Hiker/riders capture prize experience at New Year’s nature trek
For some New Year’s revelers fun begins several hours following dawn rather than drawing a shade on its first embers but stoke the fires of the Imperial Valley’s own natural mood enhancers.
California State Park system offers two local sectors the exhilaration that is only had with imbibing Mother Nature’s deep well of bounty. The first bird walk of 2017 for the Salton Sea State Recreation Area takes place on the Iron Wood Nature Trail at the Salton Sea Visitor Center at 100-225 State Park Road in Mecca.
Hikers are advised to wear comfortable shoes, a brimmed hat, and sun screen, bring a water bottle and a notebook to track birds, noted Kelly Claar, parks sector supervisor. Typical water fowl this time of year are red-eared and western grebes, brown and white pelicans, coots and cormorants. Also, red-tailed hawks, crows, turkey vultures and black capped herons, “But we’re not promising these birds will show up, but the Salton Sea is a stopover for many species flying to winter nesting grounds” said Claar.
There is a camp store that sells light lunch and rents kayaks. There is a $7 entrance fee per vehicle but only $5 for seniors that allow visitors entrance to all four park units including headquarters, Mecca Beach, Corvina Beach and Salt Creek. The First Day Hike is a national program for parks and outdoor recreation areas to encourage people to engage natural habitats.
“For birders it’s a big deal to spot the first birds of the new calendar year because they like to see who can spot the most species in a year and this is a vibrant area for attracting birds,” said Claar.
When the Salton Sea first opened to the public it was basically a water park for boating, fishing and swimming noted Jose Renteria, senior park aide. “It’s an amazing place for activities like that but lots of people are under the mistaken impression it’s polluted, but it’s a safe recreation area with an abundant stock of Tilapia and very buoyant surface because of the salt content that helps accelerate water craft,” said Renteria.
He added, Karen Nelson an expert guide will accompany hikers to point out all the natural flora and fauna and a free trail guide will also be provided. And it is a very inexpensive and easy way to explore the backyard of Imperial County.
Meanwhile for off highway vehicles, ATVs, sand rails, and UTVs there are 85,000 acres of trails for the First Day Ride at the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area, noted Sharon Weil, state park interpreter (guide). Starting at 8 a. m. riders are invited to the Discovery Center at 5172 Highway 78 in Borrego Springs for coffee, cider or hot chocolate.
Before exploring the trails visitors can participate in the OHV safety carnival games as well as designing First Day place mats they can take home. A chili dog lunch is served at noon. Riders are advised to bring water, OHV safety gear and get a free park map at the Discovery Center.
“Off-roading is a fantastic form of family recreation and we look forward to hosting everybody,” said Weil.