Nice Time to Explore Santa Ana NWR
by Christine Donald
published January 2017


Awwww! Finally some cooler weather here in the valley. As there is a slight nip in the air and we are wearing sweaters, now we can explore Santa Ana NWR more comfortably. It is a nice time to get out and walk the many abundant trails to burn off all those extra calories that we are all consuming.

Cookies and cakes are abundant around this time of year and you may be like me, trying to avoid my clothes from shrinking or should I say my stomach increasing. Thank goodness for spandex.

Santa Ana also offers a tram this time of year that will take you to explore further out on the refuge. The seven mile tour route lets you see more of the refuge as you listen to the guide talking about the refuge's, history, plants, and animals. There are several stops where you can get out and stretch your legs and take a short hike.

If you are a birder, great news. We are now offering guided bird hikes Thursday-Saturday through Mid-December. By the end of the month through March, we will offer daily birding tours. Participants meet at the visitor center by 8:30 a.m. and are led out onto the refuge by volunteer birding guides.

Birding programs are free once you pay your entry fee. The tram fees are $4.00 for adults 13 years old to 61 years old, Seniors, $3.50 for 62 years old and up, $2.00 for kids 3 to 12 years old, and free for kids 2 years old and younger after your entry fee is paid.

Larger groups, please call the refuge at 956-784-7500 to get registered.

Tram times are 9:30 a.m., Noon, and 2:00 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday.
Hope to see all of you there.