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December 2017 Newsletter
Get Festive with Some Rainy-day Games!
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Dear ,
The holiday season is upon us, and we have some park-themed games and entertainment for the drizzly December weather. With the help of our wonderful volunteers planting season is well underway, and we are lovingly giving hundreds of baby Coyote bush, Sage, California Asters, and Yarrow new homes in our parks. These plants are loving the drizzle, so do a rain dance!
In This Newsletter:
Rain Droplets on Lupine @2014 Golden Gate Parks Conservancy
Top 5 Rainy-day Activities in Golden Gate National Parks
By Rosie Frederick
Whether you’re an adult or a kid (or a kid at heart…) everyone loves a good rain day! Or two… or ten...or thirty. Fight the rainy December blues this year by exploring our National Parks in the downpour. With reduced crowds and a sunny outlook, even the drippiest day can make a great adventure!
- Go critter-spotting at Mori Point
The rain brings a plethora of critters out from their homes here at Mori Point. California and Rough-skinned newts can be seen wandering the paths during rainy days—but beware! These newts are very poisonous, so don’t pick them up, and keep your dog away from these little critters. Another cool animal that loves the rain is our very own California red-legged frog. The winter rains bring frog breeding season, so brave the showers for a chance to see this threatened species at our Mori Point ponds.
- Enjoy a meditative moment at the Presidio
The Fort Mason Chapel in the Presidio has hosted a number of fascinating art exhibits over the years, the latest of which is called Sanctuary. This exhibit features intricate Pakistani rugs woven with the designs of 36 artists from 21 different countries, each reflecting on the concept of sanctuary. Spend a quiet moment meditating on the pieces with the gentle sound of the rain pattering outside.
- Play Poohsticks in Muir Woods
With rain-swollen creeks and rivers, a rainy afternoon is the perfect time for a game of Poohsticks at Muir Woods. Simply gather a group of players with sticks on one side of a bridge and drop the sticks over the side on the count of three. Quickly run to the other side of the bridge—the player whose stick exits the bridge first wins!
- Grab a warm cup of cocoa at the Cliff House
If getting damp in the chilly December weather isn’t your cup of tea, head down to the historic Cliff House restaurant for a warm drink and sweeping views from Land’s End. While it might be tough to get a table at the upscale Sutro’s restaurant, the Bistro is always open for walk-in adventurers looking for a hot cup of cocoa.
- Take a puddle-jumping hike at Ft. Funston
Re-live your childhood by taking a romp through some muddy puddles at Ft. Funston. If you’d prefer to keep your jeans clean, a doggie companion would certainly enjoy splashing away in your stead. Just remember to lay some towels down in the car for your pooch before the ride home!
Birder Games that aren’t that Lame
By Camila Fishtahler
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| Eagle PC: User:4924546 on Pixabay |
With the holidays rolling in, fog isn’t the only thing we will be seeing more of. For some this means more quality time with relatives that… let’s face it… we haven’t seen in a while. Or maybe you will be celebrating various holidays with friends rather than family. Regardless of how we spend our holiday breaks there is always the challenge for the host on how to provide endless entertainment demanded to keep the family/friend dynamics from imploding.
One game I love to play with some friends only requires The Sibley Guide to Birds, or any bird book that includes a description of the call the bird makes, and a sense of humor. Usually you need at least 3 people but the game is best when played with a large group.
Rules:
- Person #1 starts off with the Sibley and picks a bird. (Each entry has a description of the bird as well as the noise it is supposed to make). And picks a member of the group
- Person #2 (the chosen one), then has to perform the description of the bird call. All participants, other than person #1, then have to guess what bird they are trying to mimic.
- After chuckles have been had and person 2 is embarrassed enough (probably will have to perform more than once) they get to then pick the next bird and pass on the bird-den.
So, imagine Uncle Jim or Tia Carmen replicating the full song of a male Chaffinch: a melodious performance of: ‘chip-chip-chip, tell-tell-tell, cherry-erry-erry, tissy-chee-wee-oo’ is brought to life.
Want to replicate some local calls? The easily recognizable Red-tail Hawk is described by the Audubon Society as a: “High-pitched descending scream with a hoarse quality, keeeeer”.
Another cheep (hahaha) way to spend quality time is to take people out and enjoy the park… maybe even if it isn’t the most optimal time- go birding. As you spend time out you can regale them with fantastic bird puns and jokes. Can’t think of any? Here are some egg-samples…
Q: Why do seagulls fly over the sea?
A: Because if they flew over the bay, they’d be baygulls.
Q: What happens when a duck flies upside down?
A: It quacks up
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| Bald Eagle PC: PeterKraayvanger on Pixabay |
Q: How do you catch a unique bird?
A: Unique up on it.
Q: How do you catch a tame bird?
A: The tame way.
I am not sorry. I could’ve made a joke about a chicken but it would have been fowl. If you have your own or just want to wing it you should do so.
But in all seriousness, it may get cold this coming winter, or rainy, possibly foggy… but I personally think the process of getting warm and cozy after spending time out in dreary weather is somewhat soothing.
Regular Volunteer Information and Work Day Schedules
As always, we couldn’t do what we do without our lovely volunteers! Here is the schedule for regular volunteer hours for the month of December. Come hang out and plant some plants, hope that you come out and join us!
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Volunteers from San Francisco State University listen to a welcome talk
PC: Camila Fishtahler |
Regular San Mateo Parks Stewardship Drop-In Dates
Saturdays, 10 am–1 pm
Work day events include a combination of hands-on service projects and short natural or cultural history talks. To learn more or sign up, visit our website by clicking here.
Mori Point
Milagra Ridge
December 23
- CANCELED (Winter Holidays)
December 30
- CANCELED (Winter Holidays)
Big shout-out to our regular volunteers and thank you to all who join us!
Sincerely,
Team San Mateo
Georgia, Rosie, and Camila 
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