Mountain Restoration Trust 30th Aniversary Events (Santa Monica Mountains)

For those of our readers who are in North Orange County or Los Angeles County, here are a couple of hiking options for this month. The Mountains Restoration Trust, which is dedicated to preserving natural land in the Santa Monica Mountains, asked us to highlight a couple of special events that they are having for their 30th anniversary. Here is a little information about the Mountains Restoration Trust, followed by a couple of hiking options.
Mountains Restoration Trust (MRT) announces that November 2011 marks the nonprofit land trust’s 30th anniversary in providing stewardship, education and recreation for the Santa Monica Mountains. In conjunction with the anniversary, MRT is inviting the public to join them in a line-up of activities that will be held throughout the upcoming months to celebrate the mountain experience.  Hikes, restoration tours, youth and family programs, and the launch of Headwaters Corner open houses are among the highlighted events taking place. “We’ve planned a sampling of the many programs conducted by MRT where the public can witness our accomplishments and learn about the resources, education and passive recreation we provide,” said Jo Kitz, co-director of MRT. “We’ll tour the many special places within the mountain range—the creeks, the woodlands, the meadows—and share what it takes to sustain them.”  
Sunday, July 31, 10am: Canyon Caper
Exploring Cold Creek Canyon Preserve. Enter a shaded trail through chaparral, wetlands and oak woodlands. Several appreciation stops along the way to enjoy the diversity, cultural history and beauty of the canyon. Bring water, sunscreen, snack. Meet 1.2 miles up Stunt Road from Mulholland Hwy. for car shuttle to trailhead.

Friday, August 12, 6pm: Full Moon Hike at Cold Creek Top of the World
On this guided hike, witness the night magic as sunset's colors give way to the deep hues of layered mountain peaks silhouetted under the moonlight. Meet at the intersection of Stunt Road and Saddle Peak Road.

Sunday, August 28, 10am: Malibu Bluffs Ramble to the Sea hosted by the California Native Plant Society
On this 2-mile trek enjoy great views, dip your toes into the bay, look for dolphins and sea lions and learn how native plants recover after a wildfire. Meet in parking lot at Malibu Bluffs Park in Malibu, located at the intersection of Malibu Canyon Road and PCH.

Saturday, September 3, 9am: Cold Creek Ramble in the Cold Creek Valley Preserve
The Cold Creek Docents will lead this guided hike though the gently rolling basin set among craggy sandstone peaks that delights in a play of color and shadow. Meet at Lower Stunt High Trailhead, 1 mile up Stunt Road from Mulholland Highway.

MRT is headquartered at Headwaters Corner at Calabasas, a 12-acre interpretive center that includes a year round stream, original homestead house, hiking trails, picnic area and native plant garden. At the center, MRT offers public programs for youth and adults and welcomes visitors. “What is evolving at Headwaters Corner is very exciting,” said Woody Smeck, Superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation, a unit of the National Park Service. “Educational programs and environmental studies are key areas we need to invest in for building a strong foundation to develop a sustainable wildlife and recreational network in the Santa Monica Mountains.”

For more information, visit http://www.mountainstrust.org/ or contact MRT at (818) 591-1701. MRT is located at 3815 Old Topanga Canyon Road, Calabasas, CA 91302.

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