Author: David T

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Here is an update to my posting in the Friends of Boggs Mountain News Letter of many years ago. You will note in the last paragraph of this article I stated that although I had seen Ladybugs in many areas of Cobb, I had never sighted them in Boggs Forest. Well, that was all changed this past Sunday when a group of us found a large contingent of them on the Creek Trail. One of the group members, Joe Fusek, offered a low estimate of 1 to 1.5 million. Ladybugs. Astounding, no? Other participants were David Thiessen and Peg Landini.

So, if you are interested in having an incredible ladybug sighting, I suggest you seek out a sunny winter’s day to trek down the Creek Trail where it intersects with Road 500 at Camp Calso. At the time we made the sighting, the colony was located approximately 100 yards down the trail. They were on the ground on the right side of the trail piled up in mounds, one ladybug on top of another and another and one mound after another and another. ~ a sizeable colony, indeed!

 I continue to sight Lady Bugs on Golf Road as well on those preferred sunny days after a rain to find them soaking up the sunshine as a welcome relief from hibernation.

 May you enjoy the Lady Bugs and all the wealth of nature that Boggs Mountain State Demonstration Forest continues to offer.

Here is a link to the original newsletter https://boggsmountain.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/19-Boggs-Quarterly-Dec-2016.pdf

Friends of Boggs Mountain is sponsoring a free map and compass class on Saturday November 4 at 10:00 am at The Little Red School House in Cobb. The address is 15780 Bottle Rock Rd.,  Cobb. During this class, our instructor will help you understand a topographic map, proper use of your compass, and how to use the two together. You’ll learn about magnetic north, true north, and map symbology. After covering these fundamentals, you’ll get time to practice orienting a map in proper north direction and understanding contour lines. This engaging class is a great introduction to outdoor navigation and map reading on Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest!

Please RSVP to [email protected] by Wednesday, November 1 and arrive 5 – 10 minutes prior to the start time listed. To get the best instruction, bring your own compass as supplies are limited. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Hope to see you there!

Sunday, August 27, 8:30 a.m.

Do you want to enjoy some fresh air, see what’s happening in Bogg’s Mountain Demonstration State Forest, and get some exercise at the same time???? Come join us for an easy to moderate, 2-mile hike, in the Forest on Sunday, August 27. We will meet in the Parking Lot adjacent to the Helipad at 8:30 am. We will then carpool to Camp Calso which is the starting point for our hike. We will be hiking both High Chair and Berry’s Trails where we will be treated to views of the abundant new growth flourishing as a result of the extensive plantings made after the 2015 Valley Fire devastated much of the Forest. We will also view areas that did not receive replanting to note the comparison. In addition, we can marvel at the views of nearby mountains and peer down Seigler Canyon to areas adjacent to Clear Lake..

The trip will be led by Friends of Boggs Board Members Peg Landini and Darlene Hecomovich. Do come join us! Hope to see you Sunday in the Parking Lot at 8:30 am

Please register in advance by emailing us at [email protected] or come by our booth at the Blackberry Cobbler Festival on Saturday August 26.

“Smokey Bear turned 79 on August 9^th, 2023

Did you know that bears have been known to have the best sense of smell than any other animal? They are thought to have 2,100 times better smell than humans, compared to a dog’s sense of smell being 100 times better than a human.

Black Bears, like Smokey, have a known sense of smell range of 2 miles! They are amazing tree climbers and can run up to speeds to 30 mph!

To commemorate Smokey’s birthday, please remember to secure your food in bear proof containers and out of sight while enjoying the woods. Bears have amazing memory and the sight of coolers, and anything scented of food, including trash, attract them which can lead to health issues as well other problems. Maintain your distance if you see a bear and always remember, Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.”

“Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest staff would like to remind the public that Personal Use Firewood Permits are on sale for 20$ cash or check only. Permits are available for up to 3 cords and valid 1-year after date of issue and sold by appointment only. Forest Staff emphasize that permittees follow the Rules and Conditions to the permit and be extra vigilant in observing fire weather before cutting in dry conditions. Call the Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest for any questions or to schedule an appointment at 707-928-4378”