Volcan Mountain Foundation

Saturday, February 10th the Julian Dark Sky Network (JSDN) will give a presentation at the Julian Library at 1pm about how we can help make sure that we will always have "starry, starry nights". In order to do that we must learn how to protect our night skies from light pollution.

Volcan Mountain has a long history with looking up to the stars, and conserving natural treasures like Volcan Mountain goes hand-in-hand with protecting night skies. But there's more than just protecting open spaces. Come to the presentation to learn more!

Friday, February 16th, 17th & 24th the Ilan-Lael Foundation, located in nearby Wynola, will begin hosting its Surfboard Mosaic Workshop. This will be the first of a series of art workshops that will be held throughout the year.

Join glass artist and sculptress Cherrie LaPorte in a two-day art class at Ilan-Lael with a third-day at Cherrie's studio in Escondido. You’ll make glass mosaics on two surfboards each designed by James Hubbell and executed in Cherrie’s signature mediums of recycled fused, blown, and stained glass. 

Sunday, March 25th - come discover wildcrafting and share in a Forest Feast at the Volcan Mountain Foundation's Volcan Mountain Nature Center at the headwaters of Santa Ysabel Creek in Julian.

Thursday, February 1st join Volcan Mountain Foundation for a citizen science bird survey on Volcan Mountain near Julian. This is a great opportunity to hone your bird ID skills with experts, learn about our local mountain bird species, and contribute valuable data to the Volcan Mountain Foundation. We'll be focusing our attention on the areas near our Watershed and Sky Island trails. There is a combined two miles of walking during this survey. Hiking is easy to moderate. 

After our birding adventure, we will stop to have lunch near our Education Center.

Sunday, December 3rd, come to Volcan Mountain to help remove over-growing plants around our native plant nursery and along our Sky Island trail. We'll break for snacks/lunch at the top of the trail with a beautiful view of Julian and beyond!

Volcan Mountain Foundation Conservation Chair, Sharyl Massey, is looking for a few good volunteers that aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty. Of course, there’s always fun to be had too!

Thursday, November 30th join Volcan Mountain Foundation partners the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy (SDRVC) and Palomar Audubon for a citizen science bird survey on SDRVC's Volcan Mountain parcels near Julian. This is a great opportunity to hone your bird ID skills with experts, learn about our local mountain bird species, and contribute valuable data to the San Dieguito River Park.
 

Saturday, December 3rd learn about the world's oldest hunting style and sport of kings from Master Falconer Cisco Clibourne. Experience the world's fastest animal, the Peregrine falcon, in action as he swoops to Cisco's lure from amazing speeds. Get up close and personal with Cisco's two Harris hawks, Julian and J.J., as they fly to your fist under his expert guidance. Experience this chance of a lifetime, one you won't soon forget! This event is free and for all ages.

Wednesday, December 13th, bring the kids for mountain shooting-star party magic at the Santa Ysabel West Preserve! Bring your camp chairs and blankets to the clear skies of San Diego's back country on the peak night for viewing the Geminids meteor shower. County park rangers will set up a free hot cocoa station and open the large staging area for this special late-night preserve experience.

Wear: warm clothes

Bring: the family, blankets, camp chairs, snacks; free hot cocoa will be provided

Sunday, November 19th join San Diego County Park staff for a nature touch table experience where you can see and touch a series of items found in nature and where you can learn about them from a County park ranger! The table will be set-up from 9:00 am until noon in the staging area – a great place to stop before or after you hike.

Sunday, November 26th learn to identify different oaks and acorns that live abundantly in

San Diego County.  You'll be guided by County Park staff as you collect acorns and do the "float test" to see which acorns will grow.  Afterward, you will plant the acorns in pots so you can take one home and watch it grow!  So bring your family for a fun morning on the Santa Ysabel Preserve learning about acorns!  This event is free.