endangered flying birds of North America. California Condors are radio tracked from Hi Mountain Lookout , flying near release sites in Big Sur and Pinnacles National Monument in Central California and Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, the Sespe Condor Sanctuary and Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge in Southern California. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about condor biology and the reintroduction of these magnificent birds back to the wild. The Hi Mountain Lookout Project is a collaboration between Morro Coast Audubon Society, U.S. Forest Service at Los Padres National Forest, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service California Condor Recovery Program, Cal Poly Biological Sciences Department, Ventana Wildlife Society, and the National Parks Service at Pinnacles National Monument.
Hi Mountain Lookout has been restored as a biological field research station and visitor center. Tour the interpretive visitor center with condor and other local wildlife displays and an extensive library of local natural history references. Meet with our staff, college interns and community volunteers. Cal Poly students will discuss their ongoing field research projects in the Hi Mountain area, including small mammal live trapping, bird surveys, and vegetation analysis. The open house event will feature condor radio tracking demonstrations, a bird watching field trip and a native plant identification stroll. Activities for kids will be ongoing, including plaster of paris track making and a guided nature walk.
Hi Mountain hats, shirts, and other merchandise will be available for sale and a fundraising auction will be conducted, with the proceeds supporting the lookout project’s annual operating expenses.
Join us in the evening for complimentary serving of wine from Saucelito Canyon Winery and a potluck dinner while enjoying the sunset watch. Overnight camping near the lookout is optional. Popcorn and refreshments will be provided for the evening program presentations and showing of the documentary movie "The Condor’s Shadow," with outdoor seating under the stars!
Bird Watching Field Trip: 9:00am - 11:30am
Pozo Ranger Station to Hi Mountain Carpooling from Pozo is recommended. Easy hiking conditions.
Field trip leader: Mike Stiles, President, Morro Coast Audubon Society
note: register for the field trip in advance by contacting Steve at s_schub1@msn.comor #805 528-6138
Kids Activities: beginning 11:00am at the lookout plaster-of-paris track making, bird watching
Picnic Lunch at the Lookout: 11:30am – 12:30pm
Welcoming Comments: 12:30pm by Hi Mountain Lookout staff, volunteers, and student interns
Afternoon Activities and Field Trips
Geographical landmarks- from the Pacific coast to the Sierra Nevada - and demonstration of the original Hi Mountain Lookout firefinder by Kevin Cooper, USFS Wildlife Biologist
Native Plant Identificationwalk by Dr. Dirk Walters, California Native Plant Society
Condor Radio Trackingdemonstrations by Condor Recovery Program & Hi Mountain Lookout Staff
Bird Watching By Ear and Raptor Watch from the lookout by Steve Schubert, Lookout Project Volunteer Coordinator, Morro Coast Audubon Society
Sunset Watch & POT LUCK DINNER!! (wear layered clothing)
Saucelito Canyon Vineyards wine serving, compliments of Nancy and Bill Greenough, owners
Evening Program 7:00pm
PowerPoint presentations: the 2013 Perseid Meteor Shower photographed from the Lookout & Fire Ecology of SLO County
Movie: The Condor’s Shadow, presented by documentary filmmaker Jeff McLoughlin
Popcorn and refreshments will be served!
Astronomy observations: Telescopic observations of the evening skies
Optional Hi Mountain Campout: Overnight camping available at ‘Cypress Hill’ or Hi Mountain Campground
Visit Hi Mountain Lookout on Facebook. To RSVP for the event please contact Steve Schubert at # (805) 528-6138 or send e-mail.
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