Scavenger Hunt: Ecology Edition. A fun challenge for all nature-lovers.

Scavenger Hunt: Ecology Edition. A fun challenge for all nature-lovers.

Leader: Willow Eichler, Outdoor Experience Leader

Lake Murray Trailhead 5540 Kiowa Dr. La Mesa, CA 91942 GPS Coordinates: 32.78135, -117.04004

Play a scavenger hunt to get to know your local wildlife and their habitats. Further, get to know your community. Work together to learn about and identify organisms. Discover how they interact with each other and their surroundings. Develop methods to minimize harmful impacts on ecosystems, Leave No Trace style, at both an individual and community level. All ages, abilities, and experience levels are welcome - we will have two activities, one sitting and one walking, so that all can participate in this experience. Lake Murray hosts a huge variety of wildlife, but also provides access to tons of great activities, from fishing to biking to baseball! Come and learn how wildlife and people can enjoy the space in harmony. Binoculars are not necessary and will not be provided, but may be useful if you have a pair!

Driving directions: From the 8 Freeway, exit at 70th/Lake Murray and follow directions to Lake Murray Blvd. Continue up Lake Murray Dr., then turn left on Kiowa Dr. Continue to the end of Kiowa Dr. into the driveway to the parking lot. Transit Directions: Take the MTS 14 to the Lake Murray Dr. and Kiowa Dr. exit.

An approx. 2km loop will be suggested for the Scavenger Hunt group; the LNT-based brainstorming requires no walking. The trail is relatively flat: Some slight up and down, but mostly flat and wide trails all around the lake. Substrate is a mix of concrete, asphalt, and soil/sand (looser soils avoidable as necessary by ability). Restroom facilities with flush toilets. Water fountains available. There are several shaded benches that we can sit and observe from, sit and work / brainstorm together.