Preserving and interpreting the natural and cultural resources of the San Dieguito River Valley
A Letter from Andy Smetana: I was a boy scout in Troop 616 based out of Scripps Ranch. Back in 2012, San Dieguito River Park needed a new trail kiosk built at the Dust Devil Nature Trail which had recently opened to the general public. This was exactly the type of project I was interested… Read More »
Strategically placed next to a bright window in the east side porch of the Sikes Adobe is an antique Singer Manufacturing Company sewing machine. While there is no definitive evidence that the family owned one, it is conceivable that Eliza Sikes would have made good use of one if it was available to her. Archaeological… Read More »
Thanks to everyone who participated in the September 2023 SDRP count. We had a total of 98 species which is pretty good for September. And we even added a new species, Stilt Sandpiper, bringing our total cumulative species count to 267. The temporary pond next to the western soccer field of area 2, compliments of… Read More »
Two of the most interesting architectural features in the original adobe structure are up high and often commented upon by visitors. The first is the transom opening above the south wall door in the adobe kitchen leading to the formal parlor/sitting room and the second is the cloth or manta ceiling throughout the… Read More »
Thanks to all who participated in the July 2023 SDRP count. We had a total of 96 species, which ties our all-time high for July. Not bad for a quiet month! Our cumulative count remains at 266 with none new this month. Once again there were a lot of young birds out and about, including… Read More »
Homes Stereopticon at the Sikes Historic Farmstead Stereoscopes are an old invention that allows the viewer to perceive a photographic image as 3-D. To achieve this effect two photos are taken with the same focal point, but from different angles. When viewed through two prismatic lenses, adjusted for individual vision requirements, it becomes a single… Read More »
Spring has finally sprung, as many migrating birds were coming through. We had a total of 111 species, none new this time so our cumulative total remains at 266. Species of interest included Bell’s Vireo in areas 1, 2, & 3; decent numbers of Yellow Warblers, Wilson’s Warblers and Yellow-breasted Chats throughout; Black-headed Grosbeaks in… Read More »
No new species, so our cumulative total remains at 266. Every area had Western Kingbirds coming through, including 27 in area 3! Area 3 also had a Baird’s Sandpiper. Other returning spring arrivals included Bell’s Vireo (area 2), Black-headed Grosbeak (area 2), and various swallows (most areas) to name a few. Click here for the PDF… Read More »
On Sunday March 12, local boy scouts completed the requirements to earn their Environmental Science merit badge – which is one of the required badges for the rank of Eagle Scout. At the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead, Ranger Jess hosted a three part environmental science project focused on invasive species for the scouts with the… Read More »
We had 111 species, including a wide variety of ducks enjoying the ponds of water due to all the recent rains. No new species this time, remaining at a cumulative total of 266. Species of interest included 2 Cackling Geese in Area 5, a Merlin seen from areas 2 and 3, and American White Pelicans… Read More »
