◈ Homepage — https://sgmha.org/Skip to content San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Preservation through Education Skip to content Home Programs Get Involved Blog Contact Us Search for: Search Winter Mountains Prev Next 12345 Educating to Preserve a Local Heritage For centuries the San Gabriel Mountains have provided an iconic backdrop to the Los Angeles Basin. Native aboriginal peoples harvested acorns and other natural fare in the canyons at their foot. In the modern era we return to the mountains for recreation and spiritual renewal. Approximately 4 million visitors will visit our local mountains this year. The San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is working to preserve this historic natural treasure through educational programs for schools, families and other groups. We know that lasting bonds with nature are formed in childhood. Our school programs plant seeds that not only deepen understanding of the natural and cultural history of this unique landscape, they plant seeds of wonder and appreciation. Like all of us, children will grow to cherish and preserve what they love. Our role is to provide a place for this to happen. "Preservation through education." Along with programming, our group supports the Angeles National Forest by staffing visitor centers and maintaining interpretive exhibits. If you value this matchless landscape why not consider lending a hand or supporting us with a financial contribution? School Programs K - 12 school programs matched to Next Generation Science Standards Read more Scouts and Other Groups Exciting programs for scouts, Roots and Shoots, and other community groups Read more Forest Information Providing visitor-use information at forest visitor centers Read more Special Events Sponsoring special events such as National Public Lands Day, and conservation education workshops Read more Exhibits and Gardens Building and maintaining educational exhibits and native plant gardens Read more copyright 2017 San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association (SGMHA) PO Box 443 Mt. Baldy Village, CA 91759 Home Programs Get Involved Blog Contact Us Powered by Tempera & WordPress. ◈ Interior Pages — 10 pages crawledRecent Projects - San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Skip to content San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Preservation through Education   Skip to content Home Programs Schools Mt Baldy Visitors Center San Gabriel Canyon Education Center Scouts and Other Groups Get Involved Recent Projects National Public Lands Day Blog Contact Us Search for: Search Home Volunteer Recent Projects Recent Projects Many Thanks to the Volunteers Responsible for o ur Latest Work Projects!   The San Gabriel Mts. Heritage Association maintains gardens and exhibits at two education centers in the forest. At the Mt. Baldy Visitors Center we built a reproduction of an historic southern-California Native American village. Volunteer groups help us maintain this exhibit along with several others. Recently two boy scouts earned their Eagle Scout rank by combining to complete an ambitious project – building a Native American granary and restoring other components in the exhibit. Acorn Granary Construction 101 After building a frame the weaving begins. Limber green willow branches are harvested and woven into the frame to begin the basket. The tedious, time consuming work is enlivened by a happy group spending a beautiful morning in the forest.     At the end of the morning we are halfway to our goal, and Jason Cramer from Troop 66, Rancho Cucamonga, has completed his Eagle Scout Project. Congratulations Jason! Jason’s group also built the granary platform.       Eric Miranda from Troop 514, Fontana, then took over to complete the project by adding the top and completing the weaving. Eric’s group also added “finished” repair to our masonry bench inside the Kich, a traditional dwelling.         With the project completed and the granary in place, Eric’s group gathers in front. (Eric is to the right with the Miller High School jacket). Congratulations on a job well done! You can see the granary in the Native American Village at the Mt. Baldy Visitors Center.         If you or your group would like to learn how you can support our programs through volunteer efforts or assist with a financial contribution please contact us. Your contribution will be greatly maximized and very appreciated.   