Description

Explore the expansive 246,000 acre Carrizo Plain National Monument in southeast San Luis Obispo County, viewing spectacular wildflower displays among grasslands, vernal pools, and desert scrub habitats. Geographic features and scenic vistas include Overlook Hill, the salt playa of Soda Lake, trace of the San Andreas Fault along the base of the Temblor Range, Native American pictographs at Painted Rock, and the highest elevation in the county in the bordering Caliente Range.
A guided van field trip will include a visit to the Goodwin Education Center with many fascinating interpretive displays, stops along the trace of the San Andreas Fault at the famous Wallace Creek offset, wildflower viewing locations, the boardwalk access to Soda Lake, and a guided outing to Painted Rock
The Carrizo is a remnant of the once vast Central Valley grasslands and home to many endemic, rare and endangered flora and fauna. Frequent sightings of raptors include eagles, hawks, and falcons. Rare wildlife species include Tule elk, Pronghorn antelope, Nelson's Antelope ground squirrel, Giant kangaroo rat, San Joaquin kit fox, and Blunt-nosed leopard lizard.
Bring a sack lunch, water, snacks, binoculars, and identification references. Dress in warm layers. Van transportation included.
$4 parking permit required to leave your vehicle on campus
WEATHER POLICY. If a class is canceled due to safety or weather issues, students will be notified by Cuesta Community Program. The class will be rescheduled or full refunds will be given. If the class or program is on the weekend, the instructor will make the decision and call all registered.
For more info. see website at: https://www.blm.gov/visit/carrizo-plain-national-monument
CLASS SCHEDULE: Subject to Change: Due to their very nature, our classes are “subject to change”. Class change notices will be sent via email to the email address on file. Please check your email OR check class status at the Community Programs website before your scheduled class.

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Activity Category

Outdoors, Nature & Science

Location

SLO-RM 4110

Instructor

Steve Schubert