Explore wonders of Upper Las Virgenes

The Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority announces the free programs available at the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve from July through September.

For reservations or additional information on these events, call (310) 454-1395, ext. 153 or visit www.LAmountains.com.

Programs include the following:

The first of the monthly campfire programs is at 7 p.m., Tues., July 25 at Lasky Mesa in Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve. This fireside program is led by a naturalist and includes stories, songs and marshmallows. Reservations must be made before 3 p.m. on the event date.

Participants should bring stories and a picnic dinner and meet Crummer Canyon Road off Mureau Road. Visitors will meet just inside the gate and caravan up to Lasky Mesa. The next campfire programs are Tuesdays, Aug. 29 and Sept. 26.

Full moon hikes are scheduled for Wed., Aug. 9 and Thurs., Sept. 7. For the Aug. 9 hike, participants should meet at the Victory trailhead (Victory Boulevard, west of Valley Circle Boulevard) at 8 p.m. for a full-moon hike. The two-hour hike is for all ages.

There is a $3 parking fee. For the Sept. 7 hike, meet at the Las Virgenes trailhead (end of Las Virgenes Road) at 8 p.m.

On the moonlight hikes, participants are advised to bring water, a jacket, and a flashlight covered in red cellophane or a red balloon. "The red-colored light will allow your eyes to remain night-adjusted," said Keith Jobson, a spokesperson for the conservation authority.