May 2023 Updates for VIPs

• Do you think you know how to properly use the radio? Are you sure? 
• Are you clearly understood on the radio? Are you sure? 
• Do you wait for someone to respond before transmitting your message on the radio? Are you sure? 
• Do you know what to do if a group announcement is made on the radio? Are you sure? 
• Do you know how to reach Law Enforcement or Maintenance? Are you sure? 
• Are you uncomfortable or hesitant using the radio? Are you sure? 
• Do you know the difference between the two types of radios? Are you sure? 

We strongly encourage all volunteers, new or experienced, to watch this short overview on how to use the radio at Cabrillo National Monument. It benefits the whole park when you take the time to learn proper radio protocol—especially for emergencies.  

Did you watch it? Are you sure?

Click the video player above, or the button below, to watch the video. Here is the link to the audio described version. Thanks for watching!

VIP Voice | Video thumbnail of "Cabrillo National Monument's Radio Protocol Overview."

In this issue:

• Did You Know? The Trees of Cabrillo National Monument

• News Spotlight: "10 Places to See Wildflowers in the West"

• Continued Education Opportunities for VIPs: Join us for Sam Wynns' Naturally Speaking (5/19)! Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

• On the VIP Voice: By the Wind Sailor

Let's keep it going! Thinking of a fellow volunteer who deserves to be celebrated? Send us your kudos and spotlights to the link below, so we can share them in the next newsletter, and celebrate each other together!

NPS Photo | H. Marquez

Close-up of yellow sea dahlias, in the Visitor Center's planter. The sky is wispy and blue above.

Interpretation, Education, & Volunteers (IEV)

Welcome, Chris Symons, as our new Acting Interpretation, Education, and Volunteer Program Manager! He will be officially starting from Tuesday, May 9th. When you see him around, make sure to say "hi" and welcome him to San Diego! 

Here is a little more about him:

"Chris grew up in Michigan and has spent his career in the NPS at Grand Canyon and Pinnacles. Currently at Pinnacles National Park, he is the Lead Ranger for the west side, Public Information Officer, Pinnacles Foundation Liaison, and Volunteer Coordinator.

He cares deeply about the passion for public lands that unites visitors, volunteers, and staff in stewarding these shared spaces...He has too many hobbies and is always looking for more, but most recently has been into learning mandolin, homebrewing mead, rollerblading, building kites, and writing. He encourages anyone to approach him with any pastimes they would be interested in sharing and is very excited to cheer for the San Diego Loyals this summer."

On April 8th, VIPs went on a field trip to the Living Coast Discovery Center! We had a great time, especially when their rescued sea turtles swam by us. For many VIPs, it was also the first time they had ever touched manta rays.

On April 21st, VIPs attended the Flower Walk led by Patricia Simpson! We learned so much about the native plants around the park, and how they play a part in the local ecosystem. VIPs even saw the thorny exterior and giant seeds of a wild cucumber.

Thank you to all who attended these events! If you couldn't make it, keep an eye on the newsletter for future fun.

If you have any photos you would like to share of either event, please send them to cabr_volunteers@nps.org. We would love to add them to our VIP Archives!



NPS Photo | C. Symons (above)

NPS Ranger Chris Symons stands at a podium with a rugged landscape behind him. 

P. Geisler (below)

VIPs gather around Greenhouse VIP Supervisor Patricia Simpson as she leads the Flower Walk.

Memorial Day: Road Closure and Adjusted Hours at Cabrillo

For the first time since COVID, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary will be holding its Memorial Day ceremony in person!

Starting at the Navy Federal Credit Union, SDPD will be closing Catalina Blvd from 7 am to 12:30 pm on Monday, May 29th.

As done in past years, that day, Cabrillo National Monument will open at 1 pm and close at 8pm. Volunteer help will be very appreciated during this time, as it will be a busy day at the park. Sign up on Volgistics, and enjoy this rare "after hours" opportunity!

VIPs, especially those who regularly come in Monday mornings, thank you for your flexibility, support, and understanding! If you have any questions, please reach out to cabr_volunteers@nps.org.

NPS Photo | Unknown

Ft. Rosencrans National Cemetery under a pastel sunset sky.

Future Trail construction has started! Crews will be working May – August 2023. Please do not radio about work presence in the area. The trail will traverse the hillsides from Whale Watch Overlook down to Cabrillo and Gatchell Roads. It will meet up with the Coastal Trail near the pit toilets.  

An abundance of non-native plants have sprouted at the park. Thank you to the VIPs and staff working to remove them before they reproduce!

Congratulations, Resources Team! Lauren & Sam received funding for two Scientists-in-Parks interns for Winter 2023. Both interns will serve 20-week terms at the park. One will analyze and write a report on about 30 years of bird survey data, and the other will design and implement community science projects at the park in 2024.

NPS Photo | H. Marquez

Three VIPs plant native species in the area east of the Visitor Center. They are surrounded by shovels, buckets, and plant pots.

Weed Warriors

Thank you to all those who have been helping by doing five minutes of clover removal in the park! Every little bit makes a huge difference.

