OPEN HOUSE....SUNDAY AUGUST 3, 2008!
GET OUT & ENJOY THE VIEWS!
A DAY IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
The public is cordially invited to a day of hiking and educational activities in the White Mountains on Sunday August 3, 2008.
This event is co-sponsored by the University of California White Mountain Research Station (WMRS), Friends of WMRS, and the Inyo National Forest. The event will combine interpretive programs and natural history walks at the Bristlecone Pine Visitor Center, an Open House at the Pace Laboratory (WMRS Research Facility at Mt. Barcroft), and “open gate” day for hikers who wish to ascend 14,242 ft. White Mountain Peak.
This once-a-year opportunity to drive up to the Pace Lab (Barcroft Station), normally restricted by a locked gate, includes short lectures by visiting researchers, poster displays, light refreshments and sales of souvenirs.
The
gate to the Pace laboratory will open at 6:30 AM and close at 6:00 PM. Car
pooling is highly recommended as parking is limited. Friends of WMRS (wearing
orange vests), Research Station faculty and staff will be on hand to answer
questions.
Researcher’s talks at the Barcroft facility will begin at 10:30 AM and
end at 4:00 PM.
The Pace and Summit Laboratories are the highest altitude facilities of their kind in North America, and have a 60-year history of significant scientific research.
Bring water, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes and your ability to adapt to high altitudes: The elevation at the Barcroft facility is 12,500 ft. and at the Summit Lab is 14,242 ft. Go very slowly unless you are acclimated, and be prepared for any kind of weather (see photos below)!
For more information call (760)873-4344 or visit: http://www.wmrs.edu for maps and directions.
PLEASE
NOTE:
Discomfort and altitude sickness can happen to anyone, regardless of age or
physical condition. If you have questions or concerns about your reaction
to high-altitude environments, please consult your physician before attempting
to drive to the Barcroft Station.
Previous open house events....
The 2005 Open House at Barcroft was a wonderful event, with lots of visitors (over 300), a series of of excellent scientific talks, posters, discussions with scientists, the road kill museum collection, 85 dozen cookies eaten, and highlighted by an afternoon hailstorm that brought everyone off the mountain early and into the station to dry off. Up to a foot of hail landed up on White Mountain Peak!
The WMRS Friends' Group made it all happen with their hard work and dedication, and skill in parking so many cars at the station! Thanks also to our hard working staff, researchers and students who participated and helped create a memorable day for our visitors.
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Hikers descending from WM peak after the hailstorm
(photos by Keith Sauer) |
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The hail is pelting down! |
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White Mountain Peak after the hail. Only about 3 inches
of hail fell below 13000' (foreground). |