 The Station Fire left miles and miles of mountains looking like the bleak hills of Afghanistan. So intense was the fire, that even small blades of grass usually seen after a rain, have not sprouted. Fortunately the archery range was spared but natural vegetation continues to dry and wither due to the drought. No hunting is allowed on the archery range and the range has become a refuge for many animals. Between the drought and the Station Fire, the deer and other animals are both hungry and thirsty. The rib cage is visible on some of the deer foraging for acorns from the oak trees that survived the fire. While members worked at the archery range clearing dead brush in October, the door to the restroom was kept open. Deer were thirsty enough to ignore the people working and get a drink from the restroom. Yes, the water was clean. Once in awhile we hear negative comments about archers, but it is the archers from Verdugo Hills Archery that are actively supporting wildlife devastated by the fire. (September 2009) Daze of Verdugo Paper Shoot November 1, 2009 Verdugo Hills Archery Club see Clubs and ranges on Home Page Update Several small water pipes lead to water buckets for the deer. The archers will periodically pour the water on vegetation for the wildlife and refill the buckets. Careful watering of native vegetation provides food for the animals and conserves water. The continual recycling of the water will prevent mosquito's from breeding. Screens are slightly submerged in shallow pools to prevent baby birds like doves and quail from drowning. Even the domesticated wildlife appreciate a drink. Photo of largest drinking bucket on range. Photo's below are from the Glendale News Press - Click on photo for larger image     |