Weed Warriors have been working hard! The entry is looking great. The path to the statue is done. The traffic circle is over halfway complete. Tidepool Parking lot #3 is showing huge differences. Work on the parking lot is about to begin in earnest. 

NPS Photo | H. Marquez

Two Weed Warriors VIPs at work. Behind them is the Cabrillo statue and San Diego Bay on a bright sunny day. 

Greenhouse

Flower Walk Correction: Sandy was right! Yuca and Yucca are two different plants. While the root of Yuca (also known as Cassava) are edible, the roots of our park Yuccas are not.

Instead, indigenous people used them to make soap due to their content in saponin. The blooms, however, are edible and leaves were used for their fibers to make nets, ropes and carriers.  

Greenhouse: We are wrapping up the planting season. With hard work from volunteers, the greenhouse as planted about 650 new plants in the park: Coastal and Bayside Trail, Entrance Station, Monument, Visitor Center. Thank you so much!

The rain was a big help this year too! We are shifting our tasks to weeding, transplanting, cleaning and seed collection.  

NPS Photo | C. Aurrecoechea

Mojave Yucca (Yucca schidigera) in full bloom with its bell-like blossoms.

Entrance Station

Oops! Last month’s newsletter contained a mistake. Thank you, Cherri Benes, for catching my mistake! There are actually two passes that can be purchased as a gift, the Interagency Annual Pass and the Cabrillo Annual Pass. All other passes must be purchased by the person who will be using the pass.  

NPS Photo | Photo of 2023 Cabrillo Annual Pass.

Administration

Farewell, and congratulations Superintendent Andrea Compton! She has been selected as the new superintendent at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Andrea will be briefly returning to San Diego in mid-May as she helps with the transition process, and Trystan will continue as Acting Superintendent through the end of June. Here is a parting message she has shared with us all:



"As I hope you appreciate, CABR is an incredible place, and one special to me since it was the start of my career in the NPS, and the start of my role as a superintendent. Now I will carry that experience to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.  

I have appreciated all of your hard work and dedication to make CABR that special place that it is – through your work with protecting and improving the natural and cultural resources, with enhancing the experience for the visitors and students in a myriad of ways, and/or working with the extraordinary volunteer and partners that enhance the park even more...Thank you all. "

NPS Photo | H. Marquez

Door sign reading "Superintendent Andrea Compton." The NPS arrowhead logo is to the far left.

Did You Know?

The Trees of Cabrillo National Monument

Believe it or not, the tall and majestic trees near the Visitor Center, Lighthouse, and Military History exhibit are actually non-native species to our park!

• Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis): Native to the Mediterranean region. Found in Visitor Center's roundabout.
• Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa): Native to Central California. Found by Lighthouse and Military History exhibit.
• Torrey Pine (Pinus torreyana): Native to Del Mar and Santa Rosa Island, California. Found by Lighthouse.

Why are they here?

In 1933, Cabrillo National Monument fell under the supervision of Sequoia's Superintendent (Col. John White). He missed his "home" park and thought this park would be prettier with some trees...which create "shade circles" that starve native species of sunlight.

Nowadays we aim to restore the park's native habitat, but these trees have been "grandfathered in." At the end of their natural life cycle, they will be cut so that sun-loving natives like California sunflowers can take their place.

Can you spot any old dead tree stumps along the trails? Check out the wildflowers, succulents, and other native plants now thriving around them!

Thank you, VIP Jack, for providing May's "Did You Know?"! Read more about park history below.

Have a "Did You Know?" message you would like to share with other VIPs? Send your submissions to cabr_volunteers@nps.gov!

NPS Photo | P. Geisler

Early morning over a green hill, as the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and three trees stand out against a soft cloudy sky. The right two trees are Monterey Cypresses, and the furthest left is a Torrey Pine.

News Spotlight

The New York Times | Stella Kalinina

Field of Rancher’s fireweed at Carrizo Plain National Monument in Santa Margarita, CA.

Continued Education Opportunities

Naturally Speaking Presents: "Flying Machines — Avian Adaptations for Flight"

Friday, May 19th

4 - 5 pm PST

Biologist and science educator Sam Wynns is nerdy for birds. From their beautiful feathers, melodic songs, and silly dances she appreciates all things avian, but one amazing characteristic stands above all - their ability to fly. Join Sam as she explores avian adaptations for flight in this interactive, family friendly Naturally Speaking science talk. There will be props and prizes in-person; if you're following along at home, please gather as many of these items as you can: 

• Different types of bird feathers 
• A magnifying glass 
• A large jug of water 
• Different types of animal bones 

NPS | S. Wynns

Flyer reads "Naturally Speaking: Flying Machines - Avian Adaptations for Flight. Free Science Talk. Biologist & Educator Sam Wynns. Cabrillo National Monument & Zoom. 5/19/23. 4:00-5:00 PM PST. Register at CNMF.org"

NPS Photo | Unknown

Statue of Liberty National Monument in the distance as, in the foreground, a Chinese dragon puppet is held aloft.

On the VIP Voice

NPS Photo | D. Weider

Washed-up By the Wind Sailors clump around the kelp and sea grass of the tidepools.