Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center
17017 Maricopa Highway
Ojai, CA 93023
Telephone: (805) 640-9060
Fax: (805) 640-9059
*Email reservation requests to Gordie Hemphill at [email protected]
If you have questions, contact Gordie Hemphill at (805)382-9759
The Los Padres Forest Association Presents
Wheeler Summer Programs 2015
May 2015
May 9, 11:00 a.m.
Luzonica Birds of the World
Luzonica will bring birds from near and far from unusual to the known, promote understanding;
appreciation and conservation of all bird species.
Erin Koski - Director of Luzonica
Donations are; adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free
May 16, 11:00 a.m.
Resource and Environmental Workers
Learn about our local youth organization called the C.R.E.W. It is an environmentally oriented nonprofit
youth leadership and employment organization. Founded in 1991, the C.R.E.W provides leadership and job
training, paid employment and community service opportunities to local youth aged 14 to 26, while
providing the resources needed to preserve, maintain, and improve public and private wild lands as well as
to protect local communities against the threat of wildfire.
Bill Murphy - Executive Director, the C R E W
May 23, 11:00 a.m.
Sea Birds Master of Wind and Waves
Wildlife photography is a real challenge. Some amazing images will reveal nature seldom experienced by us
diurnal beings. Understanding sea birds species will further inspire us to appreciate and protect our natural
world. Presented by conservationist, photographer and world traveler Dr. Larry Wan
Dr. Larry Wan - Photographer and Conservationist
Donations are; adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free
June 2015
June 6, 10:30 a.m.
Trees are Treemendous (Cub Scout Required Program)
Discover the native and non-native trees that live in Wheeler Gorge on this short and very educational walk
led by Los Padres National Forest Botanist Lloyd Simpson. The walk begins at the center and continues into
the campground.
Lloyd Simpson - Forest Botanist, Los Padres National Forest
Donations are adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free
June 6, 1:00 p.m.
Webelos Scout Forester Program
This program will cover forest trees and plants how mankind and animals use them. See how mankind and
animals depend on them. Reservations required*
Gordie Hemphill - Pres. LPFA, Ojai Chapter and Scouter
Fee for both youth and adult is $3.00 to cover cost of materials.
Wheeler Summer Programs 2015 – Page 1
June 13, 11:00 a.m.
Volcanoes in Story and Science
Learn from our gifted storyteller Richard Wade, scientist, artist and educator, the science of how volcanoes
erupt and grow. He will also entertain children and adults with legends and lore. Volunteers make a model
volcano erupt! Get a free piece of lava.
Richard Wade - Scientist, artist, and educator
Donations are adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free.
June 20, 11:00 a.m.
Humane Society Surprise Program
This first presentation what will it be? Could it that pesky cat/dog or maybe that cockroach? This lady is full
of surprises with critter from the Humane Society that she has rescued.
Dawn Reily - Education Department, Ventura County Humane Society
Donations are adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free
June 27, 11:00 a.m.
All About Our Local Critters
A discovery program designed for a young audience and those young at heart. Learn about animals and
what they leave behind. Do you know what kind of sounds a fox, bobcat makes? Make and take home
plaster cast of a paw print.
Gordie Hemphill - Pres. LPFA, Ojai Chapter and Scouter
Donations are adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free
July 2015
July 4, 11:00 a.m.
Reptiles Skin and Bones
Tom Hagan, with the Southwestern Herpetological Society, will present live and impressive lizards and
snakes and give advice on which reptile to pick as a pet. Meet Grayson Kent with a degree in Paleo Biology
both prehistoric and present day bone structures.
Tom Hagan and Sandy Chase - Southwestern Herpetological Society
Donations are adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free.
July 11, 10:30 a.m.
Webelos Scout Naturalist Program
This program will cover respecting and protecting wildlife in our local forest. You will also learn about birds
and their flyways, venomous reptiles, poisonous plants and how to identify them. You will learn about food
chains and ecosystems and how humans have changed the balance of nature. Reservations required*
Alexa Hohensee – Secretary, LPFA and Scouter
Fee for both youth and adult is $3.00 to cover cost of materials
July 11, 1:00 p.m.
Cub Scout Geology/Webelos Geologist
Discover how volcanoes, mountains, caves and geysers are formed. Learn how rocks and minerals are used in
metal, glass, jewelry, and in building homes. Make a Moh’s scale of hardness kit. Start a rock and mineral kit.
