Silverado-Modjeska Recreation & Park DistrictSilverado-Modjeska Recreation & Park District | Silverado-Modjeska Recreation & Park District http://smrpd.org Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:03:33 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Goldenspotted Oak Beetle is on the way and it’s not friendly to our trees http://smrpd.org/2011/06/goldenspotted-oak-beetle-is-on-the-way-and-its-not-friendly-to-our-trees/ http://smrpd.org/2011/06/goldenspotted-oak-beetle-is-on-the-way-and-its-not-friendly-to-our-trees/#comments Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:41:16 +0000 Ron http://smrpd.org/?p=1006 Goldenspotted Oak Beetle Information
Southern California Citizen Scientist Tree Health Survey Form
A Field Guide to Insects and Diseases of California Oaks
Sierra Madre Patch Article
Wikipedia Post

From the website below:

“Goldspotted oak borer infestation is contributing to the on-going oak tree mortality occurring on federal, state, private, and Native American lands in San Diego County. Widespread oak mortality can have severe implications to the environment and human safety.

Due to the current and potential impacts, locally and statewide, multiple agencies and organizations are working together in the research, education and outreach efforts regarding this pest. As part of these efforts, this website has been created to provide the public information and resources.”

Get involved. The website provides a ton of information on all aspects of the GSOB including a means to get involved to help survey and document damage.

As of now there is no remedy for the beetle but when one comes if we’ve done our homework we’ll be in a much better position to help get rid of it.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/06/goldenspotted-oak-beetle-is-on-the-way-and-its-not-friendly-to-our-trees/feed/ 0 Maple Springs Gate Open http://smrpd.org/2011/04/maple-springs-gate-open/ http://smrpd.org/2011/04/maple-springs-gate-open/#comments Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:09:30 +0000 Ron http://smrpd.org/?p=957 It’s finally open to the relief of some and consternation of others. I drove up the road today in my Jeep and while the lower section has been re-paved in some sections the upper dirt section does have some damage and work that has changed the nature of the road making it seem like a new drive.

The biggest change I noticed was the digging of a drainage ditch that routes the flow from the actual Maple Springs away from the road. This now creates a barrier for most passenger vehicles from accessing the turn out at the bend. It was the first time in 30 years of going up Maple Springs road where that section was not wet from the springs.

I also noticed a different demographic of users. There was one group of about 10 people on a picnic right by the side of the road. I stopped and asked them to be sure to remove all their rubbish but who knows if they will. This sort of usage highlights the need for more patrol of the road at the lower end as more people will come after seeing “Silverado” on the news during the Dec storms.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/04/maple-springs-gate-open/feed/ 0 Vision Quest 2011 http://smrpd.org/2011/04/vision-quest-2010/ http://smrpd.org/2011/04/vision-quest-2010/#comments Sun, 03 Apr 2011 03:12:12 +0000 Ron http://smrpd.org/?p=921 Today was the day of the epic Vision Quest race. A total of 55.2 miles with 11,200′ of climbing from Black Star Canyon down the motorway then up Maple Springs ending at O’Neill Park. I was there to present the first of a series of four $50 awards in this case a gift certificate purchased from Rock N’ Road for Most Inspiring Ride.

It’s not unusual for riders to overcome crashes and equipment malfunctions in order to finish. Today there was none of that but we were treated by a ride that gives me goose bumps. Eric Young had tried 6 times to finish this race and never made it. Today he did – with crippling leg cramps it took him over 11 hours to finish dead last. None of that mattered when he crossed the finish line – he was all smiles of someone who overcame a body that didn’t want to move but was forced to by a determined mind unwilling to quit because it was difficult.

I am happy that we were there to be part of a great race professionally organized to standards that others only dream of. From race directors Chris Vargas and Sherry Panttaja to the many volunteers this is a well run event which leaves nothing to chance or luck.

Rock N’ Road Cyclery and Switchback Cyclery were there as well as El Pollo Loco providing the after race dinners. This is the kind of event that makes me want to get back to the hills as a supplement to my road rides.

All photographs by Mike Boeck

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/04/vision-quest-2010/feed/ 0 Pictures of life in the canyons in the 1940s http://smrpd.org/2011/03/895/ http://smrpd.org/2011/03/895/#comments Sun, 27 Mar 2011 18:22:03 +0000 Ron http://smrpd.org/?p=895 From Deanna Craig’s sister these are some great shots of life in Ladd Canyon back in the 1940′s
AAK_P133_brown-arline_silverado001-web AAK_P134_brown-arline_silverado003-web AAK_P135_brown-arline_silverado004-web
Deanna’s grandma Arline Brown, aunt Frances Brown and mom Susie Brown in Silverado Creek.

