Pathfinder Ranch welcomed families from Idyllwild, Hemet, Anza, Murrieta and surrounding mountain communities for a vibrant Earth Day celebration centered on environmental awareness, education and outdoor recreation Saturday, April 18.
The Mountain Center-based non-profit outdoor education center and summer camp hosted its first annual Earth Day event, which drew a diverse crowd eager to connect with nature and each other through a variety of activities designed for all ages. Guests explored hiking trails, participated in a nature scavenger hunt, enjoyed recreational sports and took to the water for canoeing at Lied Lake, led by Pathfinder Executive Director Chris Fife.
Beyond recreation, the celebration emphasized hands-on learning and cultural engagement. Nicolas Rajen of the Intertribal Agriculture Council delivered an interactive presentation highlighting Native American culture, indigenous science, California Indian tribes and soil health. His work focuses on strengthening stewardship of Native American lands through improved access to conservation planning.
Wildlife education was another key feature of the day. Amanda Lorei of the Hemet Moms Adventure Club led an engaging session on snake conservation, introducing participants to live snakes including a rather friendly California gopher snake named Bob. The demonstration focused on safety, prevention and respect for native species, with attendees given the opportunity to handle Bob.
Guest vendors, including Mountain Communities Fire Safety Council, were on hand to share educational resources and speak with visitors about wildfire preparedness and fuel reduction.
College student volunteers and participants from surrounding educational institutions such as Pomona College and Olivet University also took part in the event. The Earth Day celebration also showcased creativity from the local community. An art gallery featuring K-middle school student work from Olivet Academy added a visual and cultural dimension to the celebration.
“It really was a joy to see our local community members and families engaging with nature and each other on such a beautiful day. This is what Pathfinder and its Team is all about. Bridging that connection,” said Carl Dugdale, who oversees development at the Ranch.
Organizers emphasized that the gathering was not only about celebrating Earth Day, but also about fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment, encouraging stewardship, curiosity and community engagement that extends well beyond a single day.
For more information about Pathfinder Ranch, visit https://pathfinderranch.com.
Photo credit Chungwon Yoon.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.
