King Gillette Ranch offers a wide array of summer activities




REINCARNATION- The newly opened King Gillette Ranch, formerly the site of Soka University, has announced its summertime schedule of events. They involve hikes, lectures and campfires.

REINCARNATION- The newly opened King Gillette Ranch, formerly the site of Soka University, has announced its summertime schedule of events. They involve hikes, lectures and campfires.


Now that King Gillette Ranch at Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes Road just south of Calabasas has become public parkland, officials have announced a summer activity schedule that includes hikes, nature programs and other events related to the outdoors.

The events are hosted by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA).

For the Gillette Ranch activities admission is free, but there is a $5 parking fee. Meet at the main lawn overlooking the pond and call (310) 454-1395, ext. 106, for more information about all events.

The first event was an early morning bird hike on July 1. Family programs will be conducted every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m., and walking tours of the ranch will the second and fourth Saturday of every month at 9 a.m.

The following is a list of scheduled activities:

+Sat., July 7 from 9 to 11 a.m., explore the Gillette Ranch hiking trails and pick up a few day tips and tricks along the way. Day hiking essentials and general safety notes will be covered during this moderate two-hour hike suitable for families with children. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes.

+Tues., July 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., take part in a watershed hike and campfire. Join Derek, an MRCA naturalist, as he teaches about the large watershed to which King Gillette Ranch belongs. Learn about the water cycle and the long journey of a single drop of water that falls in the hills above us.

+Sat., July 21 from 9 a.m to 11 p.m., MRCA is offering a fire ecology hike to help explain some of the principles of fire ecology.

Nature is resilient, and ecologists tell us that, paradoxically, the conditions seen after a wildfire are the very circumstances that promote rapid regeneration and renewal.

+Sat., Aug. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m., discover the rich plant and wildlife of Gillette Ranch.

The 588-acre Santa Monica Mountains site supports a wide variety of wildlife, including eight “sensitive” species that inhabit the property. It is also home to several sensitive plant communities and many large specimens of Valley Oak.

+Sat., Aug. 18 from 9 to 11 a.m., join MRCA naturalist Anna and learn how to safely explore the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains.

+Tues., Aug. 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., explore the oak woodland ecosystem that surrounds the area. The majestic oaks are a keystone species, and this program allows a closer look at them.

+Tues., Aug. 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., take part in the “Moon Mythbusters” program, and find out if the moon really is made of cheese. Join nature leader Derek, who will help explore the many myths surrounding our one and only moon.

+Tues., Sept. 4 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. take part in a creepy, crawly, mini-monsters campfire.

Insects are often feared or ignored, but this session will celebrate their existence amid lots of fun. Be ready to create your own bug to take home.

The Gillette ranch campfires will allow participants to sing songs, tell stories and roast marshmallows on a real campfire. Bring your friends, warm clothes, songs to sing and a flashlight if you need it.

+Sat., Sept. 8 from 9 to 11 a.m., learn about raptors, the hunters of the sky. Hooked beaks, strong talons and exceptionally good eyesight allow raptors to excel in their role as hunters of the sky. Bring binoculars to help spot hawks in action on this easy two-hour hike.

To get to Gillette Ranch from the 101 Freeway in Calabasas, turn south on Las Virgenes Road, turn left on Mulholland Highway and take the first right into King Gillette Ranch.

From the Pacific Coast Highway turn north on Malibu Canyon Road, turn right on Mulholland Highway and take the first right into the ranch.

Once inside the park continue straight and turn left at the V. Park in the main parking lot.

The address is 26800 W. Mulholland Hwy.

Other activities throughout the year include bicycling, photography and picnicking.

Upper Las Virgenes Hikes

The MRCA also invites the public to participate in a series of outdoor activities at the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Preserve.

All programs are free, but there is a $1 parking fee at the Victory Trailhead.

+Sat., July 7 from 6 to 8 p.m., join Anna, your neighborhood naturalist, and awaken your senses by discovering the natural beauty of Upper Las Virgenes Canyon on this fun and interactive hike suitable for families with children.

+Fri., July 20 from 8 to 10 p.m., join Derek and MRCA volunteer Pat as they guide you on a program to explore the night sky and discuss the planets that circle above us. Through a large telescope all will have a chance to inspect the many characters of the night sky in greater detail.

+Sat., Aug. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m., take part in a wildfire study program. An MRCA-led fire ecology hike will help explain some of the principles of fire ecology.

+Fri., Aug.17 from 8 to 10 p.m., join Anna and Pat as they guide you on a program to explore the night sky and observe the beauty of the Milky Way galaxy. Looking through a large telescope, all will have a chance to inspect the many characters of the night sky in greater detail.

To get to the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Preserve from the 101 Freeway in Calabasas, go north on Valley Circle Boulevard, turn west onto Victory Boulevard, pass through the gates and park in the parking lot.

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