Exploring City of Rocks and Castle Rocks State Park virtually with the Junior Ranger Program

Last month, I visited Castle Rocks State Park near my home and went for a snowshoeing adventure.  I met Kate, a new Ranger in charge of Visitor services, including educational programs.  She has invited kids K-6 to watch a series of YouTube videos that will help them participate in the Junior Ranger program.  For years, we did that program with our kids during our regular visits to Yellowstone National Park, and I am excited to support our local National Reserve and State Park again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhQKe_AhXL4&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2pRnLxEKN-hOLAMWh8p_BOFaUQ_tvCymOUja8_jhFTJXx15izkBu0wb34

"Junior Rangers! Join City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park Rangers over the next few weeks as we virtually explore the natural and historic resources of the parks. Each week we will be exploring different subjects and doing activities that you can follow along with at home.

Like us and subscribe on YouTube to make sure you don't miss any of our videos. Questions, comments, and suggestions for future videos can be posted to Facebook or YouTube."

BLOG: Is Steers Head on Your Bucket List? : Trails And Tales | Idaho Outdoor Recreation Blog

BLOG: Is Steers Head on Your Bucket List? : Trails And Tales | Idaho Outdoor Recreation Blog

So happy for my friend Elaine who found this special flower at City of Rocks!

Questing at City of Rocks and Castle Rocks State Park

This week I was fortunate to spend a day with CSI colleagues on a retreat.  Part of the day was spent at the special Castle Rocks State Park near Almo, Idaho.  It was a beautiful day!  We hiked along these towering rocks and looked at the tiniest flowers.   My friend Elaine hikes a lot throughout southern Idaho, and she had spent the last weekend at nearby City of Rocks looking for the elusive Steer's Head wildflower.    Thanks to the guidance of Park naturalist, Wallace Keck, she found the special flower on her next trip.  She was so excited and I thought it was cool that she let us all know about her success. 

There is something very real about connecting with nature.  We were all very happy to be out of our offices and spending time together outside.  Our first visit of the day was to Robert Moore's studio in Declo, ID.    He is a very accomplished oil painter right in our little town.  He spoke to us about the power of our individual creative abilities, and that we need to sow the seeds in our students by exposing them to beauty and inspiring art.  

It was just a great DAY!!

Upcoming Herrett Center events

"Earth Hour" Night Telescope Viewing - Centennial Observatory

• March 29, 2014 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  For one hour, the world is asked to turn out all unnecessary lights as a gesture of energy conservation. Come to the Centennial Observatory at the Herrett Center and enjoy the dark skies. Free admission.

April

• Total Lunar Eclipse - Centennial Observatory
  • April 14, 2014 10:45 PM - 12:00 AM
    
    Penumbral phase (not noticeable) begins: 10:52 PM
    Moon subtly darkened by 11:15 PM
    Umbral phase (growing "bite" from Moon) begins: 11:58 PM
    Totality (dark red-orange Moon): 1:06 to 2:25 AM
    Maximum eclipse: 1:46 AM
    Umbral phase ends: 3:33 AM
    Penumbral phase (not noticeable) ends: 4:39 AM
• Herrett Forum lecture - "Secrets of the City - City of Rocks National Monument and Castle Rocks State Park" - Rick Allen Room
  • April 16, 2014 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    Herrett Forum lectures are usually presented on the third Wednesday of the month, September through May. Topics are coordinated by the Herrett Forum Committee, a group of local citizens dedicated to bringing high quality speakers, scholars, and artists to Twin Falls. No tickets are required for these free public events. Doors open at 7 p.m.
    The Herrett Center for Arts and Science is located on the north side of the College of Southern Idaho campus, at the North College Road entrance.

Star Parties coming up this weekend at City of Rocks!

Sixth annual City of Rocks Star Party - solar viewing	Smoky Mtn. Campground, Castle Rocks State Park, Almo, Idaho	Friday, August 9th & Saturday, August 10th, 2013	2:00 to 6:00 PM	FREE (park day use fees apply)
Sixth annual City of Rocks Star Party - nighttime telescope viewing	Lodge Site, Castle Rocks State Park, Almo, Idaho	Friday, August 9th & Saturday, August 10th, 2013	9:00 PM to midnight	FREE (park day use fees apply)

City of Rocks Falconers Presentation

This should be a really cool way to learn more about Birds of Prey in our area.  The presentation will begin at 9:30 AM this Saturday, September 3, at Register Rock.  Here is the link...

http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/communityevent.aspx?eventid=6016

Have a great Labor Day Weekend!  Get out and do something fun!