NPS hosts Backbone meeting

The National Park Service will host "The Great Backbone Trail Get Together Celebration" at 11 a.m. Sat., Sept. 9 at Peter Strauss Ranch, 30000 Mulholland Hwy., Agoura.

The park service and several nonprofit organizations will distribute free information to anyone interested in taking the "Great Backbone Trail" hike. The park service will be accepting signups for the 2006-07 annual hike led by experienced hikers in a series of hikes, one day each month over nine months.

Visitors will have opportunities to communicate with seasoned hikers, who will be identified by the number of stripes on their name tag (number of times they've hiked the Backbone Trail). Visitors are invited to share experiences, learn about the trail, and show off personal trail photographs. Also available will be information on the Sierra Club and on the hike they will sponsor in November.

Global positioning satellite experts will be on hand with suggestions and handouts on wayfinding by using GPS units with coordinates of specific locations of the trail.

ParkLINK Shuttle information will be provided by rangers who will discuss how the shuttle can get hikers to trailheads to complete a hike on some Backbone trail sections.

The Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council will have information on upcoming new trail openings, the equestrian community, and information on horseback riding the trail.

The National Park Service will provide information sheets on the

best ways to hike the BackboneTrail. The fact sheets include information on trail safety, camping, hiking, what type of information may be found on maps, and where additional information may be obtained.

Discussions will be held on projected plans including an overnight campground to enable a multiple day hiking experience.

To reach Peter Strauss Ranch, take the Ventura Freeway (101) to the Kanan Road exit. Go south on Kanan Road 2.8 miles. Turn left on Troutdale Drive to Mulholland Highway. Turn left on Mulholland Highway, then right through the gate and into the parking lot. Walk back across the bridge on Mulholland Highway and enter the main gate to go into the ranch area. Parking, entry, information, and event are free.

Visitors are encouraged to come early, bring a picnic lunch, wear a hat and sunscreen and do a little exploring of the National Park Service's Peter Strauss Ranch site. Call (805) 370-2301 for additional information.