I hope my previous article was helpful to you in setting up fieldtrips and to help further, here are some local places to try:
William S. Hart Museum & park in Newhall
24151 Newhall Road, Newhall – Several bison roam the hillside near the William S. Hart Museum, donated by Disney in 1962. Park the car in the lot and walk up the drive toward the mansion. They can be difficult to spot; look for the chain link fence ‘feeding area’ to your right just before you reach the mansion. They are usually there every day between 6:30-noon, and then again at 4:00 pm for feeding. If it is blazing hot, they may be resting in the shade at the bottom of the hill near the Senior Center, or drinking from their watering trough. Or they could be roaming anywhere on the hillside around the mansion. While there, stop in for a tour of the mansion, offered Wednesday–Sunday, hours vary. Cost: Free.
Chickens, horses and other barnyard animals await your visit at the small zoo in William S. Hart Park, just to the right of the Big Hall. Admission is free. Open daily sunrise to 6:00 pm (summer), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (winter).
Right next to William S. Hart Museum: Heritage Junction train station –
There is also the Pioneer Oil Refinery located near Historic Junction.
Pet stores – we’ve had fieldtrips to some pet stores where many animals are taken out of their cages, discussed and can even be petted or held at times. These fieldtrips usually have to be set up beforehand.
Lombardi Ranch in the fall –
29527 Bouquet Canyon Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91390-1134
(661) 296-8697
Fieldtrips can be scheduled for a specific date and time and you can even purchase fun packs, at a group discount, to go on train rides, go to the petting zoo and get a pumpkin. The staff at Lombardi does a walking tour of the working farm and discusses animals on the farm as well as the plants they grow there. It is a complete Science lesson.
The Gentle Barn
661-252-2440
15825 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country
This animal rescue shelter opens its doors to the public Sundays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and you can schedule tours for groups at other times. Teaching kindness and compassion to animals, you’ll have an opportunity to not only interact with the pigs, but to brush the horses, hug the cows, hold the chickens, hang out with a turkey, and pet the goats and sheep.
661-943-4915 or 661-296-2737
19100 Esguerra, Saugus
Technically an ape, these animals are smaller than a chimpanzee and do not have tails. The forty gibbons at the Gibbon Conservation Center live as families in outdoor enclosures on the 2.5-acre site located across the street from Lombardi Ranch on Bouquet Canyon. The gibbons will entertain you with their beautifully pitched voices and acrobatic antics. Call ahead and join a scheduled tour, or reserve a private tour. The center is always looking for volunteers, age 18 and over. Because the center is not open to the public except by appointment, please call ahead. Admission is tax deductible. Also check their website for upcoming tours. They might be moving soon.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
661-259-7721
19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall
Get up close and personal with some of the scariest insects and reptiles from our area. Saturdays at 1:00 PM the Placerita Nature Center staff bring out these creatures to give you an opportunity to touch them. The Junior Ranger program for kids 6-12 takes place the last Sunday of the month from 2-4 in the afternoon all year long. The Nature Center is open every day, 9-5.
While there, also check out the ‘Oak of the Golden Dream‘
Free.
14831 Little Tujunga Canyon Road
Sylmar, CA 91342-5999
Green Landscape Nursery
These brightly colored parrots can sometimes be heard throughout Green Landscape Nursery. It’s located at the corner of San Fernando Road & Cinema Drive. Head past the main building into the shaded area on your right, toward the giant steel cages. But watch your fingers! Note: At any given time, there are about a dozen Morning Dove nests and 30 or more hummingbirds scattered throughout the nursery–including the very beautiful Costa. The cheerful staff is more than happy to point you in the direction of the living creatures on the property. This is also one of the very best sources for quality plants and expert info on what will grow in your yard here in the SCV.
26191 Bouquet Canyon Road
Santa Clarita, California 91350 (United States)
Phone: (661) 255-8838
Canyon Theater Guild Newhall school performances – there are several of these per year. They cost $5 per person. Call the box office and find out when the next one is coming up.
24242 Main Street
Newhall, CA 91321-2911
(661) 799-2702
Local restaurants, like California Pizza Kitchen or In-n-Out – these have to be set up beforehand and usually occur when the restaurant is closed to the public.
Whole Foods Market
24130 Valencia Blvd
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Phone: 661.260.2377
You can set up a fieldtrip to visit the working ranch of this very well-known Indian stuntman who will share experiences with your group from his movie career and show you a working horse ranch.
The Signal newspaper – to see how our local newspaper is being printed.
24000 Creekside Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Phone: (661) 259-1234
Vasquez Rocks
661-268-0840
10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce
On the first Sunday of every winter month, the rangers at Vasquez Rocks bring folks closer to the magnificent birds in our area.
Animal Safe Haven Foundation
661-268-1879, Agua Dulce
Horses, livestock, cats and dogs reside in this sanctuary for senior animals who’s owners can no longer care for them. Visitors are welcome Saturday and Sunday by appointment. Location will be provided upon calling.
Rivendale Animal Sanctuary
661-268-1133, Agua Dulce
The passion of this sanctuary is to save ponies, horses and donkeys. They also have rescued other abused animals. All of the animals here are not suitable for adoption. The public is welcome to visit by appointment. Location will be provided when you call.
Exotic Animal Encounters
Hollywood Animals Exotic Animal Training School
323-665-9500
Located in Santa Clarita
Get up close to animal actors during a one day seminar, or ride an elephant during a private animal encounter. Location will be disclosed after making reservation.
Check http://www.santa-clarita.com/ for some other community events
Santa Clarita events – all can be turned into fieldtrips:http://www.santaclaritaguide.com/CalendarOfEvents.php
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