The City of Santa Clarita recently unveiled a few new interactive features on the HikeSantaClarita.com website, including “Ask Dr. Norm,” a question/answer column to provide outdoor enthusiasts, mountain bikers, and hikers with specific information about Santa Clarita’s wide open spaces. Dr. Norman Herr, a CSUN professor, answers general and geological questions about wildlife, flora and fauna in the Santa Clarita Valley as submitted by community members.

Hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and runners are all encouraged to submit their questions on HikeSantaClarita.com/Ask-Dr-Norm, to be answered by science expert Dr. Norman Herr.

In addition to the new “Ask Dr. Norm” column, a blog feature has been added to the website called “Tell Us About Your Hike” where hikers, riders, and equestrians can share their personal experiences and discoveries while using Santa Clarita’s trails and open space areas.. This new, interactive tool adds a more personalized experience for users and enhances the sense of community for residents who use Santa Clarita’s open space areas.

“The new interactive features really personalize the website,” said Mayor Pro Tem Laurene Weste. “Our open spaces are among the best in Los Angeles County and now users can share tips, photos, and information to make hiking, biking, and riding in our community an even better experience.”

Dr. Norman Herr is a California State University, Northridge professor of science and computer education. He earned his doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has worked in numerous positions throughout his career, including: scientist, high school science teacher, college science instructor, science education consultant and director of graduate programs in science education. He has published research in the field of science education, co-authored Hands-On Physics Activities with Real-Life Applications and Hands-On Chemistry Activities with Real-Life Applications, and is the author of the Sourcebook for Teaching Science.

The HikeSantaClarita.com website provides information about hiking trails, open space areas featuring trails, hiking events, safety tips and hiking news. It also complements BikeSantaClarita.com, which was launched in November 2012 as a resource for cyclists, including a clickable map with trails, news and upcoming biking events, and ways to get more involved with Santa Clarita’s biking community.
For more information on the “Ask Dr. Norm” column or “Tell us About Your Hike”” blog, please contact Gail Ortiz at (661) 255-4314 or visit HikeSantaClarita.com