Bridge to Nature - Summer 2022

BRIDGE TO

NATURE

Stough Canyon Nature Center 2300 E. Walnut Ave. Burbank, CA 91501 818-238-5440 Naturecenter@burbankca.gov

CLOSED MONDAYS TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM SUNDAY 12PM - 5PM

SUMMER 2022

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

John Muir IN THIS ISSUE

MOONLIGHT HIKE ANIMALS OF THE NATURE CENTER

RATTLESNAKE SAFETY HEAT EXHAUSTION SAFETY TRAIL CAM CAPTURES BENEFITS OF BEING IN NATURE

Stough Canyon California Quail, picture

by Burbank Resident, Kevin Lahue.

The Stough Canyon Nature Center is proud to offer Nature Experiences Camp each summer.

Campers learn about local wildlife, go on hikes, and participate in fun nature activities.

818-238-5440 burbankca.gov

BRIDGE TO

NATURE

Stough Canyon Nature Center 2300 E. Walnut Ave. Burbank, CA 91501 818-238-5440 Naturecenter@burbankca.gov

CLOSED MONDAYS TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM SUNDAY 12PM - 5PM

SUMMER 2022

Monthly Activity Spotlight:

Moonlight Hike Trail Facts

Moonlight Hike

We hike to "The View", our most popular look out spot.

One of our most popular activities is the monthly Moonlight Hike. The hike is less than a mile and although the first ten minutes is uphill, the sparkling city lights awaiting us at the end is well worth it! We might see and hear owls, bats, and other interesting wildlife at night. This hike is popular for families with kids!

One hour hike (round trip) on a dirt fire road.

Easy/Moderate - the first 10 minutes of the hike is uphill.

Less than a mile.

waits a s i h T you!

Register at www.BurbankParks.com

July 13

Burbank Haunted Adventure... is back for 2022!

2022 Moonlight Hike Schedule: August 11 September 8 October 10

Upcoming Fall Programs at Stough Canyon Nature Center: Native American Storytelling Nature Art Journaling

Calling all ghouls, monsters, and witches...

The popular volunteer run Haunted Adventure will be at the Starlight Bowl once again! If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to the Nature Center Staff at Naturecenter@burbankca.gov or call 818-238-5440

Nature Apprentice Nature Tots Family Hikes

BRIDGE TO

NATURE

Stough Canyon Nature Center 2300 E. Walnut Ave. Burbank, CA 91501 818-238-5440 Naturecenter@burbankca.gov

CLOSED MONDAYS TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM SUNDAY 12PM - 5PM

SUMMER 2022

Whhhoooooo's that? Western Screech Owl spotted at Nature Center Western Screech owls are one of the most common owls found in urban and residential settings. We have a pair of western screech owls that live around the Nature Center. They are 7-10 inches tall and their unique feather patterns helps them camouflage in trees. Instead of hoots, they have a "bouncing ball" like hoot!

They eat rodents, small animals, and insects, including earthworms!

Meet Our Nature Center Animals...

OREO!

Oreo is a California Kingsnake and our snake ambassador.

With her gentle and curious nature, she is the perfect snake for Burbank's after school programs. She is called a Kingsnake as her species can easily overpower larger snakes and they are resistant to rattlesnake venom.

They actually eat rattlensnakes!

Snakes are good for the environment and CRITICAL for controlling pest populations such as mice, gophers, etc. This also helps prevent the spread of diseases carried by rodents.

Oreo used to be black and white! As she's gotten older, she is turning more brown.

Come to the Nature Center to meet Oreo and our other animals!

BRIDGE TO

NATURE

Stough Canyon Nature Center 2300 E. Walnut Ave. Burbank, CA 91501 818-238-5440 Naturecenter@burbankca.gov

CLOSED MONDAYS TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM SUNDAY 12PM - 5PM

SUMMER 2022

R a t t l e s n a k e s

A r e

O u t !

Rattlesnakes are no stranger to the Verdugo Mountains and rest of Southern California.

There are seven species of rattlesnakes in Southern California.

In the USA, 50% to 67% of venomous snakebites are caused by the person putting themselves in harms way - such as harassing and teasing the snake.

F A C T S

Rattlesnakes only attack if they feel threatened or surprised.

