Alabama Hills Day a great success

Pictured: Volunteers start Alabama Hills Day off right by replanting native species./

When the Alabama Hills Stewardship Group, partnered with the Bureau of Land Management, puts together an event, it is likely to be well-organized, well-received, and as successful as its efforts to protect as a federally recognized Recreational Area to protect its current and future stakeholders. This year’s Alabama Hills Day event held on Saturday, April 13, at “The Building” in Lone Pine proved no different.

According to event organizer, Kevin Mazzu, the event had 250 people in attendance coming from all over Inyo and Kern counties. The attendees were treated to exhibits, demonstrations, and merchandise for sale, along with entertainment and food.

Native-American artist and flutist, Paul Stone of Big Pine, entertained the gathering with several tunes on his beautiful wood flutes. Even Smokey Bear, courtesy of the Inyo Forest, seemed to enjoy the music.

Several lectures and films on the history and uses of the Alabama Hills were shown at the Lone Pine Film Museum. The popular destination is home to commercials, films, and has a rich cultural significance to the Paiute Shoshone Tribe. There was also a movie tour with Chris Langley, a natural history, science and a native plant tours on the schedule as well.

And it wouldn’t be Alabama Hills Day without the day starting early with volunteers under Dave Kirk replanting native plants. Every effort is made to provide continuous monitoring and improvements of the area by the Bureau of Land Management and the Stewardship Group.

To learn more about the Alabama Hills and how you can enjoy this wonderful resource, please visit the Alabama Hills Stewardship Group online at www.alabamahillsstewardshipgroup.org or call the Bishop Field office of the Bureau of Land Management at 760.872.5027.

(Photo courtesy James)