Puente Hills Preserve News, October 2024

November Ballot - Stay Informed!

If you missed our past Open Houses, we are holding two virtual Q&As to answer your questions. Click the Zoom links below to join!

Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 10:00 am

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3397206095?omn=89133872969

(669) 444 9171

Meeting ID: 339 720 6095

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 6:00 pm

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3397206095?omn=89011514749

(669) 444 9171

Meeting ID: 339 720 6095

Habitat Authority's 30th Anniversary Event

The Habitat Authority celebrated its 30th anniversary on Saturday, September 21. It was a wonderful time celebrated by many who love and cherish the Puente Hills. Special awards and recognition were given to long-time partners and volunteers.

We also put together a video highlighting the Habitat Authority’s milestones and accomplishments, such as trailhead openings, habitat restoration, and community outreach. Click here to view the video. To view our social post, click here.

Mid-Autumn Nature Walk

On September 15, 2024, the Habitat Authority partnered with the Rowland Heights Chinese Association to host a nature walk in honor of Mid-Autumn Festival in Powder Canyon. The walk included a Chinese translator and free mooncakes while supplies lasted. Click here to view the social post.

(Not so) Spooky Season Ecological Happenings

This month we are featuring three species who really shine during (not so) spooky season:

Tarantulas - during the fall months tarantulas emerge from their burrows in search of mates, making them much more common sights along the trails. They help keep insects like crickets, beetles and grasshoppers under control. Watch your step for these gentle arachnids!
Witch’s hair (also known as strangle vine or dodder) - lacking the ability to photosynthesize, this orange-colored parasitic vine instead siphons nutrients from its host plant! But don’t be spooked, this plant is an important component of a balanced ecosystem and doesn’t cause significant harm.
Bats - at least 11 species of bats can be found in the Puente Hills Preserve! In the fall, bats prepare for migration or hibernation by fueling up on insect prey, helping to keep those pesky mosquitoes from haunting our nights.

Have you seen a tarantula on the Puente Hills Preserve? If so, where?

Year-Round Fire Season

According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, fire season is now year-round. To be prepared, our rangers still have water pumps that carry 100-200 gallons of water on their vehicles. Learn more about the Habitat Authority’s fire preparedness by clicking here. Learn more about how we all can prepare by clicking here.

Trail Hours Change

The Preserve hours change throughout the year depending on when the sun rises and sets. New hours for 4 of the 6 trailheads start in October. Click here to view trail hours .

The Habitat Authority is a local government agency, and is qualified to accept tax-deductible charitable donations including monetary and real property. Donations such as these contribute to the purpose of the agency and provide tax benefits for the giver.