The Idyllwild Nature Center has a new ranger, Sonny Waldron. His most recent assignment was at Lake Skinner, where he served for over five years. He is certified by the National Association for Interpretation as an interpretative guide (IG), and is also trained and certified in First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, CPR/AED, Basic Water Rescue, Aquatic Facility Operations and Penal Code 832 Powers of Arrest Search and Seizure.

At Lake Skinner he participated in writing protocols including the Lake Skinner Sustainability Program that was awarded Riverside County Waste Resources Department “Waste Wise Champion” gold level award. He told the Crier he “would like to implement portions of that sustainability program here to further the good work the center is already doing.”

As an IG at Lake Skinner, he hosted star parties and a Ranger Campfire Series, with each session highlighting a different animal. “Some of my programs I hope to bring to the mountains are, ‘Owl Tell You What,’ ‘Ranger Gone Batty,’ ‘Oh Deer,’ ‘Snakes on a Plain,’ ‘Birding 101,’ star parties and eventually a Junior Ranger program.”

Waldron is excited to share the news that “thanks to a generous donation from the Friends of the San Jacinto Mountain County Parks,” the center has recently installed three new childrens’ activity stations. At present, one focused on Native American Pictographs is in the Cahuilla Room. A second in the animal display room has everything children need to make a “rubbing” of favorite animals, insects and plants. They also will learn about food chains. The third is in the history wing and will allow children to build a model log cabin and learn about the role Idyllwild played in logging. “Also, these tables can be easily moved around and have the activities changed up to keep the center fresh and engaging to encourage repeat usage. As we move forward with these activity tables, I welcome your thoughts for future activities to be placed at the tables.”

Waldron also added a note; “I am 39 years old and have a beautiful wife and three kids. My wife and I have been married for 14 years and my children are 19, 14 and 13. My youngest son is active in his school drama program, and my daughter is active in Girl Scouts, which I volunteer much of my time for. I was a Boy Scout for many years in my youth, achieving the rank of Life Scout. My love of the outdoors and nature probably started around that time.

“I also have two dogs named Caesar and Bella. I love hiking, kayaking and traveling to new places with a rich history to explore. I am excited to be a part of the Nature Center and the mountain community to continue the great work it has been doing for many years in educating the next generation of adults and kids in the history of Idyllwild, the natural beauty of the mountain, and the stewardship of the plants and animals that call it home.”