Bear and Butterfly in the Angeles National Forest welcomes public, seeks speakers

They span the breath of forest residents - the powerful Black Bear and the fragile Monarch Butterfly. Their lives revolve around the changing of the seasons and they are affected on many levels by the presence and actions of humans. While the bears seem to be exploiting the urban interface successfully, monarch populations are falling perilously low.

Understanding these animals from a variety of perspectives allows us to be better stewards of the planet. And it helps us to appreciate the relationship of indigenous peoples to their world...not a recounting of how things were in the past, but the spiritual basis for respecting these animals today.
On April 2, culture bearers and naturalists will come together to share their understandings in a free, family friendly event at Chilao School, located in Chilao Campground in the heart of the Angeles National Forest. Refreshments will await visitors. The USFS has donated a number of full poster sets for educators, as well as other literature for the event. It’s even possible that Smokey Bear will stop in and visit.

Guests will have a chance to learn from Chumash elders about the strong bond that remains intact with the bear. For those looking to do hands-on work to restore butterfly habitat, Chilao School has 4.1 acres of land, and a dedicated butterfly garden in the making just behind the school.

Speakers and presenters from both the Native American and environmental community are welcome. Age and professional credentials are not as important as a willingness to share and an understanding of these forest creatures. Other non profit groups are welcome to set up informational booths as long as the mission of the non profit is relevant to the subject matter.

Updates will be posted on the Bear and Butterfly event page on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1579209035630273/

Reaching Chilao School is easy...as long as you follow written directions and don’t rely on electronic devices or Google searches. From Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) in La Canada Flintridge, head north into the mountains 26 miles to Chilao Campground, at Mile Marker 49.69. Turn left into the campground and follow the signs to Chilao School.

Bear and Butterfly is hosted by Redbird, a state and federally recognized 501(c)(3) non profit association which owns and operates Chilao School in the Angeles National Forest. To learn more about Redbird please visit http://www.redbirdsvision.org