Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Dedication and Celebration

 

On Saturday November 9th, LA County Parks hosted a dedication ceremony at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area for our exciting Trail Wayfinding and Interpretive Signage Project. The ceremony was opened by blessings and song by the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, followed by remarks from Director of LA County Parks Norma E. García-González and Park Superintendent Sarah Brewer.

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area is a 945-acre park located in the small town of Agua Dulce and is the ancestral Tataviam village of Mapipinga. The dedication event was held during Native American Heritage Month to pay honor to the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native Peoples of Vasquez Rocks (read article on Native Peoples of Vasquez Rocks). 

After the ceremony, all were welcomed to join a guided hike to learn about the amazing story of the village of Mapipinga and explore the newly dedicated park trails. The extensive network of trails that traverse these sacred lands, span almost 15 miles and features iconic geology and protected habitat for native flora & fauna. 

The new sign system at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area is the first parkwide signage and mapping project in the park’s 60+ year history.Beautiful Interpretive signs have been installed to provide visitors opportunities to learn about the park’s cultural history, geology, and flora and fauna. Comprehensive trail signage will help visitors navigate and enjoy the park safely and includes high quality maps that are available for download in English, Spanish, Chinese and Korean.  

 

We are indebted to the dozens of teams, workers, partners, and collaborators who took the project from concept to completion. Acknowledgements: Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, Hunt Design (Design consultants), CA Conservation Corps, Natural Area Volunteers and docents, Community Naturalist & Photographers, Ecology & Cultural History Experts, and the Department of Parks and Recreation team.