Visit the John Rains House in Rancho Cucamonga for a morning of urban birdwatching on Saturday, April 11, starting at 9 a.m. Ornithologist Eugene Cardiff, curator emeritus of biological sciences at the San Bernardino County Museum, will lead bird walks and help visitors recognize common backyard species and colorful spring migrants. This event is included with paid Rains House admission.
Visitors will also be able to tour the historic Rains House. The home of John and Maria Merced Rains was constructed on the Rancho Cucamonga in 1860 of bricks made from red clay adjacent to the house site. Tar from the brea pits in Orange County provided waterproofing for the flat roof, and an open flume carried water from nearby springs through the kitchen, into the patio, and under the house, providing cooling for the structure. Today, the house is furnished in Victorian style, and its landscaped grounds are a haven for urban birds.
Birdwatching at the Rains House and the County Museum’s other exciting events and exhibits reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.
The John Rains House is a historic site of the San Bernardino County Museum at 8810 Hemlock in Rancho Cucamonga. General admission is $5 (adult), $4 (military or senior), and $2.50 (student and child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org. The Rains House is accessible to persons with disabilities.
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