PS - HIKE - SAVE OSWIT CANYON

  • Sun, November 10, 2019
  • 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Palm Springs CA

Registration

  • You may make a donation to help purchase this canyon at SaveOswitCanyon.org/donate.
    $250 suggested donation, however any amount is appreciated and will help. Donations forms available at the hike location.

Registration is closed

Save Oswit Canyon Hike

If you want to  help save this unique and valuable canyon, you are invited join us on a hike into the canyon and make a voluntary donation to help purchase the canyon. 

WHAT IS OSWIT CANYON?

"Oswit Canyon is a spectacular canyon in Palm Springs, CA that is home to endangered bighorn sheep, mountain lions, migratory birds and other wildlife. A developer owns 114 acres on the alluvial fan adjacent to the canyon. They want to destroy it by building several hundred homes on it. The developer finally (after a 3 year battle) agreed to sell the land if we can raise the funds by December 31, 2019. This is a public/private venture. We’ve gathered together the majority of the funding needed from public funds ($8 million). But we have a gap of $500,000 dollars left. That’s where you come in. Join us! Help save this unique canyon." Oswit Canyon is on S. Palm Canyon adjacent to the Canyon Heights neighborhood and the south trailhead for the S. Lykken Trail.  Save Oswit Canyon will preserve this area in perpetuity for public use and enjoyment. Save Oswit Canyon, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization (EIN 83-2006672) that exists solely to save the canyon. *If funding goal is not achieved, all donations will be returned to the donors.

HIKE INFORMATION AND DESCRIPTION:

  • Start time: 9:00 am
  • Distance: 4.0 miles out and back
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Elevation:  900 ft (gradual climb)
  • Terrain: Dirt, rocky, some minor bouldering
  • Duration:  3 hours
  • Meet at trailhead 9:00 am: South Palm Canyon Dr. / Bogart Trail near the bridge. Park along the roadside:  Location/directions   

You may make a voluntary donation to help purchase this canyon at SaveOswitCanyon.org/donate or download form click hereWe will also have the donation forms available at the time of the hike. A $250 donation is suggested, however any amount is appreciated and will help.* 

This hike passes through an alluvial fan landscape which has unique vegetation (eg. fan palms; maidenhair ferns; fig trees). The trail ends at a waterfall where a stream runs through a small oasis.This bio diverse alluvial fan canyon is one of the most treasured pieces of open space left in Palm Springs. It offers great views and interesting route along a riparian area where surface water is often present.

  • Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (1 to 2 liters recommended), trail snacks. Sun protection and layered clothing are recommended. 
  • Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE).
  • Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
  • No dogs permitted due to Bighorn Sheep habitat.

Contact Hike Leaders: Sherwood C. - Email and Scott Connelly Email

You can learn more here: https://saveoswitcanyon.org .

It takes tens of thousands of years for an alluvial fan to form, and the Oswit Cone in South Palm Springs is one of the top eco-tourist destinations in Palm Springs, bringing in thousands of hikers, photographers, artists and nature lovers every year from around the world.

Unfortunately, this very last undeveloped alluvial fan was slated for a massive housing development. We took it upon ourselves to prevent the permanent destruction of this geological, historical and biologically unique place in our city.

IMPACTS

  • The S. Lykken Trail and Oswit Canyon are prime ecotourist destinations in Palm Springs that draw thousands annually. Development here would remove them forever.

  • This area is home to endangered Peninsular Bighorn sheep, and other flora and fauna unique to this area.

  • Development of this alluvial fan would result in the building of a massive 1/4 mile long retention dam at the back of the development. It would permanently scar the land.

  • Decrease home values both during and after construction.

  • Increased noise and dust.

  • Another possible failed development after the destruction of the canyon.

  • Increased light pollution.

View photos of our past hikes in Oswit: Click Here

News article click here and here for Desert Sun

For questions about the event, contact Scott Connelly, email:click here

Health Problems/allergies  Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike..




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