by TImothy Rutt
The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy wants you to fall in love.
Specifically, to fall in love with lower Millard Canyon. The Conservancy will hold four hikes on Sat., May 19, to look over this 13 acre parcel, covered by a canopy of at least nine species of native trees, habitat to countless birds and other wildlife, and that serves as a wildlife corridor for the large mammal species that live in the foothills. MIlard Creek is a year-round stream that feeds the area as well.
According to a release, AFC, along with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, lost a bid to save this property ten years ago. Now, the owner who bought it for development has offered AFC a chance to buy the property "on favorable terms," according to a press release.
AFC will host four hikes on May 19 (at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, noon, or 1:30 PM) with docent experts in biology, geology, history or hydrology. Learn how the Altadena Crest Trail will be extended through the "La Vina gap".
The hikes will start at the Altadena Community Garden at Loma Alta Park, at the corner of Palm St. and Lincoln Avenue. HIkers will be shuttled to the Millard campground parking lot and then hike down the canyon to Canyon Crest Road. The 1 1/2 to 2-hour hike is less than a mile and a half long, but somewhat rugged, so prepare to boulder-hop, consider hiking poles, be aware of rattlers, and don't bring your dog. Bring gardening gloves if you want to remove some invasive plants along the way.
Following the hike, hikers will be shuttled back to the Community Garden for refreshments and to learn about saving the parcel.
For more information, go to http://www.arroyosfoothills.org/millard/