Learn more about historic indigenous California cultures KCET “Tending the Wild” Malki Museum Southwest Museum Comments are closed. copyright 2017 San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association (SGMHA) PO Box 443 Mt. Baldy Village, CA 91759 Home Programs Get Involved Blog Contact Us Powered by Tempera & WordPress. Contact Us - San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Skip to content San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Preservation through Education   Skip to content Home Programs Schools Mt Baldy Visitors Center San Gabriel Canyon Education Center Scouts and Other Groups Get Involved Recent Projects National Public Lands Day Blog Contact Us Search for: Search Home Contact Us Contact Us We invite you to contact us to learn more about how you can participate in our programs or join us in this exciting work. Please contact the person below that matches your interest. We look forward to hearing from you! Conservation is a cause that has no end. There is no point at which we will say our work is finished. (Rachel Carson) Ed Programs Manager Marian Coensgen 323 646-6660 [email protected] Board President Darryl Meathe [email protected] Volunteer Program Karen Fortus [email protected] San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association (SGMHA) Mailing Address P.O. Box 443 Mt. Baldy, CA 91759 Mt . Baldy Visitors Center 6778 Mt Baldy Rd. Mt Baldy, CA 91759 Phone: 909 982-2829 Fax: 909 931-7130 www.sgmha.org     Brochures San Gabriel Mts. Heritage . trifold page 1 San Gabriel Mts. Heritage . trifold page 2     S pecial thanks to Steve Diffenbacher and Nicholas Dean for generously sharing their photos and video Join our database and s tay up to date on upcoming programs and events   First Name * Last Name * Email * Phone * Message *   Verification Please enter any two digits * Example: 12 This box is for spam protection - <strong>please leave it blank</strong>: Comments are closed. copyright 2017 San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association (SGMHA) PO Box 443 Mt. Baldy Village, CA 91759 Home Programs Get Involved Blog Contact Us Powered by Tempera & WordPress. San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association - Preservation through Education Skip to content San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Preservation through Education   Skip to content Home Programs Schools Mt Baldy Visitors Center San Gabriel Canyon Education Center Scouts and Other Groups Get Involved Recent Projects National Public Lands Day Blog Contact Us Search for: Search Winter Mountains Yucca in Bloom West Fork San Gabriel River Students with Gopher Snake Mountain Sunset Educating to Preserve a Local Heritage For centuries the San Gabriel Mountains have provided an iconic backdrop to the Los Angeles Basin. Native aboriginal peoples harvested acorns and other natural fare in the canyons at their foot. In the modern era we return to the mountains for recreation and spiritual renewal. Approximately 4 million visitors will visit our local mountains this year. The San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is working to preserve this historic natural treasure through educational programs for schools, families and other groups. We know that lasting bonds with nature are formed in childhood. Our school programs plant seeds that not only deepen understanding of the natural and cultural history of this unique landscape, they plant seeds of wonder and appreciation. Like all of us, children will grow to cherish and preserve what they love. Our role is to provide a place for this to happen. "Preservation through education." Along with programming, our group supports the Angeles National Forest by staffing visitor centers and maintaining interpretive exhibits. If you value this matchless landscape why not consider lending a hand or supporting us with a financial contribution? School Programs K - 12 school programs matched to Next Generation Science Standards Read more Scouts and Other Groups Exciting programs for scouts, Roots and Shoots, and other community groups Read more Forest Information Providing visitor-use information at forest visitor centers Read more Special Events Sponsoring special events such as National Public Lands Day, and conservation education workshops Read more Exhibits and Gardens Building and maintaining educational exhibits and native plant gardens Read more copyright 2017 San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association (SGMHA) PO Box 443 Mt. Baldy Village, CA 91759 Home Programs Get Involved Blog Contact Us Powered by Tempera & WordPress. San Gabriel Canyon Education Center - San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Skip to content San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Preservation through Education   Skip to content Home Programs Schools Mt Baldy Visitors Center San Gabriel Canyon Education Center Scouts and Other Groups Get Involved Recent Projects National Public Lands Day Blog Contact Us Search for: Search Home Programming and Locations San Gabriel Canyon Education Center San Gabriel Canyon Education Center   I sincerely believe that for the child, and for the parent seeking to guide (her), it is not half so important to know as to feel . . . the natural world. (Rachel Carson)     While all classes can be adapted for different grades and ages, the options following are our suggested programs that complement school curricula while providing engaging, outdoor learning. Note : All programs can include a nature walk and a live animal demonstration. Elementary and Middle School