Grandma Arline Brown, mom Susie Brown and unidentified friend in what I think is Ladd Canyon

Grandma Arline Brown, aunt Frances Brown, mom Susie Brown and friend. Kind of looks like the Turkey Ranch?

If you’ve got some old shots of canyons and you’d like to share them then get in touch with us and we’ll do what we can to help capture our heritage.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/03/895/feed/ 0 The Canyon Orange County We Call Home http://smrpd.org/2011/03/the-canyon-orange-county-we-call-home/ http://smrpd.org/2011/03/the-canyon-orange-county-we-call-home/#comments Sat, 12 Mar 2011 06:39:13 +0000 Ron http://smrpd.org/?p=870 This short film captures the essence of why we live here and why so many others come to visit.

If this video doesn’t play then click here.

Mountain Man from Jonathan Formica on Vimeo.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/03/the-canyon-orange-county-we-call-home/feed/ 5 Storm Damage Assessment Hike http://smrpd.org/2011/03/storm-damage-assessment-hike/ http://smrpd.org/2011/03/storm-damage-assessment-hike/#comments Thu, 10 Mar 2011 23:22:45 +0000 Ron http://smrpd.org/?p=853 All photos by Mike Boeck

Mike invited me to go with him and Jim as one of two groups doing an assessment of damage to roads in the Black Star Canyon area. We took the Edison road off Black Star Canyon Rd. The damage wasn’t too bad but the scenery was gorgeous.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/03/storm-damage-assessment-hike/feed/ 0 Irvine Ranch Conservancy/RICOH Invasive Plant Removal http://smrpd.org/2011/03/irvine-ranch-conservancyricoh-invasive-plant-removal/ http://smrpd.org/2011/03/irvine-ranch-conservancyricoh-invasive-plant-removal/#comments Sun, 06 Mar 2011 17:33:26 +0000 Ron http://smrpd.org/?p=805 (Posted for and all photos by Mike Boeck)

On Saturday, March 5, about sixty volunteers from RICOH, including the company president, participated in an invasive plant removal program in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon. As a lead land steward for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, I supervised a group of about a dozen people who spent several hours pulling out mostly Italian and milk thistles from an area that I have been wanting to clear for years. I thank the staff of the IRC, the volunteer docents and the employees of RICOH who helped me fulfill this goal of mine. The area I worked in has been inaccessible for a long time, and now the new Shoestring Trail provides access to the spot.

The weather was perfect, the lunch provided by RICOH was yummy, and much was accomplished. Special thanks to IRC Senior Field Ecologist Dr. Jutta Burger and IRC Volunteer Coordinator Bette Lee for their excellent organizational skills exhibited during this successful event.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/03/irvine-ranch-conservancyricoh-invasive-plant-removal/feed/ 1 Ladd Canyon http://smrpd.org/2011/03/ladd-canyon/ http://smrpd.org/2011/03/ladd-canyon/#comments Fri, 04 Mar 2011 02:49:26 +0000 Ron http://smrpd.org/?p=558 I took a hike up Ladd Canyon with Carl up past his place and onto the Takahashi property. Lot’s of damage to the road so we had quite a steep hike to near the end. The ridge to the west looks like a great addition to the section we did for a complete loop. I’ll have to recruit someone to find out if it is possible to make the transition from the road to the ridge. It looks possible but looks can be deceptive.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/03/ladd-canyon/feed/ 1 Silverado Children’s Center Help Needed http://smrpd.org/2011/02/silverado-childrens-center-help-needed/ http://smrpd.org/2011/02/silverado-childrens-center-help-needed/#comments Sat, 26 Feb 2011 20:23:34 +0000 Ron http://webranding.org/lab/smrpd/?p=414 We need volunteer help at the Silverado Children’s Center.

Here’s a list of projects we need done. Can you help?

