Weldon, CA – Audubon Kern River Preserve will hold another free monthly family nature exploration on Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. This time to see the wildflowers and anything else nature decides to delight us with. While the rains have come and some flowers are blooming; some areas around the valley are near peak while other areas are waiting to burst forth in their spring glory. Come out to the preserve and we will take a hike where the wildflowers are blooming and identify what we see. The hike location depends on what is blooming by Friday.

This will be an interactive hike. Begin at Audubon Kern River Preserve headquarters, we'll start by learning the lawn flowers. We will then leave the headquarters area (no later than 9:15 to get to the best wildflower area so those who are late will miss out), carpooling to another location on the Kern River Preserve and take a hike along either a flat or a relatively rough trail identifying the flowers along the way.

Wear hiking shoes, dress for variable weather. Bring water, binoculars (can be used as hand-held microscopes), camera, field guide and enthusiasm. Plan on an easy to moderate stroll. Please do stay on the trail at all times and keep children under control... trampling the flowers is not cool. Please leave dogs at home.

This hike will be led by Alison Sheehey, at the Audubon Kern River Preserve.

For those interested, after a lunch break we can car caravan to visit some of the wildflower hot spots around Isabella Reservoir to see more species. Please RSVP for this part of the session.

Monthly events are free and appropriate for well controlled children ages 5 and up. All interested persons (children are welcome but those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult). All monthly events begin at the Audubon Kern River Preserve headquarters and are held outdoors. Always dress for cold to warm weather, wear a hat, bring sunscreen, bug spray and bring drinks. There is no potable water at the preserve.

For more information please contact us at 1-(760) 378-2531 or rtollefson@audubon.org.

Directions to the preserve:
18747 Highway 178
Weldon, CA 93283

On State Highway 178, the preserve is 57 miles east of Highway 99 in Bakersfield and 30 miles west of Highway 14 near Inyokern.
Look for a large Audubon California sign at the entrance to the Kern River Preserve.
The entrance is 100 feet west of Kelso Valley Road.
Turn on the dirt easement road… drive 0.2 miles to the parking area inside the forest.
Look for Lake Isabella on a map if you are coming from outside the immediate area.

About Audubon Kern River Preserve

The Kern River Preserve is managed by Audubon California for the preservation of one of California’s largest contiguous cottonwood-willow riparian forests and the wildlife it supports.

Audubon Kern River Preserve supporters provide financial and volunteer support for Preserve outreach, education, wildlife habitat protection & stewardship.