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Community Corner

Making Fire the Chumash Way at Chatsworth's Historic Acre

Class learns to use hand and bow drills the Native American way.

A traditional fire-making class was held at the Chatsworth Historical Society’s Acre on Saturday.

Sponsored by the Foundation for the Preservation for the Santa Susana Mountains in partnership with the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Dr. Kent Christensen taught a group of 10 enthusiasts about the traditional Chumash way of starting fires with hand and bow drills. 

As many readers may be aware (likely from watching TV's Survivor), it is very difficult to make fire – the endeavor requiring a delicate balance of just the right amount of pressure upon the drill (hint: not too much), holding it at the correct angle and rapidly bringing the bow back and forth over the drill.

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For a number of the participants, being on bended knee for an extended period of time posed the greatest challenge. But in the end, two of our number mastered the art – Lorie Lawrence and Dodd Harris.  

Lawrence was particularly pleased because she leads the Chumash Educational Center for the third-grade field trips in the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park.  “Now I have one more amazing Chumash skill to share with the children,” Lawrence said, “It continues to astound me how they made such perfect use of the natural materials around them.”

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More events sponsored by Foundation for the Preservation for the Santa Susana Mountains: 

Stagecoach Trail Hike
Date: Saturday April 13
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Theme: Stagecoach Trail History
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Hike Leader: Dale

Where: Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park Larwin entrance. 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.

The journey up what became known as the Devil's Slide was so perilous, all but the most delicate passengers were encouraged to disembark and walk. Now you, too can hike in along the old stagecoach route taken by travelers en route to San Francisco from Los Angeles.

Welcome Walk
Saturday April 20
Start Time: 11:00 AM
End Time: 1:00 PM
Theme: Welcome Walk
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Hike Leader: Marc

Where: Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park Larwin entrance.  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.

The Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park has a rich and varied history - serving as the location of a quarrying operation, the longest train tunnel in the United States, the only stagecoach route between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and the home of the Chumash for thousands of years. Join volunteer Marc on a Welcome Walk to learn about the park!

Native Plants and Wildflowers
Date: Saturday April 27
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM
Theme: Native Plants and Wildflowers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Hike Leader: Peter 

Where:  Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park Larwin entrance. 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.

Join naturalist Peter on an informative hike through the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park where you will learn all about the amazing native plants and wildflowers - we have an abundance because of the rains earlier this year, so there is much to see!

Wear sunscreen and long pants because the brush is thick and sticky.  A light jacket or long-sleeved shirt is also recommended.  Although we try to avoid poison oak, sometimes it is encountered.  Wear sturdy hiking boots. A walking stick is preferred by some hikers.  Bring plenty of water.  A hat is also recommended.  

The SSPSHP is primitive – this means that there are no toilets, so please plan accordingly. 

Well-behaved dogs are welcome as long as they are on leash. Please remember to bring enough water for your four-legged friend☺  All minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

Any questions? Please contact State Parks Interpretive Specialist Jennifer Dandurand, SantaSusana@parks.ca.gov.

Los Toros Fundraiser for the Foundation for the Preservation of the Santa Susana Mountains
When: Sunday April 21 

Show up any time between 10:30 AM and 11:00 PM with the flyer and Los Toros will make a donation to support field trips for 3rd graders to the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park! We use all monies raised to pay for buses to bring the school children -- everyone who participates in our field trip program is a volunteer. Questions? email santasusanafriends@gmail.com.

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