Help the Starr Ranch Sanctuary Monitor Other Wildlife with the Starr Ranch Sanctuary
In spring 2004 Starr Ranch Sanctuary trained volunteers to assist their biologists with a long-term study that examined the effects of artichoke thistle control and coastal sage scrub restoration on small mammals (and songbirds). The goal of this project was to produce estimates of small mammal species composition, richness, diversity, and abundance in their paired restoration and pristine coastal sage scrub monitoring sites as well as over a chronosequence of sites of increasing restoration age. Data collected through 2010 indicated a negative effect of artichoke thistle and a positive effect of restoration, so this small mammal study is currently inactive. Monitoring responses to actions or lack of actions remains the key strategy for resource management in a changing climate. Currently Starr Ranch biologists train citizen science volunteers to help them monitor wildlife that serve as good indicators of habitat quality and help them decide which invasive species they will work to control. These are long term projects that will also aid in detection of shifts in wildlife populations that may be associated with a changing climate. Current wildlife monitoring projects include: Aquatic Vertebrates of Bell Creek (fish, reptiles and amphibians), Perennial Pools of Bell Creek, Effects of the Streambank Weed, Periwinkle, on Small Mammals and Invertebrates, and Phenology of Butterflies (and Plants) of Coastal Sage Scrub and Riparian Woodland. If you would like to volunteer with our wildlife monitoring projects, please contact Sandy DeSimone (sdesimone@audubon.org) at 949-858-0309. Visit: https://starrranch.org/volunteer/
Join a Volunteer Fire Watch with the Starr Ranch Sanctuary
In partnership with the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Starr Ranch runs a volunteer fire watch. Each year since 2008 volunteers are trained in late summer by the OCFA to deter arson and report behaviors that could lead to fires and to detect fires quickly if they start. Volunteers work in pairs during Red Flag Warnings, periods of high winds and dry conditions, usually in the fall. Lookout locations are at the edges of south Orange County preserved land from Starr Ranch south to the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. Visit: https://starrranch.org/volunteer/
Volunteer to Control Invasive Plants with the Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Starr Ranch “Weed Warriors” help them remove invasive plant species. Invasive species can alter habitats and can have negative effects on wildlife. All of their weed control is non-chemical, and done with hand tools. Currently volunteers help them with periwinkle, English ivy, and Smilo grass removal. If you would like to become a “weed warrior” at Starr Ranch, please contact Sandy DeSimone (sdesimone@audubon.org) at 949-858-0309. Visit: https://starrranch.org/volunteer/
Gather Data on Stream Waters with the Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Since 2003, Starr Ranch biologists have trained volunteers to use a standardized protocol to gather data on stream water quality and the impacts of urban run-off on the physical, chemical, and biological components of water quality in the creeks of Starr Ranch. The results are sent to a statewide database. If you would like to volunteer with the annual stream bioassessment project, please contact Sandy DeSimone (sdesimone@audubon.org) at 949-858-0309. Visit: https://starrranch.org/volunteer/
*Field Trip Friday* Join Big Sunday for a Trail Ride!
For the past few summers, we've had many adventures with all kinds of nice people – vets, foster youth, people experiencing homelessness – all over the city. Well Big Sunday's annual Field Trip Friday's are back and ready to hit you with a summer of fun! Join us for a beautiful and relaxing horseback trail ride Friday July 14, 2023 at Studio Horse Rental (formerly known as Circle K Stables) in Burbank. We'll have two riding sessions so make sure to arrive at atleast 10 minutes before your designated ride time. These spots are filling up fast so don't miss out, Sign up Today!
https://bigsundayorg.wufoo.com/forms/friday-field-trips-2023/
*Field Trip Friday* Join us for Horseback Trail Ride!
For the past few summers, we've had many adventures with all kinds of nice people – vets, foster youth, people experiencing homelessness – all over the city. Well Big Sunday's annual Field Trip Friday's are back and ready to hit you with a summer of fun! Join us for a beautiful and relaxing horseback trail ride Friday August 11th, 2023 at The Monte Verde Trails Ranch in Sylmar We'll have two riding sessions so make sure to arrive at atleast 10 minutes before your designated ride time. These spots are filling up fast so don't miss out, Sign up Today!
https://bigsundayorg.wufoo.com/forms/friday-field-trips-2023/
Featured Projects
*Field Trip Friday* Join Big Sunday for a Trail Ride!
