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Dee Zeller

Activities

The Bureau of Land Management provides an on-site host and docents to lead public tours, bird walks, hikes, and field studies for students of all ages.  Programs and displays provide educational opportunities and wildlife viewing opportunities to further an understanding of desert and wetland ecosystems and their function and importance on local, regional, and global levels.  Programs are available to individuals, groups, and schools and are safe for the visitor, resident wildlife, and the habitat.

Bird Walks

Walks are led by Dee Zeller and other knowledgeable birders who provide an enthusiastic and informative tour of the birds inhabiting Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and adjacent Covington Park.

Bird walks begin at 8 am every Wednesday and Saturday of each month (excluding the first Saturday of the month)  from October 1 through March 30 and at 7 am from April 1 through May 31.  There are no bird walks on Wednesdays occurring before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, or on Saturdays from June 1 through September 30.  You should check the BMCP Forum Calendar for the latest schedule.  Additional bird walks may be arranged by appointment.

Meet at the Information Kiosk south of the parking lot.  For more information, call (760) 363-7190.

Hikes

Group Hikes are led by experienced and knowledgeable hikers who provide an informative and interpretive tour of the canyon, ridges, and desert trails.

Hikes are offered each month from October 1 through May 31 each year.  Please call for hiking schedule.  Additional hikes can be arranged by appointment.

For reservations and information, call (760) 363-7190.

Tours, Field Studies, and Outreach Programs

Docent-led tours and field studies are available by reservation.  We can accommodate groups of up to 30 persons per tour (larger groups are based on staff availability).  Reservations are required for both docent-led tours and self-guided tours for groups of over 15 people. Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance.  An approved Tour Agreement is required prior to all group visits.

Outreach programs are available for schools, community organizations, and special events by appointment and are subject to availability of staff.

Education facilities are available to teachers and students for one-day excursions or long-term projects.  Facilities include microscopes, computer access, field guides, and research books.  Teachers can work independently or with trained docents.

Program Topics Include:

• Adaptations of Plants and Animals to Climatic Challenges
• Desert Ecology
• Homes for Flora and Fauna
• Land Forms 
• Native American Uses of Plants in the Preserve
• Pond Life Producers and Consumers
• The Importance of Protecting Wetlands
• The Rock Cycle
• The Water Cycle
• Weather and Climate (Available Spring 2005)
• Wildlife Signs
• Other Topics by Request