SONORA, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation announces the spring interpretive programs at New Melones Lake. All activities are free and suitable for all ages; most do not require reservations. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and
weather appropriate clothing. A water bottle and sunscreen are also
recommended. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
For general information about a program, directions, or the status of a
program if inclement weather is forecast, please contact Park Ranger Mike
McGraw at 209-536-9094 ext. 233.
Table Mountain Trek
Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m.
Table Mountain
What will all the winter rains reveal on top of Table Mountain? Will a
kaleidoscope of flowers emerge and the area’s vernal pools be replenished?
Join Park Ranger Mike and explore the unique habitat and geology of Table
Mountain. This is a challenging 3 mile hike with a ¼ mile series of steep,
rocky switchbacks that lead to the top for grand views of New Melones Lake
and the surrounding area. Good hiking shoes, water and a snack are
essential. We will meet at the corner of Shell and Rawhide Roads at 10 a.m.
Mountain Biking in the Motherlode
Saturday, March 11, 6 p.m.
New Melones Lake Visitor Center
Join Sonora Cyclery and Reclamation for a special evening presentation
exploring the world of mountain biking. Learn what preparation is needed
for a ride and find out where in the Motherlode you can go to take part in
this fun, energetic sport; including the extensive mountain biking trail
system at New Melones Lake.
We will meet at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center at 6 p.m. and all
experience levels are invited to attend to learn more!
Fire to Flowers
Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m.
Glory Hole Recreation Area
During the summer of 2015, a fire took place in the Glory Hole Recreation
Area, just north of the Buck Brush Loop Trail. The fire scorched a dry
grassland area in and around oak woodland, along Angels Creek. From that
destruction came rebirth. Join Park Ranger Sam to discover the floral
display that often follows a fire and the unique ecology of the Chaparral
ecosystem along the Buck Brush Trail. This is an easy to moderate, 1½ mile,
round-trip hike. Please bring water and snacks and be sure to wear shoes
appropriate for hiking. We will meet at the Glory Hole Entrance Station at
10 a.m. and caravan to the Buck Brush Loop Trailhead. Participants will be
issued a free parking pass for the duration of the event.
If These Rocks Could Talk!
Sunday, April 2, 10 a.m.
Natural Bridges
The Motherlode’s geology is a source of fascination. One of the more
curious geological features of the area is Natural Bridges. Take a hike
with Park Ranger Josh and learn how water and time has shaped the
landscape. Along the trail, learn a bit about the local flora and fauna.
This is a moderate to strenuous, 2-mile, roundtrip hike. Participants may
return uphill on their own. Please bring water and snacks and be sure to
wear shoes appropriate for hiking. We will meet at the Natural Bridges
Trailhead parking lot off of Parrotts Ferry Road at 10 a.m. Dogs are not
allowed on the Natural Bridges trail.
A Night with Jupiter
Friday, April 7, 7 p.m.
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Join us when Jupiter, our solar system’s largest planet, will be at its
closest approach to the Earth with its surface fully illuminated by the
sun. Park Rangers Diana and Ryan will help visitors uncover what the night
can reveal. Join them and learn how to identify some of the more prominent
constellations and stars in the sky. Telescopes will be on hand. Please
dress warmly and bring a flashlight. We will meet at the Amphitheater
inside Ironhorse Campground of the Glory Hole Recreation Area at 7 p.m. As
with all programs, please call 209-536-9094 ext. 233 if poor weather is
forecast.
Heron Point Hike
Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m.
Tuttletown Recreation Area
The birds and the bees will be busy along Heron Point Trail this spring.
Enjoy a leisurely 3 mile hike with Park Ranger Pat and discover what nature
has to offer on a fresh spring day. We will meet at the Tuttletown Entrance
Station at 10 a.m. and caravan down to the Heron Point trailhead.
Participants will be issued a parking pass for the duration of the event.
The Stars Over New Melones Lake
Saturday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.