  • Deck handrail needs painting
  • New sign
  • repair siding of both buildings
  • landscaping of driveway
  • painting building and ramp
  • fix concrete in preschool (front) yard
  • fix the roof leakage problem with the school-age building replace/fix ceiling panels in school-age room update inside of both buildings asphalt for parking lot

(Click image above to go to SCC website)

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/02/silverado-childrens-center-help-needed/feed/ 0 California Register of Historical Resources #202 http://smrpd.org/2011/02/maple-springs-monument/ http://smrpd.org/2011/02/maple-springs-monument/#comments Sat, 26 Feb 2011 20:06:14 +0000 Ron http://webranding.org/lab/smrpd/?p=409 SILVERADO – Located in Cañada de la Madera (Timber Canyon) was a mining boom town founded in 1878 when silver was discovered nearby. During the colorful life of its boom, 1878-1881, miners flocking to the area established a thriving community, served daily by stage from Los Angeles and Santa Ana.

Location: Next to Silverado Fire Station #2, end of Silverado Canyon Rd, 3.4 mi E of Silverado post office, Silverado

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/02/maple-springs-monument/feed/ 0 Green Vision Coalition Map http://smrpd.org/2011/02/our-green-vision-affiliate-map/ http://smrpd.org/2011/02/our-green-vision-affiliate-map/#comments Sat, 26 Feb 2011 06:30:01 +0000 Ron http://webranding.org/lab/smrpd/?p=390 This gives you an idea of where the Green Vision Coalition is heading. The coalition is many non-governmental organization (NGOs) and us the SMRPD as the only government agency forging a powerful force to make Orange County a vision that other will want to copy in this era of sound environmental practices without detriment to business interests. In fact, the synergy and energy of the coalition will build strength withing the business world as we construct a model for others around the world and the country to follow.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/02/our-green-vision-affiliate-map/feed/ 0 Snow in the mountains means more visitors http://smrpd.org/2011/02/snow-in-the-mountains-means-more-visitors/ http://smrpd.org/2011/02/snow-in-the-mountains-means-more-visitors/#comments Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:11:02 +0000 Ron http://webranding.org/lab/smrpd/?p=253 This morning I was out in the yard doing some rain-enforced-neglected yard work. I watch the many visitors streaming by our place looking for a place to park. Because we actually have room between the road and our retaining wall and the fact that we are close to the gate our spots our 3 spots are filled early.

I often engage or am engaged by visitors as they park or walk by on the way up into the forest. I asked the family of 5 if they were going up to enjoy the snow. They confirmed yes but said they were going up the Silverado Motorway, er sorry, Silverado Trail. I told them that the snow leaves that trail early since it gets direct sunlight. If snow is what they wanted then a walk up Maple Springs is their best chance.

Reaching our further I asked where they were from. Irvine was the reply and the guy said he mountain bikes up here frequently but today he wanted to bring the family up to see the snow. It wasn’t much snow but our first of the year.

I want to reach out to these families more and provide opportunities to explore much more of our area besides the usual few trails. I want to reach out to them more to recruit more volunteers to help us create an atmosphere that makes the canyons a destination rather than a place they go through to get to the things they know.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/02/snow-in-the-mountains-means-more-visitors/feed/ 0 Limestone Canyon http://smrpd.org/2011/02/lorem-ipsum-dolor-sit/ http://smrpd.org/2011/02/lorem-ipsum-dolor-sit/#comments Sat, 19 Feb 2011 01:50:42 +0000 Ron http://webranding.org/lab/smrpd/?p=132 Limestone Canyon Wilderness Area is manage by Irvine Ranch Conservancy who schedule access to the normally closed area.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/02/lorem-ipsum-dolor-sit/feed/ 1 Lower Silverado Creek Mountain Lion Tracks http://smrpd.org/2011/02/testing-testing-testing-3/ http://smrpd.org/2011/02/testing-testing-testing-3/#comments Sat, 19 Feb 2011 01:29:07 +0000 Ron http://webranding.org/lab/smrpd/?p=131 We saw tracks down in the lower Silverado Creek shown in the picture on the left. Even saw one set right along with deer tracks.

I’ve been coming to the canyons for 30 years and lived in Silverado for 17. I’ve been up many of the trails and roads and never seen a mountain lion. I’ve seen every other critter including many of the 17 varieties of snakes.

Mountain Lion

Another Lower Silverado

Photo by Mike Boeck

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/02/testing-testing-testing-3/feed/ 0 Fire Line Hike End of Silverado http://smrpd.org/2011/02/testing-testing-testing-2/ http://smrpd.org/2011/02/testing-testing-testing-2/#comments Sat, 19 Feb 2011 01:27:57 +0000 Ron http://webranding.org/lab/smrpd/?p=130 During the fires of 2007 fire crews cut a firebreak up the ridge just beyond the Maple Springs gate. It’s pretty steep but worth the effort. I’d hiked this line once before and made it to the top before turning around. I didn’t really want to go too far by myself.

