Museum Trips to Huntington, San Bernardino Mountains
Reservations are now being accepted for two day trips organized by the San Bernardino County Museum Association. On Saturday, June 2, Museum Director Robert McKernan will lead a birding trip to the San Bernardino Mountains. On Monday, June 4, a trip to the Huntington will be led by Curator of History Michele Nielsen. Registration is open for one or both excursions.

Birds of the San Bernardino Mountains
The San Bernardino Mountains provide birdwatchers with a wide variety of habitats and birds to observe. This day-long excursion will visit the coastal slopes of the mountains, Big Bear Valley, meadow habitats near Bluff Lake, and the desert slopes. The day will not be strenuous, but does include walking on gravel and sand.

“June is the peak period for breeding birds in the San Bernardino Mountains,” said Robert McKernan, museum director and ornithologist. “About 170 species have been recorded, and in early June we will still have an opportunity to observed late migrant birds moving north.”

The birding trip, which will depart from the museum in Redlands, costs $70 per person; a Museum Association member is $60 for a non-member. The fee includes transporta­tion, morning coffee, lunch, water, and light snacks. The group will meet at the museum in Redlands at 6:15 a.m. and return by about 6:45 p.m. Binoculars, hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a bird field guide are a must. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Reserve by May 23. Space is limited.

Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Gardens
The Huntington is one of the world’s great cultural, research, and educational centers. This private, nonprofit institution in San Marino was founded in 1919 by Henry E. Huntington. Join Michele Nielsen, San Bernardino County Museum curator of history/archives, for tours of the library, galleries, and gardens, and indulge in lunch at the world-famous Tea Room. The trip includes: a one-hour docent-led tour of the estate; lunch in the tea room with sandwiches, salads, desserts, pots of tea, soft drinks, or iced tea; “Visions of Empire,” the new Railroads Across America exhibit featuring never-before-seen documents, photos, and artifacts from the building and promotion of the transcontinental railroad; the Virginia Scott Steele Gallery, featuring American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts, including paintings by John Singleton Copley and Mary Cassatt, and silver created by Paul Revere; an exhibit about Greene and Greene, quintessential Arts and Crafts Movement designers; the rose, herb, wisteria, Chinese, and Japanese gardens; and the interactive Rose Hills Foundation Conservatory with rain forest, cloud forest, bog, and plant lab.

All guests will meet at the County Museum in Redlands by 8:15 a.m. for welcome and introductions. The coach will leave for the Huntington at 8:30 a.m. and return to the museum about 5 p.m. The cost of $80 or $70 for a Museum Association member includes all admission fees, lunch, and transportation. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, dress in layers, and bring a hat and sunscreen. This trip involves a lot of walking; be prepared for “Museum Feet.” Space is limited and pre-paid reservations are required. Reserve no later than May 25. Space is limited.

To make reservations for either or both trips, call LaWanda Avery-Brown at (909) 307-2669 ext. 225. The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call (909) 307-2669.