Reservations required*
Mike Havstad – Curator, Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center
Fee for both youth and adult is $3.00 to cover cost of materials
Wheeler Summer Programs 2015 – Page 2
July 18, 11:00 a.m.
Humane Society Surprise Program
This second presentation what will it be? Could it that pesky cat/dog or maybe that cockroach? This lady is
full of surprises with critter from the Humane Society that she has rescued.
Dawn Reily - Education Department, Ventura County Humane Society
Donations are adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free
July 25, 10:30 a.m.
Last Days of the Dinosaurs
Richard Wade, scientist, artist and educator will present a hands-on, fun-filled presentation about how
dinosaurs lived and died, even the sounds they made. Hold a real meteorite and replicas of fossils.
Appropriate for all ages.
Richard Wade - Scientist, artist, and educator
Donations are adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free.
July 25, 1:00 p.m.
Cub Scout Geology/Webelos Geologist
Discover how volcanoes, mountains, caves and geysers are formed. Learn how rocks and minerals are used in
metal, glass, jewelry, and in building homes. Make a Moh’s scale of hardness kit. Start a rock and mineral kit.
Reservations required*
Mike Havstad – Curator, Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center
Fee for both youth and adult is $3.00 to cover cost of materials
August 2015
Aug. 1, 11:00 a.m.
Bats You Never Imagined
Ranger Kris presents the amazing world of bats; in sizes, shapes, features and colors you’ve never imagined.
Meet her pet bat and see her magical slide show with the vampire bats and many others.
Kris Mashburn - California State Parks
Donations are adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free
Aug. 8, 11:00 a.m.
You Bug Me
“Insects and their relationship with mankind: The good, the bad, and the ugly”. Insects are very helpful to
man., providing food, medical assistance and other beneficial services. They can also cause serious damage
to agriculture and spread disease.
Philip Phillips B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Entomology from UC Riverside
Donations are adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free.
Aug. 15, 11:00 a.m.
Live Birds of Prey
A live demonstration of birds of prey: owls, hawks, and falcons. Meet a Great Horned Owl and other birds of
prey - presented by Kim Stroud, Director of the Ojai Raptor Center, and her staff.
Kim Stroud - Director, Ojai Raptor Center
Donations are adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free
Aug. 22, 11:00 a.m.
Reptiles Skin and Bones
Tom Hagan, with the Southwestern Herpetological Society, will present live and impressive lizards and
snakes and give advice on which reptile to pick as a pet. Meet Grayson Kent with a degree in Paleo Biology
both prehistoric and present day bone structures.
Tom Hagan and Sandy Chase - Southwestern Herpetological Society
Donations are adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free.
Wheeler Summer Programs 2015 – Page 3
Aug. 29, 11:00 a.m.
Cub Scout Wildlife Conservation
Cast an animal track; learn about the endangered California condor, our nature center, and do a small service
project. Reservations required*
Gordie Hemphill - Pres. LPFA, Ojai Chapter and Scouter
Fee for both youth and adult is $3.00 to cover cost of materials
September 2015
Sept. 5, 11:00 a.m.
Rescuing Ocean Animals
Wildlife rescuer Ron Barrett, with the Channel Island Marine and Wildlife Institute, will present
information and insights on sea lions, seals, otters and other animals found sick or injured. What you should
do and not do when you find an animal stranded on the beach?
Ron Barrett - Channel Islands Marine and wildlife Institute
Donations are adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free, and under 5 free
Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m. Webelos Scout Naturalist Program
This program will cover respecting and protecting wildlife in our local forest. You will also learn about birds
and their flyways, venomous reptiles, poisonous plants and how to identify them. You will learn about food
chains and ecosystems and how humans have changed the balance of nature. Reservations required*
Alexa Hohensee – Secretary, LPFA and Scouter
Fee for both youth and adult is $3.00 to cover cost of materials
Sept. 12, 1:00 p.m.
Webelos Scout Forester Program
This program will cover forest trees and plants how mankind and animals use them. See how mankind and
animals depend on them. Reservations required*
Gordie Hemphill - Pres. LPFA, Ojai Chapter and Scouter
Fee for both youth and adult is $3.00 to cover cost of materials.
Sept. 19, 11:00 a.m. Amazing World of Bears
Kelley Swedlow, Wheeler Gorge Docent, will present information about our brown and black bears, and the
many other types of bears found around the world.
Kelly Swedlow, Wheeler Gorge Docent
Donations are adults $3, youth 5-18 $2, and under 5 free
Wheeler Summer Programs 2015 – Page 4