March Activities Planned for Alabama Hills

Interpretive hikes to view natural arches and a volunteer day to restore native plants are among the activities planned for the Alabama Hills area in March.

Back by popular demand, interpretive hikes to view arches in the Alabama Hills will continue during the winter and spring of 2011.

On Saturday, March 26 (weather permitting), Dave Kirk, Alabama Hills steward for the Bureau of Land Management’s Bishop Field Office, will lead the hikes.

“There are hundreds of arches throughout the Alabama Hills. Find out what geologic processes lead to their formation. This is a relatively moderate hike that enables you to view several arches in a seldom visited corner of the hills including the elegant ‘Hitching Post’ Arch. There will also be an option to make the hike into a loop, passing some historical movie locations and even more arches,” Kirk said.

Participants should meet at 10 a.m. at the corner of Whitney Portal and Movie roads. The hike will take 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours and includes one moderately strenuous portion along a dirt road that descends and climbs out of a wash. Each hiker should carry at least one liter of water and dress in layered clothing for a range of temperatures and windy conditions. For more information, call Kirk at (760) 920-1412.

The Alabama Hills Stewardship Group and BLM Bishop Field Office will sponsor a volunteer day on March19. Volunteers will “vertically mulch” formerly disturbed areas to encourage plant regeneration. Participants should meet at the corner of Whitney Portal and Movie roads at 10 a.m. to carpool to restoration site. Gloves and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own personal items such as sunscreen, hat, closed-toed shoes, lunch, etc. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.

For more information, contact: Kirk, (760) 876-6210, David_Kirk@ca.blm.gov; Jim Jennings, (760) 872-5027, James_ Jennings@ca.blm.gov; Elevation outdoor store in Lone Pine, (760) 876-4560.