Hike with awareness, make sure to look where you are stepping and if you see a snake, give it space and leave it alone.

25-33% of rattlesnake bites are "dry," meaning no venom was ejected.

The intensity of the bite will depend on the size and mood of the snake. If a snake was teased, it will inject more venom versus a snake that was surprised.

Injected bites are rarely lethal, less than 1 in 600 resulting in death.

80% of rattlesnake diet is made up of rodents. They can eat up to 25% of the rodent population in any area!

Rattlesnake Bite Do's and Don'ts DO: Stay calm (it will help slow the spread of venom) and call 911 immediately.

Remove rings, watches, and constrictive clothing in case of swelling.

Keep the bite area below the heart if possible.

DON'T: Try and suck out the venom.

Make a tourniquet.

Chase after the rattlesnake.

BRIDGE TO

NATURE

Stough Canyon Nature Center 2300 E. Walnut Ave. Burbank, CA 91501 818-238-5440 Naturecenter@burbankca.gov

CLOSED MONDAYS TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM SUNDAY 12PM - 5PM

SUMMER 2022

Staying Cool - The hiking trails in the Verdugo Mountains are sunny and hot.

- Always double and triple the amount of water intake while hiking and always bring more water than you think you will need.

- Keep sipping water during the hike, even if you don't feel thirsty and take plenty of breaks in the shade.

Trail Safety Tips - Take a fully charged cell phone.

- Do not bring pets on the trail during excessive heat.

Hiking is not recommended when temperatures exceed 95 degrees. Always tell someone where you are hiking and the expected return time.

You can always cool off at the Nature Center and we have water fountains to refill your water bottles.

Heat Exhaustion Signs - Muscle cramps.

- Pale face.

- Fatigue, weakness, or exhaustion.

- Headache, dizziness, and fainting.

- Nausea, vomiting, and rapid heart rate.

If You are Experiencing Symptoms: - Drink water.

- Find a cool, shaded area.

- Call for medical help if symptoms are not going away after 30 minutes or worsen.

BRIDGE TO

NATURE

Stough Canyon Nature Center 2300 E. Walnut Ave. Burbank, CA 91501 818-238-5440 Naturecenter@burbankca.gov

CLOSED MONDAYS TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM SUNDAY 12PM - 5PM

SUMMER 2022

Lights...Camera...Action!!

Trail Camera Captures

Did you know we have trail cameras throughout the Verdugo Mountains?

One is at "The Pond" and since it's the local watering hole for many of our wildlife neighbors, we've captured plenty of action! We are happy to provide a water source for our wildlife friends during historic drought.

Coyotes are no strangers in Burbank. We have a pair that frequents the watering hole and the area around the Nature Center.

Raven stops by for a drink. Stough Canyon is home to many ravens and they are extremely smart and remember faces.

Skunk typically establish a 2 mile radius from a water source, so this skunk's den should be within 2 miles of the pond.

Shiny bright eyes of two Western Screech owls!

We hear them at night around the Nature Center.

BRIDGE TO

NATURE

Stough Canyon Nature Center 2300 E. Walnut Ave. Burbank, CA 91501 818-238-5440 Naturecenter@burbankca.gov

CLOSED MONDAYS TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM SUNDAY 12PM - 5PM

SUMMER 2022

Did You Get Your Dose of Daily Nature?

A Finnish team of scientists discovered that people's mood and outlook improved and were restored after 15 minutes of sitting outside in a park or forest. Access to nature improves sleep, reduces stress, increases happiness and focus. Being in nature activates our alpha brainwaves*.

The amazing part is just being in nature for 5 minutes can shift your mood.

Try heading to your local parks on lunch break or take a walk outside, you'll feel better! With 27 parks in Burbank, you'll be sure to get your daily dose of nature.

Being in nature can...

- Improve sleep and stress reduction.

- Increase happiness and positive social interactions.

- Boost creative thinking and focus.

- Increase empathy and compassion.

- Increase introspection.

*Alpha brainwaves, also known as the "flow state" and "wakeful relaxation" is a feeling of calm, relaxation, and heightened creativity.

And you won't need to go far...being out in nature can be your backyard, local parks, and hiking trails. Come by the Nature Center, we have plenty of seats outside so you may enjoy quiet solitude.

TRY 5 MINUTES of nature TODAY!