Trek And Tunes Under The Stars

As dusk set over the Santa Monica Mountains on Wednesday, 39 eager hikers, both young and young-at-heart, arrived at the Peter Strauss Ranch amphitheater on Wednesday for the National Park Service's free evening program.

"I bet this is the first electric campfire experience program you all have been too," Park Ranger Sean said to the crowd as he took the stage with his fellow rangers.

The "Santa Monica Mountains Band" emerged with two guitarists, a drummer, and a singer. A contagious beat burst through the speakers as the rangers in uniform strummed electric guitars, beat a set of drums, and crooned into standing microphones. The would-be sing-along campfire transformed into an outdoors rock show.

Educational songs, such as "Up in the Chaparral" and "SaMo Safari," as well as improvisational family favorites, alerting the audience to the many animal and plant species in the Santa Monica Mountains, stirred up a raucous audience. Individuals in the crowd did their part by clanking spoons and blowing on mouth harps. 

Between the songs, different rangers spoke to the audience about various wildlife topics, including a history of Peter Strauss Ranch and how nocturnal species function and survive in the darkness. The concert concluded with everyone singing "This Land is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie.

With darkness settling in around the campfire and a bright moon overhead, the group began to ready itself for the 0.6-mile night hike along Peter Strauss Trail. But before departing, Park Ranger Arianna educated the group on safety tips for night hiking.

"It is important to bring the same provisions as you would on a day hike, such as water and hiking shoes, as well as a flashlight for the night," she said. "Watch out for tics, rattle snakes, insects, and poison oak, or T.R.I.P."

Along the hike, the group stopped at various points to observe plants, insects, and local wildlife. After spotting an owl feather, hikers learned the difference between a an owl, which stalks its prey silently by surprise, and a turkey vulture, which feasts largely on already dead animals.

Jeff Davidson, a member of the Santa Monica Mountains volunteer mounted patrol, heard about the hike from the National Park Service, and said he "truly enjoyed himself."

Hiker Bruce Cornett found the hike to be "a great experience."

"It was lots of fun and well put together...a nice activity for a weekday night," Cornett said. "I'll definitely be back next time."

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