Red Rock Canyon State Park Volunteer Training Workshop

Do you love Red Rock Canyon State Park and our unique local desert? California State Parks is looking for outgoing, energetic people that are interested in learning more about this beautiful park, and enjoy helping others.

Park staff is leading visitor center staffing training for volunteers on Saturday, October 10^th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The training includes the typical questions people ask park staff, the natural and cultural history of Red Rock Canyon, gift shop operations, park rules, and more.  The visitor center will be opened for part of the training, where trainees will observe park staff with actual park visitors. You don’t need to already be an expert to work at the visitor center- you’ll learn the basics and then learn something new every day!

No prior knowledge or experience necessary, and volunteers of any age and ability are welcome. Trainees will be required to complete registration paperwork and a background check before beginning volunteer service, and are expected to work a minimum of once per month. The volunteer program also offers maintenance assistance and habitat management projects, and volunteers may lead tours and other outreach programs.  Volunteer service may qualify for student volunteer requirements and resumes.

The training workshop will be held at the Red Rock Canyon State Park Visitor Center, at the end of Abbot Road off Hwy 14 near Cantil, 22 miles north of Mojave.  Please contact Jean Rhyne at (661) 946-6900 or Jean.Rhyne@parks.ca.gov for more information or to RSVP.

When:  10 am – 2 pm, Saturday October 10^th

Where:  Red Rock Canyon State Park Visitor Center, 37749 Abbott Drive, Cantil.

22 miles north of Mojave on Hwy 14 (near California City)

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Red Rock Canyon State Park Visitor Center Open for Fall Season
Red Rock Canyon State Park’s visitor center is open from 9:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays, and 12:30-7:30 p.m. on Saturdays. The modern visitor center features vibrant displays and dioramas illustrating the unique geology, fossils, Kawaiisu Indian culture, early settler history, flora and fauna, and Hollywood connection of Red Rock Canyon State Park. The gift shop offers books, toys and souvenirs.

The visitor center is at 37749 Abbott Drive, Cantil, 22 miles north of Mojave on Hwy 14 (near California City). The visitor center is open seasonally in the spring and fall; visit www.parks.ca.gov for more information about the park, or follow us at www.Facebook.com/RedRockCanyonStatePark for park updates and current events.

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Fall Tours at Tehachapi Native American Village Site
California State Parks is taking reservations for the fall tour season at Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park in Tehachapi.  Although no structures remain on this Kawaiisu Native American village site, the area’s rich history comes alive through the trained volunteer tour guides and the clues that the inhabitants left behind.

Tomo Kahni means “winter home” in Kawaiisu, and rock rings mark the locations of many of the kahni, or homes, that were built of juniper boughs.  Hundreds of mortar holes in the park tell of a very active past. The tour also includes Medicine Cave, Nettle Springs and a cave with pictographs- a sacred place of the Kawaiisu.

Due to the extremely sensitive nature of the site, visitation is only permitted on a guided tour, which involves a moderately strenuous 3-hour hike.

Fall tours will be offered on Saturdays through November 14th.  Activities begin at 8:30 a.m. with an orientation at the Tehachapi Museum in Tehachapi and last approximately 4 hours, which includes travel time to and from the park (transportation is not provided).  Adequate drinking water, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes are necessary. Weather at the high-elevation park is variable, so layered clothing is recommended.  Please note: those with heart conditions or breathing problems should not take this tour.

Tour fee is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-16 (age 5 and under are free, but not recommended on tours).  Tours are limited to 15 people and fill up fast so reservations are highly recommended, for an additional fee of $10 per party.  To make a reservation or for more information, call (661) 946-6092 or email Mojave.Sector@parks.ca.gov.

Where:  Tehachapi Museum, 310 S. Green Street, Tehachapi

When:  Saturdays through November 14th, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cost:  Adults: $5, Children age 6-16: $3, Children under 5: free.
Reservations: $10 per party

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 Crafters and Chili Cooks Sought for Holiday Event at the Antelope Valley Indian Museum

Crafters and chiliheads, spread the word! The Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park is currently planning the fifth annual “Holidays on the Homestead,” a holiday-themed fundraiser for the museum to be held on Saturday December 5th from 5 pm – 8 pm.  Participants are now being sought for the “cowboy” chili cook-off, and the handmade craft boutique.

All chili styles will be considered; there is no registration fee for the cook-off.  Rose Edwards, the wife of the museum’s builder, was known for her chili and cornbread holiday feasts at their 1930’s homestead holiday celebrations.  This delicious tradition is being revived in her honor! Representing the talents of artist and museum founder Howard Arden Edwards, crafters are being sought for a craft boutique of handmade items with a country and/or holiday theme. The indoor booths are $30, supporting the non-profit Friends of the Antelope Valley Indian Museum.

For chili cook-off or craft booth information and applications, contact Jean Rhyne at (661) 946-6900 or Jean.Rhyne@parks.ca.gov. See below for more information about this fun event!

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Chili, Crafters, and Cowboy Songs at “Holidays on the Homestead”

Visit the Antelope Valley Indian Museum on Saturday, December 5th from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. for an old-time country Christmas celebration. Originally a 1930’s homestead, the historic museum will host a chili cook-off and country craft boutique, with homestead-era holiday décor, cowboy coffee, and Western poetry performed around a blazing bonfire! Explore the unique hand-built museum and soft, warm lighting of the whimsical grounds, with the wintery night sky sparkling over the desert.

Sit around a blazing bonfire under the stars as cowboy singer Michael Tcherkassky, “The Saddle Serenader”, croons the romantic poetry about life on the range that cattlemen composed by day during their journeys across the old west, and then shared around the campfire when the sun went down. Michael has performed traditional cowboy songs and poetry for many years at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival and other events around the country.

A country craft boutique features one-of-a-kind handmade gifts. The crafters carry on the artistic spirit of Howard Arden Edwards, who built the Indian Museum to house his collection of American Indian artifacts. The Craftsman-style building is decorated with his colorful representations of Indian culture and creative hand-made furniture. This is a great opportunity to support local artists and find unique gifts!

The event also features a chili cook-off, as Howard’s wife Rose was known for her tasty chili and cornbread feasts at their 1930s holiday celebrations. Park visitors can enjoy Rose’s original rib-sticking chili and the contest submissions with complementary cornbread provided by The Lemon Leaf Café.  Our 2015 judge will be our new ranger Colin Daxon, who recently joined the department.

Historic grounds tours will be offered repeatedly throughout the evening.  Event admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12, and ages 5 and under are free. This event is a fundraiser for the non-profit Friends of the Antelope Valley Indian Museum, which provides funding to help keep the museum open.

Participants are currently being sought for the chili cook-off and craft booths; contact Jean Rhyne at (661) 946-6900 or Jean.Rhyne@parks.ca.gov for information and an application.

The museum is located at 15701 East Avenue M, near Lake Los Angeles, east of Lancaster, California. Information about the Antelope Valley Indian Museum can be found at www.AVIM.parks.ca.gov and www.Facebook.com/AVIndianMuseum or call (661) 946-3055 (711, TTY relay service). Please come out for this special holiday event, rain or shine, and support the museum!

When: Saturday, December 5th

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.  Rain or Shine!

Where: Antelope Valley Indian Museum, 15701 East Avenue M, Lancaster

From Hwy 14, take Avenue K east, turn right on 150th Street East, and left on East Avenue M. The museum is on the left.

Admission: $10 adults, $5 ages 6-12, ages 5 and under free.

Upcoming Events (more info to come):

• January 1: First Day Hikes at Saddleback Butte State Park and Red Rock Canyon State Park

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