Special Earth Science Series
FIELD TRIP IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Leader: John Peterson, Hydrologist and Geologist

Approximately 12,000 years ago, the Colorado River altered its course, forming a massive prehistoric lake known as Lake Cahuilla, which is now the Salton Sea.   The lake served as a vital resource for the Cahuilla, Kumeyaay, and Cocopah peoples. Over the centuries, the lake filled and dried up many times. It last filled between 1731 and 1733. Hydrologist John Peterson will lead a half-day field trip to the Salton Sea, where participants can explore the ancient lake's remnants, including visible "bathtub rings" and fishing traps. Meet at ABDNHA. General Public: $18, Members: $12, Volunteers: $10. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

Special Earth Science Series
FIELD TRIP IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA to get on waitlist
*Note the start and end locations in the description below!

Leader: Geologist Don Barrie

Don will lead the group on an exploration of the rocks along Sunrise Highway, west of Borrego Springs. The rocks in this area comprise part of a regional geologic suite known as the Peninsular Ranges Batholith (PRB), which extends from southern Baja, California, northward into the Palm Springs area. We'll meet near the intersection of Sunrise Highway and Interstate 8, then follow Sunrise Highway into the Laguna Mountains, stopping to examine rock exposures along the way. The last stop will be in Julian, where the group will tour the Eagle/High Peak gold mine and learn about the gold rush in Julian during the 1870s. On the field trip, we'll discuss the geologic story of how the gold got into the rocks. During the gold mine tour, we'll learn how hard-rock miners got the gold out of the rocks. To register, www.abdnha.org, or the Nature Center at 760-767-3098. General Public: $20, Members: $14, Volunteers: $10. Please note that an additional $14 entrance fee per person is required, payable upon entry to the mine.

Field Trip Details: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sun., Jan. 25, ending at the Eagle-High Peak mine in Julian. Meet at 9 a.m. along Sunrise Highway (County Road S1), about 1/4 mi north of the Interstate 8 Sunrise Highway exit, in a dirt parking area along the east side of the road. Bring lunch and water. 2WD okay. Please check the local weather in Mt. Laguna and dress accordingly (it may be chilly!). Carpooling is highly recommended. Heavy rain or snow cancels. The trip ends at the Eagle-High Peak Mine in Julian.