Welcome to another issue of the MRCA Symbiosis Newsletter. This issue focuses on “Stay Safe in the Great Outdoors”, intended to get us all thinking ahead of time about being safe and aware — anticipating the potential for experiences both positive and negative, expected or not expected — while in open space and out on the trails.
More specifically, what does “Stay Safe in the Great Outdoors” mean? We all have our own vision of being outdoors, but what thoughts go through your mind when you hear the word “safe”? Everyone wants to be safe (from danger, harm, disappointment, etc.), yet we know that there is always the possibility that not so pleasant things may happen. There are always unforeseen circumstances that occur throughout our life. However, if we do our best with planning and preparing we can minimize the likelihood and impact of the negative circumstances. These principles also apply when venturing into the Great Outdoors — which is the message we want to communicate in this issue. Read more
Planning and Preparing for Safe Outdoor Activities
With summer starting, people are looking forward to spending some time in the outdoors. From hiking and camping to horseback riding and biking, summer is a popular time at the parks. But with the recent headlines about lost hikers and injured park visitors, you may be a bit hesitant about going out on the trail. While it is everyone’s personal responsibility to be prepared, we want to set your worries at ease and make some suggestions for your future park visits. Luckily with a few simply steps, you can be well prepared and keep yourself safe while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Read more
Staying Safe in Nature’s Playground
What to Do While on the Trail
Picture yourself out hiking on a trail in the Santa Monica Mountains. It is a beautiful day, 80°F, with a gentle breeze blowing through the chaparral. You had a scrumptious lunch break with a spectacular view looking out over the rolling hills and valleys, forgetting the hustle and bustle of the big city that is only a few miles away. As you pack up your lunch and start to head back, you accidentally stumble on a rock in the trail. You feel a sharp pain in your ankle. Not sure whether you broke or just badly sprained your ankle, you are certain you will not be able to walk out on your own. Without anyone else around to help, you call 911. Read more
Showing Gratitude to Nature
Principles of Leave No Trace and Outdoor Etiquette
Manners are good skills to have no matter where you go or what you are doing. They go a long way, especially in the outdoors! Followed by many outdoor adventurers for decades and officially established by the US Forest Service in 1994, Leave No Trace (LNT) was designed to spread the word of outdoor etiquette. LNT’s 7 principles encourage respect and stewardship of the land, a way you can demonstrate your “pleases”,”thank yous”, and gratitude for recreating in a space shared by other living organisms. Read more
Knowing Your Neighbords
Notable Plants and Animals in the Parks
How well do you know your neighbors? If you are anything like me, you know a few names and occasionally wave a friendly hello. When you are out enjoying your local parks this summer it can be helpful to know your nature neighbors a bit better. Take a moment to meet some of our notable neighbors so you can be better prepared when visiting their wildland homes. Read more
Staying Cool and Hydrated in the
Summer Heat
Lessons from Nature
Our summers in Los Angeles can be extremely hot and dry which makes it more important to keep cool and stay hydrated. Whether you are hiking the trails, enjoying a day at the beach, or relaxing under an oak tree, water is a key component for a successful day. Often when we are enjoying our activities, we lose track of time and forget to take a sip of water. While it is easy to get carried away in our activity it’s crucial to replenish our loss of fluids. Read more
Get to know the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority with Symbiosis. In every issue we will share news, stories, and photos on a different theme.
Published by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and
partially funded by a Proposition 84 grant from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
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Cal Fire and the Los Angeles County Fire Department have reported that fires in Los Angeles County have burned more than 26,000 acres and more than 2,000 structures have been lost.
Cal Fire and the Los Angeles County Fire Department have reported that fires in Los Angeles County have burned more than 26,000 acres and more than 2,000 structures have been lost.
The National Day of Mourning to honor the late President Jimmy Carter isn't recognized as an official federal holiday, however, some organizations and businesses will be closed by the day of observance.
All For Kids is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
The Santa Clarita Valley Water Board of Directors has selected Director Maria Gutzeit to serve as Board President in 2025, while Directors Bill Cooper and Gary Martin were selected to serve as Vice Presidents at the board’s regular meeting on Jan. 7.
In response to ongoing fires throughout Los Angeles County, DoorDash has activated its Severe Weather Protocol to pause operations in affected areas, including Santa Clarita.
The Small Business Development Center hosted by College of the Canyons will offer a free webinar, Mastering Ecommerce: From Foundations to Advanced Strategies, Part 2, Buyer Personas & Digital Marketing Essentials, on Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 10-11 a.m.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger recently issued a statement regarding how Measure E funds will benefit the county's firefighting capabilities.
At the midway point of the 2024-25 athletic year, The Master's University is in fifth place among all NAIA schools for the annual Learfield Directors' Cup.
Nicole Chuang poured in 10 points in the final seconds of regulation and in the overtime period to lead The Master's University women's basketball team to a 72-68 overtime win against Hope International Saturday, Jan. 4 in Fullerton.
A wildfire in Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades neighborhood, driven by extreme winds, rapidly grew to more than 3,000 acres on Tuesday, prompting thousands of residents to evacuate the affluent enclave overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
As extremely strong winds continue to pose widespread risk of power outages, wildfires, and other hazards, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger has signed an emergency proclamation to bolster response and recovery work.
A memorial highway dedication ceremony honoring Deputy Hagop “Jake” Kuredjian will be held Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the site of Kuredjian’s memorial on Poe Parkway and Stevenson Ranch Parkway.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles will host a public briefing on Jan. 10, 2025, from 12 PM to 1 PM, to highlight insights and outcomes from its 2024 Mobile Driver’s License Hackathons.
The Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative invites the community to attend a webinar about its Draft Funding Recommendations for addressing and preventing homelessness in Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is kicking off the new year with a training session for new “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles today announced that industry business customers, including registration services and vehicle dealerships, currently “posting fees” (a type of payment-only transaction) at an Industry Business Center (IBC) or other DMV office will instead be required to use the DMV’s Vehicle Industry Services online channel.
Mojdeh Mahn, associate dean of learning resources and director of The Learning Center (TLC) at College of the Canyons, remembers the first time she stepped foot on campus as a 17-year-old.
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