Watershed Relief Map Celebrates Volcan Mountain’s Watershed Year
Over a year ago, Kathleen Beck, Education Coordinator for the Volcan Mountain Foundation (VMF), envisioned a watershed relief map that could help teach visitors about Volcan Mountain’s vital watershed sources, and give them a hands-on experience on how watersheds function. She presented the idea for the 3D representation to a once local artist, Eleanor Warner. The artist made up a plan that was presented to the VMF Board of Directors that said, "Go find the money." Over $6,000 was raised over the next year; meanwhile, Eleanor and wood working artist, Matt Johnson, started the project in earnest.
There were key contributions to the project from: the Michael & Paula Rantz Foundation, the Willis & Jane Fletcher Family Fund I at The San Diego Foundation, and the Community United Methodist Church in Julian, along with proceeds from VMF’s Julian Film Festival. VMF Advisory Board member, Diane Coombs was a major champion of the project, which will be an integral part of VMF’s partnership in the San Dieguito River Watershed Explorers program. The program provides a much-needed opportunity for underserved students to get outdoors while learning about the importance of our region’s watersheds.
As part of the hands-on watershed lesson, visitors will be able to spray ‘rain’ over the very detailed relief map and see what happens as the water flows down on its way to the Pacific Ocean and the Salton Sea. The map is part of the interpretive displays at VMF’s Volcan Mountain Nature Center located at the end of Farmer Road at the base of Volcan Mountain. Still to come is a permanent stand for the map that will be created by metal artisan Bill Porter. If you would like to arrange a visit, please contact the VMF office (760-765-2300 or [email protected]). For more information about Volcan Mountain and the Volcan Mountain Foundation visit www.volcanmt.org.
Thank you to VMF Board Member Jeff Holt for the article and main photo, to Kathleen Beck for her tremendous efforts and two additional photos, and to Eleanor Warner & Matt Johnson for their incredible talents.
