Overnight Trip to the James Reserve/Thousand Palms Oasis and Idyllwild County Park

Overnight Trip to Thousand Palms Oasis and Idyllwild County Park

Bio 3 Instructor: Cindy Shannon, Office 60-2104 ext.4551

When: Sunday, October 12th and Monday, October 13th

Where: Meet at Mt. SAC at the transportation building 7:00a.m. on Oct. 12th. We will return by 3:00p.m. on Oct. 13th.

Students must ride the school transportation to attend the trip.

Purpose of Trip: To travel from “palms to pines” and observe mountain flora and fauna including cacti, shrubs, birds, herps and mammals. To compare desert and chaparral communities to mountain and grassland areas. To study ecological relationships and the effect of fire on these ecosystems.

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

Weapons, alcohol, drugs (other than those prescribed by a doctor). These are items/materials NOT permitted at any College function such as these field trips. Anyone using these items or having them in their possession will be reported and treated in accordance with College policy. In addition, if you must smoke, it is to be done in a safe area. Also, no radio/CD/tape players. Guitars are welcome!

If you like to stay up late (between 10:00p.m. and 6:00a.m., the quiet hours) you are not to talk, etc. in such a way as to disturb those who are sleeping. No showers!

Remember you are only staying ONE night!! Space will be limited. The best way to pack items other than your sleeping equipment and clothes is in a standard milk crate or plastic box. Paper bags should not be used to carry anything other than trash!

DO NOT PACK ANY ITEMS IN PAPER BAGS, CARDBOARD BOXES OR SUITCASES!

Items you will need:

* Money ($15, just in case)

* Food (sufficient for 2 lunches, 1 breakfast and 1 dinner)

*Ice Chest with ice (block ice is best)

*Breakfast & lunch are non-cooked meals—(over for sample menu)

* ENTHUSIASM

* Sleeping Bag (can be rented at REI or Sport Chalet)

* Clothing for cold/hot/wet weather (includes boots, hat, rain

gear) Include a jacket, it may be cold at night!

* ENDURANCE

* Pot/pan (if needed--we will have pots set up for "boil bags"), plate, knife, fork, spoon, can opener, canteen (full of water)

* Binoculars (if you have them, I will bring the schools)

* SENSE OF HUMOR

* Flashlight

* Medical card, required medication

* Toilet Kit (soap, towel, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush)

* ANYTHING CHOCOLATE
* Sunglasses
* Sunblock

*"Audubon Field Guide" book * GOOD GOSSIPY STORIES

* Insect repellent

* Daypack or backpack (includes field notebook, pencils, pens)

* CAMPFIRE JOKES

* Bird identification book (if you have one)

* Women bring tampons

* Small folding chair

* Camera(optional)

* Lizard Noose (optional)- old fishing pole and some fishing

line

* ANYTHING CHOCOLATE TO GIVE THE INSTRUCTOR (NOT OPTIONAL)

You may also bring:

Any other books/keys on desert plants, bird identification books, etc.

Dress: Dress comfortably. Wear enclosed shoes. The weather is unpredictable. It is likely to be warm in the afternoon, but it may be very cold in the morning and evening so bring a jacket!

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Sample Menu

Hint: triple pack sandwiches in ziploc bags and bring extra bags!

Breakfast (noncooked) Lunch (noncooked) Dinner

cereal sandwich salad (premade)

milk chips boil bags orange juice apple or something

bagels Pepsi simple like fruit cookies hot dogs & beans
Do Not Bring: A dinner that needs a lot of preparation or clean-

ing up after!! Also do not bring something like pancakes or eggs for breakfast!! (It's only one night!!!)
**IT MAY BE COLD AT NIGHT---BRING A WARM BLANKET ALONG WITH
YOUR SLEEPING BAG AND A WARM JACKET!!

SAFETY ISSUES:

1. Never hike alone. If you leave the group, make sure your instructor knows where you are going and when you will be back. TELL THE INSTRUCTOR DIRECTLY, NOT THE TA!

2. Rattlesnakes are common and particularly quiet, so be
alert. They will bite you if you step on them. In case of rattlesnake bite, remain calm. Find someone who can drive a vehicle. Do not attempt first aide such as snake bite kits, or tourniquets. Get to the hospital. Do not attempt to kill the snake. The hospital does not need the snake in order to administer anti-venom or other treatments.

3. The nearest paramedic is 7 miles south on Highway 243 in Pine Cove. Dial 911 for all emergencies.

4. Mountain lions are common in this mountain range. If you encounter one and it is not acting aggressively, merely leave it alone. If it is acting aggressively, make sure you stand up straight, continue staring it in the yes and make lots of noise. Do not run or crouch. If injured by any wildlife, make sure you can identify what it was and inform the appropriate medical personnel.

5. If you smell or see smoke while outdoors, please report it to the resident director, or call 911.

6. Do not handle rodents, they may carry bubonic plague. Exposure to rodent saliva, urine, blood or feces may lead to potential infection from Hanta Virus. Ticks in this mountain range are known to carry Lyme disease.