34° 03.13 North, 118° 37.75 West, Elevation: 93 m

Field Site:C		Protocols:
Temescal Gateway Park		This is a list of protocols that can be done at this community field site. GLOBE in the City summarized protocols are in hypertext. In parentheses are the learning activities that you may consider doing at this site.
Contact: 15601 Sunset Blvd. Pacific Palisades, Ca 90272 (310) 454-1395 Map of Site: http://www.nps.gov/samo/maps/temesc.htm Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area http://www.nps.gov/samo/home.htm		Cloud Type, Cloud Cover, Rainfall Measurement, Current Temperature Max/Min. A GLOBE instrument shelter has been established on the edge of the grassy knoll opposite the main parking area. A key will be needed to access the shelter. Most instrument shelters use the same key. If a key is needed, contact Steve Engelmann at Palisades High School: (310) 454-0611. Gravimetric Soil Moisture Protocol, Infiltration, Soil Temperature, Soil Characterization A soil pit can be dug, however check with park ranger for any restrictions. Best locations would be close to the stream as other areas may be too rocky and difficult to dig. Make sure the soil pit is filled in before leaving. Alkalinity, Dissolved Oxygen, Electrical Conductivity, Nitrate, pH, Water Sampling, Water Transparency, Water Temperature, Turbidity MUC System Protocol As Temescal Canyon is a relatively steep canyon there are no open grasslands or woodlands that meet GLOBE specifications.
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The entrance to Temescal Canyon is located at the intersection of Sunset Blvd and Temescal Canyon. There are several trails that lead from Temescal Canyon into the Santa Monica Mountains and Topanga State Park. While the trails can become steep at times, there is a moderate loop trail which travels through oak woodlands, riparian habitats, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub. The complete loop can be negotiated 1.5 to 2 hrs. The stream running through the canyon usually carries water year-round but runs low in the Fall before the first rain. The canyon is inhabited by deer, coyote, foxes, racoons, frogs, salamanders, red-tailed hawks, woodpeckers, parrots and many other animals. Major tree species include coast live oak, sycamore, eucalyptus, california black walnut and arroyo willow. The hillsides and ridges are almost exclusively chaparral and coastal sage.
Hours open: The park is open from sunrise to sunset dialy. Check with park personal for availability as many groups and organizations use the park. Cost of admission: Parking is $6 per car. $40 per bus. Handicap access: Yes Restrooms: Yes, bathrooms are clean and located by the entry parking lot as well as further into the park next to the Temescal Camp Store. Telephones: Yes, telephones are located close to the Temescal Camp Store. Food availability: It is highly recommended that students bring both food and drink. The Temescal Camp Store carries drinks and some snack items, but its hours are highly irregular. There are many good eating and resting areas throughout the canyon. A good place for lunch and a rest is at the waterfall (don’t expect too much water) about halfway along the loop trail. Water: Yes, but not from the stream. Equipment needed at site: Bring your own gear! What you should know before you go: Temperatures can range drastically from warm/hot in the chaparral areas to quite cool if the fog rolls in. Students should wear good walking shoes (boots are preferable) and long pants. One adult for every 6 to 7 students is recommended. Pitfalls: In the Fall the trail can get quite dusty and temperatures can rise to uncomfortable levels in the chaparral areas. Students need to stay in groups close together. There are some trails where a wrong turn can get hikers lost. Temescal Canyon is heavily used and can sometimes have too many kids on site. Check with the park personal to avoid overcrowding. Safety precautions: Students should learn how to identify poison oak. Poison oak can be infectious year round and is found on most trails. There are several types of snakes which can be encounter in Temescal Canyon, but the rattlesnake is the only one of any concern. Students should be informed on how to behave incase they should meet one. Deer ticks are abundant especially in the Spring. A small number of ticks in the Santa Monica Mountains have been found to carry lyme disease. Check with the ranger for techniques on how to check for and remove ticks. All the above hazards are minimized if students stay on the trails at all times. Lastly, there is always a danger for brush fires anywhere in the Santa Monica Mountains -- during any season. Students should be familiar with the trails and know how to evacuate quickly incase of a fire. Fire Circle California Wild Rose Rattle Snake Season (April-October) Site profile by Steve Engelmann 8/00
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