Back to Natives for the Holidays

Here is a list of activities and events that Back to Natives will be involved in during the next few weeks:

Get Back to Natives for the Holidays!
There is NOTHING the staff at Back to Natives hates more than the commercialism and materialism associated with the holidays. One way to avoid the malls and make a difference with your holiday gift giving is to give gift memberships to your favorite environmental non-profits, and give “green” gifts! We plan to do all of our holiday shopping at our favorite store, the Road Less Traveled - where you can now buy Back to Natives label native plant seeds! They make an awesome stocking stuffer, or a great insert in your holiday cards (as long as they are being mailed locally, of course!). Back to Natives also offers gift memberships! For just a few dollars more than a regular membership, we will send the recipient a Back to Natives “Care Package” with native wildflower seeds, organic coffee or tea, and organic chocolate. Membership forms can be downloaded at www.backtonatives.org/Donations.htm

Very Important Planet Event
Saturday, November 3, 2007, 1 - 3 p.m.
Back to Natives will have a booth at the Very Important Planet Event at the Placentia Town Center. The event will feature activities to educate people about protecting our environment. The Placentia Town Center is located at Kraemer & Yorba Linda Blvd., in Placentia.

Volunteer Restoration Training Program
Saturday, November 10, 8AM - 12PM
The United States Forest Service & Back to NativesRESTORATION presents a Volunteer Restoration Training Program on 9 Saturdays in 2007 & 2008. If you were unable to attend the first Restoration Volunteer Training Class on September 15, it’s not too late! The introductory class will be repeated in the future on a date to be determined. You can still join us at the second class, scheduled for 11-10-07 in Casper’s Park (the October class was cancelled due to the fire). Feel free to invite others, as well. Our next class will focus on restoration methodology and some of the invasive species we will be encountering. Then we hope to spend a couple of hours removing small herbaceous weeds.

The url of the Biodiversity presentation we viewed in class is http://www.backtonatives.org/btn_biodiversity.pdf
To view photos of the first class, visit http://backtonatives.blogspot.com For more information or to RSVP call 949-509-4787 or restoration@backtonatives.org This training is free.

Jeronimo Creek Restoration Day! - VOLUNTEER!
Saturday, November 17, 2007, 9AM - 12PM
Join Back to Natives in assisting the Earth Resource Foundation to restore native habitat at Jeronimo Creek, in Mission Viejo. Everyone is invited - children below high school should be accompanied by a parent. We will be weeding. Bring gloves, sunscreen, water, snacks, hat, and closed toe shoes. Where to Park: Park at Pavion Park, 24051 Pavion, Mission Viejo, CA, located off of Jeronimo. From Marguerite Pkwy turn east onto Jeronimo, go almost 2 miles and take a right into Pavion Park. Walk south along the trail to the restoration site. For more information or to RSVP: 949-509-4787 or restoration@backtonatives.org

Buy Nothing Day Hike in the National Forest
Friday, November 23, 9AM
Join Back to Natives for a walk up Silverado Motorway in the Cleveland National Forest in celebration of Buy Nothing Day — an informal day of protest against consumerism on the day after American Thanksgiving. This day, often called “Black Friday,” is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Participants will wear off their Thanksgiving meals when they climb two thousand feet in three miles. The Silverado Motorway runs its narrow course up the north wall of Silverado Canyon. The path twists past fascinating strata until it arrives at Bedford Peak where we will enjoy panoramic views extending to Catalina Island and Mount Baldy if it’s clear.

Bring plenty of water, energy food, and a hat. Be prepared for narrow sections and rocky slopes. A Forest Adventure Pass is required in this area and can be obtained at the Silverado Canyon Market at 28192 Silverado Canyon Rd. Call 949-509-4787 or email education@backtonatives.org to RSVP. Meet at the Maple Springs Parking Area. This event is free.

Full Moon Walk at Crystal Cove
Saturday, November 24, 4:00PM
Join us for a quiet, slow paced walk to enjoy the “Beaver Moon.” We’ll stroll through the backcountry listening for the song of tree frogs and nocturnal insects. As the sky fades to black, we’ll search for the darker silhouettes of bats and owls, as they soar across fields of stars. Call 949-509-4787 or email info@backtonatives.org to RSVP. Meet at the CCSP Ranger Station. This event is free.

And here is a cool event that we hope to attend:

Patchwork Art & Craft Show at the Road Less Traveled!
November 4, 10AM - 4PM
This is your chance to get started on holiday shopping while supporting local, independent artists! Some of the products for sale include: amazing clothing for men, women & kids, letterpress stationary, jewelry, rock’n'roll belt buckles, edgy dolls, artsy purses, green & sustainable goods, aprons, refashioned vintage clothing, art & so much more.
www.roadlesstraveledstore.com

Back to Natives RESTORATION
(949) 509-4787 voice/fax
(949) 335-8656 cell
Saving Habitat One Person at a Time
www.backtonatives.org

Don’t ever become a pessimist… a pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun, and neither can stop the march of events. - Robert A. Heinlein