On Wednesday, February 26, a group of parents and their home-schooled children, age 2-8, joined SFVAS leaders for a nature walk in the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve. This group, which calls itself “Wild and Free,” goes on a hike somewhere every Wednesday in parks and on trails from Thousand Oaks to Simi Valley to the SBWA, which was their southernmost outing to date.
We saw Canada Geese, American Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants (eating fish in the water and starting to nest in trees on the island) on the large side. We saw Allen’s Hummingbirds, Lawrence’s Goldfinches and Bewick’s Wren on the small side — along with the usual bunnies, squirrels. butterflies and bumblebees. Much of the wildlife was spotted by the led, not the leaders!
The kids were wonderfully smart, observant and experienced in outdoor rambling. It was fun for us and, we hope, fun and informative for parents and their children alike.
We also hope more groups like “Wild and Free” will take advantage of our free guided nature walks in the Reserve. As Spring and breeding season approach, birds and other wildlife will become more plentiful and colorful even than they were today.
