Slate of Free Public Outings Planned for Bodie Hills this Summer & Fall

Volunteers are also sought for stewardship projects in Aug & Sept

Bridgeport, CA, July 8, 2014:  The Bodie Hills Conservation Partnership is planning to lead a series of public outings and stewardship projects this summer and fall on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the Bodie Hills. The outings vary in length and difficulty and are free and open to the public. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

The summer series will kick off on July 12 with an outing to the Dry Lakes Plateau led by BLM Archaeologist Greg Haverstock.  There, participants will explore the unique sagebrush ecosystem and dry lakes beneath Beauty Peak, and learn about the rich cultural history of the area. Specifically, the use of this area during episodes of mid-Holocene drought will be discussed. The distribution of obsidian from both the Bodies Hills and Mt. Hicks will be detailed. The outing will include visits to several prehistoric sites in addition to two historic sites that detail the use of the area by Basque sheepherders. Registration is required and space is limited. The outing will involve 2-3 miles of walking. Four wheel drive vehicles are required to access this area. For more information or to register please contact Jeff Hunter at info@bodiehills.org or 423-322-7866.

Additional outings planned for 2014 are as follows;

• Saturday July 19:  4~ mile hike in Monoville (Rattlesnake Gulch). Rated: Moderately Strenuous.
• Sunday Aug 10:  Bodie Mountain & Potato Peak Hike with optional summit of Potato Peak. Rated: Very Strenuous
• Saturday Aug 30:   8~ mile Dry Lakes Plateau hike (cross country – no trail) with optional Beauty Peak summit. Rated: Very Strenuous
• Saturday Sept 13: Obsidian Quarry tour with BLM Archaeologist Greg Haverstock. Rated Easy.
• Saturday October 25:  4-mile hike to summit of Mt. Biederman. Rated: Moderately Strenuous.

In addition to the above listed outings, volunteers are also sought for two stewardship projects planned for August 16 and September 27.

• Sat/Sun Aug 16-17:   Stewardship project involving fence work, with optional overnight camp and hike on Sunday morning.
• Sat Sept 27:  National Public Lands Day stewardship project. Project yet to be determined, but it will be fun!

According to Jeff Hunter of the Bodie Hills Conservation Partnership, “We’re looking for volunteers to assist with projects that will enhance wildlife habitat and the visitor experience in the Bodie Hills. Volunteering is a great way to discover the Bodie Hills and leave a positive, lasting impact on this treasured landscape.” The August 16 project is being held in partnership with Friends of the Inyo and the BLM and will involve converting a barb wire fence to a wildlife friendly “let-down” fence. Some additional fence work is also planned during the day. An optional overnight campout will be held after the August 16 project, followed by a hike the following morning.

The September 27 project will be held on National Public Lands Day.  The scope of that project is still being identified at press time.

For more info about joining these outings and volunteer projects, please contact Jeff Hunter at info@bodiehills.org or 423-322-7866, or visit BodieHills.org.