On Saturday November 2nd Friends of Griffith Park participated in the National Wildlife Federation’s Hike & Seek in the Mineral Wells picnic area of the Park. The NWF hosts Hike and Seek events in major cities throughout the country. This was the first time they staged an event in Los Angeles. We’re proud they chose Griffith Park for their venue.

The Hike & Seek is an outdoor adventure designed for children ages 3 to 10 and their parents. The kids embarked on a family-friendly one-mile hike. Along the way they encounter five stop and study stations (plants, insects, mammals, reptiles and birds) where they learn fun facts about nature and participate in a learning activity.

Registration for the event was on the large grassy knoll, which also featured an expo. Several animal rescue and environmental groups, including Friends of Griffith Park, set up informative displays. The weather couldn’t have been more ideal. It was a warm and bright sunny morning. The NWF was thrilled with the participation. Nearly 500 registered for the Hike & Seek!

Friends of Griffith Park was also “on the trail.” We were responsible for the mammal station. Erin Boydston, wildlife biologist with the USGS joined us. The kids were excited to see photos of the mammals that call Griffith Park home: coyotes, deer, bobcats, rabbits, squirrels and even our resident mountain lion, P-22. The children learned that mammals use their noses and have a sense of smell. The kids got to practice identifying different scents. They sniffed little boxes with the aromas of lemon, ginger, peppermint and pine and found these various scents which we “planted” on the ground near our station.

Hike & Seek was a successful, wonderful opportunity to introduce children to nature and to our beloved Griffith Park.

~Mary Button