Programs Forest Adventures (preschool- 2nd grade) Nature walk : Learn about the local landscape, wildlife, and plants on a nature walk. Animal Tracks : Learn about animal tracks and paint a plaster animal track to take home. Animals : Learn about our native wildlife by by exploring animal adaptations and examining fur pelts, skulls, and other hands-on materials. Eco Art (2nd – 3rd grade) Nature Journal : Students combine art and nature by creating nature journals and filling them with creative observations from the natural world. Monarch Life Cycle Necklace : Students will learn about the life cycle of a monarch butterfly while creating a necklace that represents each stage. Gold Fever (3rd-5th grade) Learn and relive a formative period in California’s history and pan for gold. World of the Tongva (3rd-5th grade) Tongva Village : Students learn about the culture of one of Southern California’s early Indigenous peoples through storytelling and reproductions of traditional cultural items. Pine Needle Brooms : Experience traditional Tongva crafting by making a hand-held broom using pine needles. Rock Art : Inspired by Indigenous storytelling tradition, students will create rock art with yucca paint brushes to share and illustrate their own stories. Water Ecology (6th-8th grade) Practice the scientific method by testing water quality in a forest watershed. Geology (Kinder – 8th grade) Assemble a nine-piece rock collection and learn the basics of local geology. This class can build on the 2nd grade program through introducing additional concepts, such as how the forces of plate tectonics effect geographic formations. High School Programs Water Ecology Lab Water Quality : Get hands-on using chemical kits to determine the water quality in our creeks. Macroinvertebrate Lab : Explore biodiversity and watershed health by discovering the macroinvertebrates that live in our streams! Geology Field Lab Review advanced geologic processes while creating a rock board and utilizing field observations. Plant Identification Field Lab Act as a botanist and map out a section of a landscape to study the unique characteristics of our chaparral habitat. Students will get to identify different plant species and record their observations.     San Gabriel Bioblitz     An extra large wasp that pays little attention to humans and loves nectar. What can possibly be the harm in that? Nothing unless you happen to be a tarantula. While not carnivorous as adults, female tarantula hawks seek out the large spiders, paralyze them with a powerful sting, then drag them to a burrow where they lay an egg on the paralyzed spider. The still-living spider provides the growing larva its nourishment.     California ebony tarantulas are most often seen during fall months, September through October. That is when mature males, ordinarily nocturnal by nature, go looking for a mate. Some may travel miles in search of their prize. This native tarantula is docile and shy, not a threat to humans. It has the unique distinction of being able to flick spiky hairs from its abdomen at its tormentor when threatened.         Teacher Prep Materials 2025-26 Schools Brochure Tips for Teachers + Format     Program Requests School * Teacher Name (First and Last) * Phone * Please include the best number to reach you on the day of the field trip. Email * Number of students * Grade level * Preferred date of visit * We will work with each school to find a date that works for your field trip. Please note that your first choice may not be available. The months of March-June fill quickly. Preferred location * Mt Baldy Visitor Center San Gabriel Canyon Education Center Outreach program at your school Additional questions or comments Please let us know if there are any special needs or other requests for your program. Thank you.   Verification Please enter any two digits * Example: 12 This box is for spam protection - <strong>please leave it blank</strong>: Comments are closed. copyright 2017 San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association (SGMHA) PO Box 443 Mt. Baldy Village, CA 91759 Home Programs Get Involved Blog Contact Us Powered by Tempera & WordPress. Blog Archives - San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Skip to content San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Preservation through Education   Skip to content Home Programs Schools Mt Baldy Visitors Center San Gabriel Canyon Education Center Scouts and Other Groups Get Involved Recent Projects National Public Lands Day Blog Contact Us Search for: Search Home Archive by category "Blog" Category: Blog Day of Service – Rosemead High School We were thrilled to welcome the students of Rosemead High School’s Ecology Club, in collaboration with Amigos de los Rios, for a hands-on day of service at the Mount Baldy Visitor Center! The students spent their day with us conducting restoration work by taking out the invasive Tree of Heaven… Continue reading admin March 6, 2026 March 6, 2026 Blog Day of Service – South El Monte High School