Tuttletown Recreation Area
The night sky will be active with the Lyrids Meteor Shower underway. Join
park rangers and observe the constellations, stars and other heavenly
bodies above New Melones Lake. Telescopes will be on hand. Please dress
warmly and bring a flashlight. We will meet at the Tuttletown Entrance
Station at 7:30 p.m. and caravan to the Eagle Point Picnic Area. Please
call 209-536-9094 ext. 233 if poor weather is forecast.
Chaparral Foray
Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m.
Parrotts Ferry Bridge
Where would you want to hike on a spring morning? California’s distinctive
Chaparral ecosystem is a great place to start! Hike through a “forest of
shrubs" and learn about this fire and drought adapted plant community.
Along the way, catch a glimpse of history by viewing what remains of the
Duchess Gold Mine. This is a strenuous 3½ mile loop hike along a section of
Table Mountain. Please bring plenty of water and sturdy hiking boots. We
will meet at the parking lot on the Calaveras County side of the Parrotts
Ferry Bridge at 10 a.m. Please call 209-536-9094 ext. 233 if additional
directions are needed.
Kayaking Excursion
Sunday, May 7, 10 a.m.
New Melones Lake Visitor Center
Experience the beauty of New Melones Lake from a unique perspective on this
ranger-led paddling tour. The journey begins at the Mark Twain Recreation
Area and then proceeds up the Stanislaus River Canyon toward Parrotts
Ferry. Along the way, park rangers will discuss the flora, fauna,
geological formations and cultural history of the area. This outing is open
to experienced swimmers with their own kayak or other nonmotorized boat.
Expect to be out for 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, and
pre-registration is required. Please contact Park Ranger Josh at
209-536-9094 ext. 236 to reserve your place at this event. We will meet at
the New Melones Lake Visitor Center at 10 a.m.
An Evening with Bees
Saturday, May 20, 7 p.m.
New Melones Lake Visitor Center
Discover what’s “abuzz" with park ranger and bee aficionado Sam. Learn the
life history of arguably nature’s most beneficial insect, the honey bee.
Also, become familiar with some of the bees’ close relatives in our region.
The program begins at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center at 7 p.m. “Bee" a
part of the evening’s festivities.
New Melones Lake Water Education Program
Available Upon Request
A water education program has been developed at New Melones. This new
interdisciplinary learning experience is designed for students in grades 4
and 5. The program integrates the natural resources of New Melones Lake
with California curriculum standards. School classes can join a Park Ranger
to learn about the importance of water in their lives. In addition to the
on-site learning experience, a teacher packet is available with logistical
information and pre, post, and on-site visit activities. Park Rangers are
also available to conduct classroom visits. For more details on this free
program, please contact Ranger Mike McGraw at 209-536-9094 ext. 233 or mmcgraw@usbr.gov.
Mussel Outreach Programs
Available Upon Request
They are only about the size of a thumbnail yet can overwhelm aquatic
environments by their sheer numbers. Invasive Quagga and Zebra mussels pose
one of the greatest threats to New Melones Lake, disrupting ecosystems,
impeding dam operations and impacting water recreation, especially boating
and fishing. Throughout the United States, lakes and rivers have forever
been altered by these tiny creatures. Although no invasive mussels are
currently present in New Melones Lake, keeping the lake mussel-free is a
challenge we all share as a community. Park Rangers will be attending
events throughout the year to provide outreach and education to the public
free of charge. If you would like a Park Ranger to visit a school, speak to
students, or attend a civic function or other occasion to provide outreach,
please contact Natural Resource Biologist Sam Sosa at 209-536-9094 ext. 221
or ssosa@usbr.gov.
If you would like to participate in a program and need accommodation,
please contact Park Ranger Mike McGraw at 209-536-9094 ext. 233 or email mmcgraw@usbr.gov a minimum of 14 days
in advance.
Ranger-led hikes tie into the Department of the Interior’s Let’s Move Outside initiative (
www.letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside
), which was created to encourage children and their families to enjoy
outdoor activities, which abound in every city, town and community.
The New Melones Lake 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
additional information on activities, directions, pet restrictions or other
questions, please 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
.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
