Yes, it is coming up to that time again. Our 13th annual picnic at the Audubon Society’s Sanctuary, Starr Ranch will be held on May 20th from 1 to 5 pm
Since the weekend we would normally hold the event is Easter Sunday this year, we decided to move it a few weeks later and avoid any conflicts.
Starr Ranch is over 4,000 acres of pristine habit located just east of Rancho Santa Margarita and Dove Canyon. The Ranch has a history of cattle ranching and most recently, hosting a myriad of research projects under the auspices of the Audubon Society. We are delighted to again be able to partner with the Starr Ranch staff to bring this enjoyable afternoon.
Planned activities include several hikes of different levels of difficulty and length, from easy to moderate. A couple of Bird walks with an experienced birder will also be conducted. As part of its research efforts, the Starr Ranch staff often have video monitors set up observing the nests and baby chick of various birds including hawks, owls, etc. Viewing these birds as the mother birds raise their young has always been a high point of the day.
The event is a planned fundraiser with the proceeds being shared with the Starr Ranch Conservancy as well as the Sierra Club to further our activities to "Explore, Enjoy, and to Protect the Wild Places of this Earth”
Food will be provided and will include various salads, fresh fruit, beans, salsa, chips, hamburgers and veggie burgers with all the accompanying items such as mustard, mayonnaise, pickles, onions, and lettuce.
Admission price is again $30 per adult and $15 for children under 12. Information and Tickets can be obtained from Mike and Patty Sappingfield, 949-768-3610, mikesapp@cox.net, or by mail to 26352 Via Juanita, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. A map to Starr Ranch and a pass through the gated community of Dove Canyon will be included with the tickets.