We were excited to host 12 students of South El Monte High School, in collaboration with Amigos de los Rios, for a meaningful day of service at the San Gabriel Canyon Environmental Education Center! The day began with a local geology lesson, where students learned about the unique landscape and… Continue reading admin March 6, 2026 March 6, 2026 Blog Thank You Notes Here are some Thank You Notes from the 3rd graders of Hugo Reid Elementary. Your love and appreciation made our day! Room 112 Room 108 Room 118 Room 107 admin February 10, 2026 March 6, 2026 Blog Blog A Bit of History A Bit of History… Did you know that Mt. Baldy is in fact not the “official” name of the mountain? Believe it or not, Mt. Baldy was officially named Mt. San Antonio by the US Board of Geographic names in 1891. However, local gold miners had been referring to it… Continue reading admin December 16, 2013 February 11, 2026 Blog , SGMHA SGMHA Survival Tip of the Month, Wristwatch Compass SGMHA Survival Tip of the Month, Wristwatch Compass Did you know that you can easily find north using nothing more than a wrist watch and the sun? Well it’s possible, just follow these simple steps: – Place the wristwatch flat on the palm of your hand, then rotate your body… Continue reading admin December 16, 2013 February 11, 2026 Blog , Survival Tips Wildlife of the San Gabriel Mountains Wildlife of the San Gabriel Mountains Rainbow trout are native to the California tributaries, and commonly referred to as “Steelheads.” They will eat absolutely anything, including the eggs of other rainbow trout. Continue reading admin December 16, 2013 February 11, 2026 Blog , wildlife copyright 2017 San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association (SGMHA) PO Box 443 Mt. Baldy Village, CA 91759 Home Programs Get Involved Blog Contact Us Powered by Tempera & WordPress. National Public Lands Day - San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Skip to content San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Preservation through Education   Skip to content Home Programs Schools Mt Baldy Visitors Center San Gabriel Canyon Education Center Scouts and Other Groups Get Involved Recent Projects National Public Lands Day Blog Contact Us Search for: Search Home National Public Lands Day National Public Lands Day   National Public Lands Day The largest single-day volunteer event on our nation’s public lands! For nearly three decades volunteers have gathered all across the nation and U.S. territories on a Saturday at the end of September to celebrate and support our shared public spaces. If San Gabriel Mts. Heritage Association does not sponsor their own event at the Mt. Baldy Visitors Center or elsewhere, we can connect you with NPLD projects sponsored by the Forest Service.       For past projects our volunteer workers have –       repaired a broken fence.                     reset directional poles in our Native American ceremonial ring.                     and remembered to make their work fun!               Students from the Upland High School Key Club took on the first phase of an ambitious restoration project   In 1910 Winfred J. Sanborn and family built a small stone cabin in the San Gabriel Mountains at Camp Baldy, a new resort community later to become Mt. Baldy Village. The Sanborns had been camping in the area as early as 1897. This cabin, now located at the Mt. Baldy Visitors Center, is the oldest structure in the area.         Key Club students worked to clean out the cabin, which had been used for storage for many years. After their tremendous effort San Gabriel Mts. Heritage Association is set to re-roof and incorporate this historic structure in our Visitors Center exhibits.           Measuring the morning by projects accomplished, fun shared, and clutter removed, it was a resounding success! It is not too early to mark your calendars and make plans to join a NPLD event next year. It’s a perfect event for families, scouts, church and corporate groups who receive a reward from spending a morning in the forest and working on behalf of the public spaces that are so important to all of us.   For information about National Public Lands Day nationwide. Comments are closed. copyright 2017 San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association (SGMHA) PO Box 443 Mt. Baldy Village, CA 91759 Home Programs Get Involved Blog Contact Us Powered by Tempera & WordPress. Volunteer - San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Skip to content San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Preservation through Education   Skip to content Home Programs Schools Mt Baldy Visitors Center San Gabriel Canyon Education Center Scouts and Other Groups Get Involved Recent Projects National Public Lands Day Blog Contact Us Search for: Search Home Volunteer Volunteer   There is a Role Only You can Fill! You have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. (Jane Goodall)   Because we have our hands in so many things the contributions of San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association take many forms.   