Summer Solstice, Southern California Style

The ancient Druids of Stonehenge had their own distinctive way of celebrating the Summer Solstice, the first day of summer and longest day of the year. In the Southern Hemisphere, that occurs in December, but in the Northern Hemisphere, that occurs—next week, on June 21!

Southern Californians have their own unique summer rituals, too. And one of these is the Franklin Canyon Solstice Hike, taking place on Saturday night, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills. Here you can celebrate summer’s arrival with a moderately strenuous two-hour hike guided by a volunteer naturalist. He’ll unveil the mysteries surrounding the changing seasons, planetary alignments, changing constellations and all manner of natural and cosmic wonders.

Franklin Canyon Park is located at 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive in Beverly Hills. Call (310) 858-7272 ext. 131 for more information.  Leave your dog at home, but don’t forget to bring a jacket and flashlight. Check for ticks when you’re finished, and watch out for the poison oak, always remembering “Leaves of three, let it be.”

Visit http://www.lamountains.com/ for more terrific daytime and evening programs exploring our wilderness and open spaces. And by the way, learn how you can support your mountain parks and become involved as a naturalist or other volunteer right here.

Posted 6/17/10