delicate clarkias, orange-throated whiptails and coast horned lizards) in four distinct habitats – all in such close proximity to each other as to create unique biological diversity. The four habitats include coastal sage scrub, mixed chaparral, a riparian corridor, and oak woodlands. Animal inhabitants include mountain lions, deer, bobcats, quail, raptors, roadrunners, coyotes, squirrels, rabbits, bats, and many reptiles and amphibians. “What makes it special is it is as diverse as our visitors,” Ransom said. “For some it’s a natural environment in which to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, a place to destress; for some it fulfills their love of nature and the outdoors; and, for others, it’s a safe area to hike or walk their dogs.” The reserve’s trails are open to the public free of charge during daylight hours, according to Ransom – featuring brilliant colors of wild flowers on the hillsides in spring, singing birds, and a shady, tree-lined creek providing an inviting escape for a nature walk. More information on the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, the trails, and a variety of programs and activities is available at www.poway.org or www.blueskyreserve.org. ¢ Friends of Blue Sky Canyon – a nonprofit public benefit corporation – was founded by an informal citizens’ group to preserve and protect Blue Sky. The group promotes educational and interpretive activities at the reserve, providing funding for the purchase of items needed for docent and public education, such as binoculars, library books, videos, slide projectors, taxidermy display animals and science displays. Volunteers are always encouraged to join by emailing contact@blueskyreserve.org.
facebook.com/92127magazine
September | October 2011
92127 Magazine
51