Hikers and Critters Mingle at Local State Park

From Elizabeth Harris

More than 100 guests visited the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park on its second annual Trails Day on Saturday. 

Guests were treated to a guided 1.6-mile walking tour with five “centers” positioned within the park.  For example, at the Chumash Activities Center, guests learned how to play games and make traditional meals. The Herpetology Center is where guests learned about the reptiles and snakes found in the Simi Hills and the Santa Susana Mountains. 

A representative of the Southwestern Herpetology Society introduced visitors to several friendly snakes and children learned how to properly pet them (hint: don’t stroke their scales in the opposite direction!) As guests were learning about reptiles and snakes, two red-tailed hawks circled overhead. 

The event was sponsored by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the Foundation for the Preservation of the Santa Susana Mountains. 

Admittance into the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park is FREE! Don’t Google directions because it takes you to a closed entrance.  

To get to the park:  Take Devonshire West past Valley Circle.  After Valley Circle is Larwin. Turn left and look to the right for the power lines. The entrance to the park is right under the power lines.

http://www.fpssm.org/hikes-and-events.php