Quicktime VR Photos at Mission Trails

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Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center

This is where our adventure began.  When you walk to the counter they will tell you all about the park.

 
 
 Ranger Pelley

Ranger Pelley explained to us how the Kumeyaay used the sho-kwin basket.  She also told us about our hike to the San Diego River.

 

 



In the Amphitheatre

The amphitheater is a great addition to Mission Trails Park. We looked at the statues of animals there and tried to decide which ones the Kumeyaay hunted. We saw a coyote, mountain lion and a rat.   Which would you decide to hunt?




Determining the Habitat

We looked out over the park to try to decide what habitats the Kumeyaay lived in and what resources we could see that they could use to survive.  We saw many plants and brush that they could use.   We saw lots of Chapparal that the Kumeyaay used to make brooms and toothbrushes.We could also see the valley that was carved by the San Diego River.


Along the Trail
We began our journey along the trail to the grinding rocks used by the Kumeyaay. Along the way we noticed many plants.  We saw Laurel Sumac (taco plant), sage brush and wild cucumber.   The Kumeyaay used the Wild Cucumber to stun fish while they were swimming so they were easy to catch.

The Oak Grove
We could almost picture the Kumeyaay gathering acorns under these trees by the river.  Under the Oak Trees it felt cool and calm.  The leaves keep the moisture on the ground cool.  This is a great place to relax and grind acorns.



The Grinding Rocks

It was fascinating to learn that the indentations in these rocks were made by the Kumeyaay as they ground acorns and plants for food and medicine.   These holes are found by the San Diego River.  This is a great place to keep cool and grind acorns.
The San Diego River

Water was so important to the Kumeayaay, not just for drinking and bathing, but to take the bitterness out of acorns so they could eat them.  Many plants that the Kumeyaay used also grow near the water.  One plant that was boiled into a tea called Sand Aster grows near coastal, sandy waters.

 Last Updated: 09/30/03
Linda C. Foote
Instructional Technology Specialist
Poway Unified School District
13626 Twin Peaks Road
Poway, CA 92064