Pinnacles National Monument begins its second century today with
a series of events through the weekend.
”
Harnessing the momentum gained from the people, relationships
and events of recent years, Pinnacles hosts the first of many
events launching the park into its second century,
”
said Michael Rupp, the park’s centennial ranger.
Pinnacles National Monument begins its second century today with a series of events through the weekend.
“Harnessing the momentum gained from the people, relationships and events of recent years, Pinnacles hosts the first of many events launching the park into its second century,” said Michael Rupp, the park’s centennial ranger.
Pinnacles was dedicated Jan. 16, 1908, the nation’s second national monument.
The celebration begins at 7 p.m. tonight at the campground amphitheater with a show called “Pinnacles 101.” A park ranger will talk about the park, things to see and do, hikes that are available and how to make the most of a weekend visit.
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 17 and 18, Geology 101 will be presented at 3 p.m. at the Bear Gulch Nature Center. The presentation will cover Pinnacles’ volcanic past and its slow creep north to its present location as well as what changes to expect in the next century.
Condors 101 will take place Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. in the campground. Participants should look for the spotting scopes. Visitors are welcome to drop in to the informal presentation any time during the two windows.
Habitat Restoration 101 takes place from 10 a.m.-noon at the Visitor Center at the campground entrance. Visitors will learn about botanical threats to the park’s native plants and how park staff manages invasive non-natives. Afterwards, visitors may volunteer to pull horehound, a common weed in the campground area.
“Pinnacles is at a very pivotal point in its history and this birthday is an excellent springboard to continue moving forward into the next 100 years,” Rupp said.
Additional activities planned for 2009 include an Artist in the Parks program, star parties, meetings to discuss a proposed preferred alternative for the park’s General Management Plan, the Rockpile Rendezvous rock climbing event, Junior Ranger Day, Condor Celebration days and Community Celebration Day.
General park information is available on the Web at www.nps.gov/pinn or by calling 389-4485.
Stage Company holds Choice Awards
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Stage Company will host its annual member’s Choice Awards and a 10th anniversary celebration Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Granada Theater, 336 Fifth St. Complimentary refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m. The public is invited to help honor those who made the 2008 productions possible as well as celebrate the groups first 10 years. To RSVP or for more information, call 638-1542.