Mike Boeck and I made a loop starting up this line and coming down Pine Canyon. There were views of Silverado like that on the left of the entire length of Silverado. It sure looks narrow from this perspective. That patch of green at the end of the Canyon is Holtz Ranch. I’m guessing that very small patch of blue at the right edge 2/3 of the way up the shot is Irvine Lake.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/02/testing-testing-testing-2/feed/ 1 SMRPD Map http://smrpd.org/2011/02/testing-testing-testing/ http://smrpd.org/2011/02/testing-testing-testing/#comments Sat, 19 Feb 2011 01:27:40 +0000 Ron http://webranding.org/lab/smrpd/?p=129 From Canyon Land Conservation Fund

The Silverado-Modjeska area consists of approximately 65 square miles of mountainous terrain on the eastern edge of Orange County, California. Silverado and Modjeska are the most heavily populated canyons, with homes also in Ladd, Black Star, Williams, Harding and Baker canyons. Geographically, socially and visually, Silverado-Modjeska is a unique island within Orange County.


Eighty-five percent of the land is surrounded by the Trabuco District of the Cleveland National Forest on the north, east and south. On the west is the permanently dedicated open space of the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve.

Built on the site of an old mining town in the late 1800s, Silverado is the largest town in the cluster of small communities. Miles from the nearest grocery store or gas station, the communities are nestled between high mountain ridges, with wild sage, scrub and oaks running up the slopes. Creeks and spontaneous waterfalls, sometimes dropping 100 feet, provide a forest oasis. A third of the houses were built before 1939; about half were constructed prior to 1950. The majority started as small summer cabins for Los Angeles residents. While almost all have been updated, they still retain a rustic feel. Because of the surrounding mountains, many lots are patchwork size, with narrow roads threading through them.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/02/testing-testing-testing/feed/ 3 Harding Canyon http://smrpd.org/2011/02/sample-post-2/ http://smrpd.org/2011/02/sample-post-2/#comments Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:18:41 +0000 Ron http://webranding.org/lab/smrpd/?p=10 This is an alder root that was most likely covered in dirt before the Dec 2010 storms. The reddish tint is what happens when it is scrubbed by rushing water. It’s an easy indicator of how high the water got.

Another interesting aspect of these is that these roots smell like leather.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/02/sample-post-2/feed/ 0 Old mine attempt http://smrpd.org/2011/02/sample-post-3/ http://smrpd.org/2011/02/sample-post-3/#comments Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:18:07 +0000 Ron http://webranding.org/lab/smrpd/?p=8 Ellen is standing in front of one of two mine shafts about 10′ apart and about 6′ above the stream. Both were no more than 5′ to 6′ deep so whoever dug these gave up rather soon. Looking at the stream bed with strata indicating a possible silver vein and realizing that on the other side of the ridge from where were standing were some of the working silver mines from the late 1800s. We’re guessing they gave up after digging a specific depth and finding nothing.

Still, it was fascinating to imagine a miner back here trying to find their fortune in the rock.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/02/sample-post-3/feed/ 0 New pool up Harding Canyon http://smrpd.org/2011/02/sample-post-4/ http://smrpd.org/2011/02/sample-post-4/#comments Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:12:06 +0000 Ron http://webranding.org/lab/smrpd/?p=5 Ellen and I are standing above a new pool created after the Dec 2010 storm. What’s interesting to see here is the dirt banks above our shoulders. We’re standing on the rock formation that this pool contains now. Before the storm there was no pool here and this rock was most likely covered in decades of dirt.

]]> http://smrpd.org/2011/02/sample-post-4/feed/ 1 Harding Canyon Falls http://smrpd.org/2011/02/sample-post-1/ http://smrpd.org/2011/02/sample-post-1/#comments Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:20:36 +0000 Ron http://webranding.org/lab/smrpd/?p=12 Water fall about 4 miles up Harding Canyon. That’s Joel Robinson above me. This is actually a 2-level fall. The second level is about 10 ft high. The water coming down this canyon and over the falls was strong enough to move a huge bolder that had rested under the top level.

It’s very easy climb up the rocks. Mike said that he’s been further back but that it gets pretty dense after another mile or so. Sounds like a good over nighter some day.

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