Some of us assist in the education program where excitement with hands-on science and cultural history comes alive for many students experiencing a trip to the mountains for the first time.                   Some of us volunteer at the front counter of visitor centers providing valuable information to hikers and recreational visitors.                         Some of us work on interpretive exhibits enjoyed by visitors, and used in educational programs.                 Together we are visitor center information assistants, classroom helpers, gardeners, volunteer board members, and part-time educators, each of us doing our part to preserve our San Gabriel Mountains landscape for the generations that come after us. Whether it’s helping at the visitor centers or tax accounting, you have a skill or personal gift to share. Get involved today by sharing your talents or making a financial contribution. You can make a difference!     Volunteer Interest Form Name (First and Last) * Email * Phone * Area of Interest Let us know what role(s) you are interested in. Environmental Educator Mt Baldy Visitor Center Staffing Ice House Canyon Info Hub Staffing Other Availability What availability do you have? Tell Us About Yourself! Why are you interested in volunteering with SGMHA? Come and watch how we work before committing! Do you want to shadow us for a day?? Yes No need, I got this! Not sure yet. Any questions, comments or concerns?   Verification Please enter any two digits * Example: 12 This box is for spam protection - <strong>please leave it blank</strong>: Comments are closed. copyright 2017 San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association (SGMHA) PO Box 443 Mt. Baldy Village, CA 91759 Home Programs Get Involved Blog Contact Us Powered by Tempera & WordPress. San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association - Preservation through Education Skip to content San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Preservation through Education   Skip to content Home Programs Schools Mt Baldy Visitors Center San Gabriel Canyon Education Center Scouts and Other Groups Get Involved Recent Projects National Public Lands Day Blog Contact Us Search for: Search Winter Mountains Yucca in Bloom West Fork San Gabriel River Students with Gopher Snake Mountain Sunset Educating to Preserve a Local Heritage For centuries the San Gabriel Mountains have provided an iconic backdrop to the Los Angeles Basin. Native aboriginal peoples harvested acorns and other natural fare in the canyons at their foot. In the modern era we return to the mountains for recreation and spiritual renewal. Approximately 4 million visitors will visit our local mountains this year. The San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is working to preserve this historic natural treasure through educational programs for schools, families and other groups. We know that lasting bonds with nature are formed in childhood. Our school programs plant seeds that not only deepen understanding of the natural and cultural history of this unique landscape, they plant seeds of wonder and appreciation. Like all of us, children will grow to cherish and preserve what they love. Our role is to provide a place for this to happen. "Preservation through education." Along with programming, our group supports the Angeles National Forest by staffing visitor centers and maintaining interpretive exhibits. If you value this matchless landscape why not consider lending a hand or supporting us with a financial contribution? School Programs K - 12 school programs matched to Next Generation Science Standards Read more Scouts and Other Groups Exciting programs for scouts, Roots and Shoots, and other community groups Read more Forest Information Providing visitor-use information at forest visitor centers Read more Special Events Sponsoring special events such as National Public Lands Day, and conservation education workshops Read more Exhibits and Gardens Building and maintaining educational exhibits and native plant gardens Read more copyright 2017 San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association (SGMHA) PO Box 443 Mt. Baldy Village, CA 91759 Home Programs Get Involved Blog Contact Us Powered by Tempera & WordPress. Programs for Formal and Informal Educators - San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Skip to content San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Preservation through Education   Skip to content Home Programs Schools Mt Baldy Visitors Center San Gabriel Canyon Education Center Scouts and Other Groups Get Involved Recent Projects National Public Lands Day Blog Contact Us Search for: Search Home Programming and Locations Programs for Formal and Informal Educators Programs for Formal and Informal Educators Take it Outside! And Let Science and History Come Alive Let us work with you to plan a program that meets your needs and enhances your curriculum, and most of all, provides a memorable experience for your students. Nearly all programs are available at both education centers (Mt. Baldy Visitor Center and San Gabriel Canyon Education Center), allowing you the freedom to choose the site nearest you. Both offer restrooms and lunch areas for large groups.   