Howlin' with the coyotes Howlin' with the coyotes (June 17, 2005)

Rare full-moon hike celebrates solstice

by Sue Dremann

More than coyotes will be howling during Tuesday night's full moon.

When Acterra celebrates its third "Howl with the Coyotes" full moon hike in Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, the June 21 event will be a rare opportunity to glimpse the 609-acre preserve at night. It's the only night of the year when visitors can be in the park after sundown. With a full moon illuminating the preserve's rolling hills and natural beauty, visitors can go on one of three guided hikes in search of nighttime wildlife.

The summer solstice celebration's highlights include a lakeside dinner and hilltop constellation viewing with SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute and NASA scientist Joe Jordan. Hikers of all ages will meet eye-to-eye with a great horned owl, learn about the constellations and maybe howl with a coyote or two.

"I don't know if we can produce howling coyotes, but there will be plenty to see," Acterra executive director Michael Closson said.

While there is still light, visitors can tour Acterra's native flora and fauna habitat restoration work, including native grasses and flowers; watch Western bluebirds, which are making a comeback at the preserve through the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society's Bluebird Recovery Project; search the skies for raptors or look for late-blooming wildflowers, Closson said.

When the moon rises close to 9 p.m., the group may do a little howling. Night creatures inhabiting the preserve may make an appearance, including gopher snakes, lizards and a new population of young rabbits. Night goggles will be on hand to enhance the chances of finding evening critters.

There is also a "friendly neighborhood mountain lion," but Closson doesn't expect the cougar to show itself. Mountain lions are usually pretty wary of groups of people, he said.

"The moonlight has its own enchantment," Jordan said.

Jordan will scan the skies with visitors, pointing out the earth's shadow as it rises on the air, and Antares, a star so big it could swallow up the solar system all the way to Jupiter, he said. It will be "like an orange jewel in the night sky."

Jordan's powerful green laser pointer looks as though it reaches out clear to the stars, he said. He'll point out six constellations representing the signs of the zodiac, including Libra, Virgo, Leo and Gemini, talking about the "patterns, legends and lore -- the lights, colors, motions and phenomena of the night sky."

The full moon is a great time to see "the rabbit on the moon" -- a bunny's profile that includes two prominent ears -- and "to talk about the cosmic things, like the origin of the universe," Jordan said.

E-mail Staff Writer Sue Dremann at sdremann@paweekly.com.

What: "Howl with the Coyotes" is open to the first 50 people and reservations are highly recommended. Participants should dress casually and wear sturdy shoes. Bring water and a light jacket in case the evening is cool. The event is suitable for adults and children ages 8 and up.

Where: Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, Arastradero Road and Page Mill Road.

When: June 21. Gates open at 7:15 p.m.

Cost: Tickets are $25 to $50 (sliding scale); free for children under five. The event benefits Acterra's stewardship and habitat restoration programs.

Info: Purchase tickets at www.acterra.org or RSVP to Laura Stec, 962-9876, ext. 346 or lauras@acterra.org.

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