Tyler Compton, Interpretive Park Ranger, will provide us with a program on Shasta County’s own extraordinary unit of the National Park System. Since Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is a frequent destination for birdwatchers and much of the lake is included in the annual Redding Christmas Bird Count circle, our members have requested an update on what is going on in the park. Tyler will answer our questions about the plans for rebuilding Whiskeytown Environmental School, the park’s ongoing recovery from the Carr Fire, the projects taking place around the Camden House and in the surrounding Tower House Historic District, the discussion of a renovation of the visitor center, and the new construction in the campground area. As an education specialist for Whiskeytown, Tyler will explain what kinds of programs and events may be offered to the public in the coming year.
Shasta Birding Society is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: What’s Up At Whiskeytown?
Time: Jan 10, 2024 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join us for our traditional end of the season picnic at the Camden House in the Tower House Historic District at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, June 14th. It is located on the south side of Highway 299 West just west of the turnoff to French Gulch. Bring your own brown bag dinner and we will eat by the creek and then go birding on the Camden Water Ditch Trail. This is a one-mile dirt trail that loops around the historic Camden House, Tenant Farm House, barn and outbuildings. Hiking boots are recommended. We hope to see Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Lazuli Buntings, Bullock’s Orioles, Western Tanagers, and maybe an American Dipper. An entrance pass is required to use the area and can be purchased online at Your Pass Now. Senior, Access, Military and the Interagency Annual Pass can also be used. Contact trip leader Tricia Ford at triciathebirdnerd@gmail.com for more information.
Join us for the return of a long-standing tradition! For many years, the last general meeting before our summer hiatus was held at the Tower House Historic District in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The 2018 Carr Fire and then the pandemic put the tradition on hold for the past three years. We will restart the tradition by meeting at the parking lot for the Tower House Historic District at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, June 8th. It is located on the south side of Highway 299 West just west of the turnoff to French Gulch. Bring your own brown bag dinner and we will eat by the creek and then go birding on the Camden Water Ditch Trail. This is a one-mile dirt trail that loops around the historic Camden House, Tenant Farm House, barn and outbuildings. Hiking boots are recommended. We hope to see Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Lazuli Buntings, Bullock’s Orioles, Western Tanagers, and maybe an American Dipper. An entrance pass is required to use the area and can be purchased online at Your Pass Now. Senior, Access, Military and the Interagency Annual Pass can also be used. Contact trip leader Tricia Ford at triciathebirdnerd@gmail.com for more information.
What really are the impacts of the Carr Fire on our closest National Park lands? Infrastructure damage from the fire and ensuing weather will be reviewed by Bob Shive, NPS volunteer and Wintu Audubon member. Matt Switzer, interpretive ranger and information officer, will report the fire’s impacts on park wildlife. We all know that fire is part of our ecosystem, but what can we expect from burns like the Carr Fire?
The last general meeting before our summer meeting hiatus will be a bring-your-own picnic at the Camden House (Tower House) at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. We will enjoy good birding and fellowship in this lovely setting. On previous outings we have seen Laurence’s Goldfinch and Indigo Bunting. The parking lot for the Camden House is on the left side of Hwy. 299W just before the turnoff to French Gulch. Some members may wish to carpool or ride with others who have a seasonal or permanent pass for Whiskeytown by assembling in the parking lot of Tops Market on Eureka Way in Redding at 6:00 pm.