If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it. (David Sobel)   Each program often includes three activity centers and a live animal demonstration. Cost is $10/students; no charge to teachers and parents. Payment is due on the day of your trip, unless prior arrangements have been made. Spring dates fill up early in the school year.             San Gabriel Bioblitz         Everyone knows what an adult ladybug looks like. What about a baby ladybug?               This is not a larva. It is a pupa, the stage between larva and adult. There are over 6,000 species worldwide. Biologists call “ladybugs” ladybird beetles. These little beetles love to much on aphids and scale insects, so can be very beneficial to a garden. Look for swarms of them overwintering in south-facing canyons of the San Gabriel Mts. on fall hikes.       Program Flyers and Teacher Prep Materials 2025-26 Schools Brochure Tips for Teachers and Format   If you would like more information about our programs, or to schedule a date, email Marian Coensgen at [email protected] Otherwise, book a program with the form below.   Program Requests School * Teacher Name (First and Last) * Phone * Please include the best number to reach you on the day of the field trip. Email * Number of students * Grade level * Preferred date of visit * We will work with each school to find a date that works for your field trip. Please note that your first choice may not be available. The months of March-June fill quickly. Preferred location * Mt Baldy Visitor Center San Gabriel Canyon Education Center Outreach program at your school Additional questions or comments Please let us know if there are any special needs or other requests for your program. Thank you.   Verification Please enter any two digits * Example: 12 This box is for spam protection - <strong>please leave it blank</strong>: Comments are closed. copyright 2017 San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association (SGMHA) PO Box 443 Mt. Baldy Village, CA 91759 Home Programs Get Involved Blog Contact Us Powered by Tempera & WordPress. Scouts and Other Groups - San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Skip to content San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association Preservation through Education   Skip to content Home Programs Schools Mt Baldy Visitors Center San Gabriel Canyon Education Center Scouts and Other Groups Get Involved Recent Projects National Public Lands Day Blog Contact Us Search for: Search Home Programming and Locations Scouts and Other Groups Scouts and Other Groups granite spiny lizard The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful. (e.e. cummings) Scout Badge P rograms Need a hand with badge requirements? We offer badge programs for Cubs through Boy Scouts, and Daisies through Juniors in Girl Scouts. Programs include rocks/geology, forestry, wildlife, conservation, and Leave No Trace. The fee for badge programs is $10/badge, with a $100/group minimum. Complete multiple badges in a single visit! Exciting projects await candidates looking for Girl Scout Gold Awards and Boy Scout Eagle Projects. Group Outings A field trip to the mountains can add a touch of adventure to your summer recreation camp or Roots & Shoots calendar. We create safe, exciting educational adventures for all kinds of community groups. Contact us, share your needs, and we will tailor a program just right for your group. And make it an excursion to remember! Service Projects Community service volunteers and corporate assistance provide invaluable support for our programs. I f you are looking for a service project for your business or community group contact our volunteer coordinator. Our forest education centers offer a relaxing, inviting atmosphere to work on team building and a real sense of accomplishment after a volunteer work day. Tax-deductible financial contributions underwriting educational programs and interpretive exhibits make a lasting impact. Adult Education San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association offers workshops on stream ecology, local San Gabriel Mountains history, and geology to adult groups. Call or email our programs manager for more information.     First Name * Last Name * Email * Phone * Message *   Verification Please enter any two digits * Example: 12 This box is for spam protection - <strong>please leave it blank</strong>:     A Special Thank You to Our Teachers a hard worker but hard to keep up with smart but only works nights slow to get started on cool mornings         Comments are closed. copyright 2017 San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association (SGMHA) PO Box 443 Mt. Baldy Village, CA 91759 Home Programs Get Involved Blog Contact Us Powered by Tempera & WordPress.