The Bureau of Reclamation announced the autumn interpretive programs at New Melones Lake. These Ranger-led activities support the Department of the Interior’s Let’s Move Outside initiative (www.letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside) which encourages children and their families to enjoy outdoor activities that abound in every city, town and community. All activities are free and suitable for all ages; most do not require reservations. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. A water bottle and sunscreen are recommended. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Carson Creek’s Cultural Kayaking Tour: Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m., Glory Hole Recreation Area. Carson Creek is filled with history. Join in to explore what the receding water levels reveal from the past. Launching from Glory Hole Point, participants will hug the shoreline past the marina and up Carson Creek. This outing is open to experienced swimmers with their own kayak or other non-motorized boat. Expect to be out for three to four hours. Participants need to bring their own boat, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (properly fitted and serviceable), paddles, sunscreen, hat, water and lunch. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Contact Ranger Hilary at 209-536-9094 ext. 236 to reserve your place. Meet at the Glory Hole Entrance Station at 10a.m. Participants will be given a parking pass for the duration of the event.
Everything Is Connected: Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m., New Melones Visitor Center. Everything is dependent on everything else. You cannot remove a single entity without causing a chain reaction in the ecosystem. Join on a short journey along the Norwegian Gulch Trail and find out how we are all connected. This is an easy one-mile hike. Meet at the New Melones Visitor Center at 10 a.m.
French Flat Frisbee Golf: Sunday, Dec. 22, 10 a.m., French Flat. Come out for the fun of Melones’ first-ever Frisbee Golf interpretive program. Rangers will set a course filled with clues about the natural and cultural history of New Melones Lake. Hit the targets, gain the clues and answer the questions to win a prize. This will be a nine-hole course set in the rambling oak woodlands of French Flat. Participants will be walking through tall grass, so long pants and your own Frisbee are required. Meet at the corner of Shell and Rawhide Roads at 10 a.m. and then caravan down to French Flat for a great game of Frisbee Golf.
If This Rock Could Talk: Saturday, Dec. 28, 10 a.m., Table Mountain. Join on a hike though time and discover the geologic wonders of Table Mountain. Learn where this lava flow originated and the processes that occurred to create such a beautiful landmark. This is a challenging three-mile hike with a one-fourth-mile series of steep, rocky switchbacks that lead to the top for grand views of New Melones Lake. Meet at the corner of Shell and Rawhide Roads at 10 a.m.
If you would like to participate in a program and need accommodation, contact Park Ranger Tracy Neal at 209-536-9094 ext. 215 or tneal@usbr.gov a minimum of 14 days in advance.
All hikes tie into the Let’s Move! initiative (http://www.letsmove.gov/),dedicated to solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation. The New Melones Visitor Center and Museum is managed by Reclamation’s Central California Area Office and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information on activities, directions, pet restrictions or other questions, call 209-536-9543 (TTY 800-877-8339) or visit the New Melones Lake Website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/index.html.
