October 3, 2006 :: No. 34

The public is invited to a free open house Saturday, Oct. 7, at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, featuring food and music and the formal launch of a capital campaign to rebuild the sanctuary’s original amphitheater. 

The 3 to 5 p.m. open house will include a ceremony to recognize local Boy and Girl scouts and other volunteers who have helped to support the sanctuary through various projects and programs.

Steven Murray, dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Cal State Fullerton, will be among those greeting visitors and addressing the university’s stewardship of the wildlife sanctuary.

Since 1969, the sanctuary, in the heart of Modjeska Canyon, has been a place where university and college students throughout Orange County engage in hands-on field research and where elementary schoolchildren discover nature’s treasures.

The day’s events include a “Parent/Tyke Hike” from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for children (ages 3 to 8) followed by a Halloween craft workshop. Cost for the nature walk, where hikers will learn about plants and bugs, is $5 for the first child and $3 for each additional sibling. Parents are free. The Halloween workshop cost is $3 per child (ages 7 to 12), and children can drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and noon to make a Halloween finger puppet, necklace or other craft.

More than 30 years ago, the Izaak Walton League of America built the sanctuary’s amphitheater, which has served as an outdoor classroom. “Today, the amphitheater is in dire need of refurbishment,” said Karon Cornell, director of the sanctuary. Once again, the Izaak Walton League has stepped up, to help with the renovation and has contributed the first $4,000 toward the project’s cost.

Contractor Jon Hastings and architect Chuck Terry, both members of the Izaak Walton League, are donating their time and professional talents to the project, Cornell said. Community volunteers are being sought to help with the project.

Plans include building a new amphitheater utilizing creek rock to blend in with the surrounding environment and adding a stage for presentations. The new facility, which will seat up to 90 people, will be used as an outdoor classroom and as a venue for small community events. Future plans include adding a cover to provide shade to the amphitheater.

Additionally, Cal State Fullerton is seeking federal funding to make other needed upgrades in order for the sanctuary to more effectively serve as an educational and research facility for CSUF students, as well as to continue to provide a unique habitat learning experience for schoolchildren and community visitors.

Community members interested in donating to Tucker and toward the amphitheater renovation project are invited to contact Cornell at 657-278-3896 or the sanctuary at 714-649-2760. Mailing address: Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, 29322 Modjeska Canyon Road, Modjeska Canyon, CA 92676.

The 12-acre nature preserve is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free. Visitors can get there by taking Santiago Canyon Road to Modjeska Canyon Road and proceeding to sanctuary, which is near the fire station.

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