Puente Hills Preserve News, November 2024

Learn More

The Habitat Authority recently held two virtual open houses highlighting agency activities and Measure PH information, which is on the ballot this November. If you missed them, you can view the recorded Zoom and learn more about Measure PH by clicking here.

Additionally, you can find a Fact Sheet regarding Measure PH here.

Mule Deer

Nothing captures the essence of autumn quite like the changing leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, and the breeding season of mule deer—at least here in the Preserve!

Named for their large mule-like ears, mule deer are residents of the Puente Hills Preserve and are fairly common in most areas of the Preserve. Their breeding activity peaks in November, when the male deer (bucks) showcase their impressive antlers to attract mates and engage with rivals. These antlers will be shed early in the new year to make way for a new set. Meanwhile, pregnant female deer (does) will gestate for about 200 days, with most fawns arriving between late spring and mid-summer. Please remember to give deer, and all wild creatures, the space they need to thrive. A helpful way to gauge whether you are far enough away from an animal is by closing one eye and extending your arm in front of you with your thumb up; if your thumb does not completely cover the animal, that’s your cue to move farther away.

Still in Fire Season-Recent Fires in Schabarum Park and Colima Road

Thank you to LA County firefighters for immediately extinguishing two wildfires near the Preserve during the month of October. The first, a four-acre brush fire in Schabarum Park, was potentially threatening Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights homes and was adjacent to Habitat Authority's managed open space (Powder Canyon). Our ranger was on hand to monitor the situation, and luckily, it did not spread to Powder Canyon. Click here to view our social post. The second was a small spot fire adjacent to Colima Road in Whittier (Arroyo San Miguel area of the Preserve). Again, our ranger immediately responded and assisted first responders with fire-fighting efforts and the blaze was quickly extinguished.

Habitat Authority Public Meetings

Did you know that the Habitat Authority is a local joint powers authority? All meetings are public. Click here to access meeting materials such as staff reports. Also, click here for annual budgets and audits of the Habitat Authority.

Happy Thanksgiving

We are grateful for you. The Puente Hills Preserve was established in large part due to the dogged support from surrounding communities from past decades to current times. We wish you and yours a happy and healthy Thanksgiving season!

Volunteers

This month, we highlight our dedicated volunteers who play a vital role in keeping Puente Hills clean and safe while promoting stewardship. Their contributions include leading educational hikes for schools, picking up litter, leading weekly and monthly hikes for trail enthusiasts, setting up tables at events, and much more. Every day, these individuals make a meaningful difference.

The love of trails is universal. Which is your favorite Trailhead?

Answer to last month's newsletter question: "Have you seen a tarantula on the Puente Hills Preserve? If so, where?" 19.4% reported Hacienda Hills, 17.9% reported Powder Canyon, 16.4% reported Arroyo Pescadero, 16.4% reported Sycamore Canyon, 16.4% reported Turnbull Canyon, and 13.4% reported Hellman Park.

The Habitat Authority is a local government agency, and is qualified to accept tax-deductible charitable donations including monetary and real property. Donations such as these contribute to the purpose of the agency and provide tax benefits for the giver.