Big Sunday,
passion@bigsunday.org,
323-549-9944
For the past few summers, we've had many adventures with all kinds of nice people – vets, foster youth, people experiencing homelessness – all over the city. Well Big Sunday's annual Field Trip Friday's are back and ready to hit you with a summer of fun! Join us for a beautiful and relaxing horseback trail ride Friday July 14, 2023 at Studio Horse Rental (formerly known as Circle K Stables) in Burbank. We'll have two riding sessions so make sure to arrive at atleast 10 minutes before your designated ride time. These spots are filling up fast so don't miss out, Sign up Today!
https://bigsundayorg.wufoo.com/forms/friday-field-trips-2023/
*Field Trip Friday* Join Big Sunday for a Harbor Cruise !
Big Sunday,
passion@bigsunday.org,
323-549-9944
Big Sunday's annual Field Trip Friday's are back and ready to hit you with a summer of fun! We invite lots of people of all ages, from all walks of life, for a 2-hour harbor cruise. Guests include individuals, families, corporate groups, faith groups. Plus nice folks from group homes, hospitals, shelters – some of whom have never been on a boat before!
All participants are asked just one thing: to meet at least one new person. Then, we all just enjoy each other’s company. Along the way we'll enjoy coffee, juice, and awesome snacks while watching the sea lions take in some sun.
Sign up below for the cruise leaving from Shoreline Village in Long Beach: Friday July 21st. This cruise leaves promptly at 10 am and returns at 12 pm. Please sure to be there before 10am! We would hate for you to miss the cruise! (And everyone’s welcome!)
Cruises are always free. To sign up, please fill out the form below.
https://bigsundayorg.wufoo.com/forms/friday-field-trips-2023/
*Field Trip Friday* Join Us For A Donut Crawl !
Big Sunday,
passion@bigsunday.org,
323-549-9944
Big Sunday's annual Field Trip Friday's are back and ready to hit you with a summer of fun! We're excited to host folks from underserved communities on these fun-filled outings, but volunteers are invited to come along and join the party too! Join us Friday, July 28th for our first ever DONUT CRAWL! We'll cruise around the city tasting donuts from some popular donut shops around LA. We'll play games, listen to some tunes, and rate our favorite donuts from each stop. This'll be an event you don't want to miss!
Sign up Today:
https://bigsundayorg.wufoo.com/forms/z1qicljz0aguxvc/
*Field Trip Friday* Join Us For A Bowling Extravaganza
Big Sunday,
passion@bigsunday.org,
323-549-9944
For the past few summers, we've had many adventures with all kinds of nice people – vets, foster youth, people experiencing homelessness – all over the city. Well Big Sunday's annual Field Trip Friday's are back and ready to hit you with a summer of fun! Join us Friday, August 4th for a FRIYAY of FUN on a bowling extravaganza. There will be food, drinks, and a lot of friendly competion that you don't want to miss out on.
The bowling alley is located in the valley at: 19616 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356. This event is from 11 am – 1 pm. If you’re someone who runs late (you know who you are), leave a little time to get lost if you haven’t been there before.
Sign up Today! : https://bigsundayorg.wufoo.com/forms/friday-field-trips-2023/
*Field Trip Friday* Join us for Horseback Trail Ride!
Big Sunday,
passion@bigsunday.org,
323-549-9944
For the past few summers, we've had many adventures with all kinds of nice people – vets, foster youth, people experiencing homelessness – all over the city. Well Big Sunday's annual Field Trip Friday's are back and ready to hit you with a summer of fun! Join us for a beautiful and relaxing horseback trail ride Friday August 11th, 2023 at The Monte Verde Trails Ranch in Sylmar We'll have two riding sessions so make sure to arrive at atleast 10 minutes before your designated ride time. These spots are filling up fast so don't miss out, Sign up Today!
https://bigsundayorg.wufoo.com/forms/friday-field-trips-2023/