Photo by Bruce Watts
This past week we unexpectedly lost a long-time member of our community, Bruce Watts. I didn’t know Bruce that well, but met him on the trail hunting butterflies, attended some of his talks at the Nature Center, and encountered him at Nomad Ventures. I had no idea about his history or background until I found this article written by a local part-time resident on a website called Faces of Idyllwild. What an amazing man. I learned he was a Bryologist which is someone who studies mosses. He still has an active FB Page and I found this photo on his page. Thank you Bruce for your love of nature and the legacy you left behind. RIP
Moss:
I know…it doesn’t sound very interesting, but MOSS can be fascinating. And there’s no debating its beauty. You don’t have to go far to find moss growing EVERYWHERE! But did you know that it’s one of the oldest plants in existence? It is the precursor to all other plants. Moss is over 400 million years old. When there’s an area devastated by fire or a volcano, or some other disaster, look to see what the very first plant that grows is….IT’S MOSS!
It is the simplest of plants because it’s not vascular. There are no roots, stems, or leaves. It can grow on anything; dirt, rocks, trees, cement, walls, etc. And it can grow in any climate; Arctic tundra, to deserts. It spreads by spores dispersing into the air. Look at the 3rd photo with the little shoots with capsules at the end. Inside the capsules are spores. Moss serves so many purposes. It primes the soil to prepare it for other plants to grow. It absorbs a CRAZY amount of carbon from the atmosphere keeping our air clean. It stabilizes soil, insulates trees and the ground from dramatic temperature changes, and puts water back into our environment. There are over 12,000 types of mosses, and Japan has the most with over 1800 varieties which explains their obsession with collecting, following, and adoring mosses. They even have moss clubs and the word moss is in their national anthem (In English: “May your world go on for thousands of years / Until pebbles merge into one giant rock and covered with moss.”).
Did you know that moss does not die very quickly? Some varieties can live for 19 years without water. It just goes dormant and dehydrates. You can spray it with water and it will come back to life. But while it’s dormant and dry looking, it is very flammable and makes great fire starter material. It holds water inside, and if you are without water and find some moss, you can squeeze it and get some moisture out of it. It is everywhere right now, and I encourage you to take a moment to feel it, look closely at the spores growing out of it, and just admire its’ beauty.
Fun Fact: Someone who studies mosses is called a “Bryologist”
Introducing…. Tour Idyllwild!
New Idyllwild Tour App
Available now on Apple & Android
for phones and iPads
21 Stops
English & Spanish
Share with your family & visitors.
It’s FREE!
Apple Phones
Android Phones
Go to the App store and search for
“Tour Idyllwild”
Weather: Highs of 79 – 85 – Lows of 53 – 57
Idyllwild Sun/Moon (Rise/Set) Calendar
Next Full Moon: Wednesday April 1st
What Restaurants are open or closed today?
Where can I get a quick snack?
Live Music Around Town This Week
Click Below
PCT Hikers Page
Although the PCT Association recommends hikers attempting to hike the entire PCT Trail northbound (2,650 miles from Mexican border to Canadian border) NOT start until mid-late April, inevitably, we will start to see PCT hikers coming through Idyllwild. About 50 hikers a day usually start the trail at the border heading north.
Thursday March 19th
Yarn Club
Idyllwild Library
10 am – 12 Noon
Whether beginner or experienced, come join this friendly group of knitters & crocheters. Bring your projects, share ideas, share friendship. First and third Thursday of every month.
Thursday March 19th
Fireside Book Club
With Colleen
“behind the beautiful forevers”
Idyllwild Library
2:00 pm
Thursday March 19th
“The Confluence of Beauty”
Cultural Intersectionality and Individualism in Art and Beadwork with Mikailah Thompson
Idyllwild Arts
Native American Arts Center
7:00 pm
Open to the public
Mikailah Thompson is a dynamic Afro-Indigenous entrepreneur, artist, and advocate for Indigenous representation in the creative industry. As the owner and founder of Beadwork by Mikailah and Indigenous Creatives LLC, Mikailah merges her deep connection to her culture with her passion for creating contemporary pieces based on traditional influences. Raised on and off the reservation in Lapwai, Idaho, she’s always been drawn to the power of storytelling through art. With a background in marketing, leadership, and communication, Mikailah has built a brand that not only celebrates her cultural identity but also leverages modern marketing strategies to reach broader audiences. Through her entrepreneurial efforts, she has established herself as a leader in the growing Indigenous art space, fostering community and cultural appreciation through her platforms.
Thursday March 19th
Spring Dance Concert
Idyllwild Arts
Bowman Theater
7:30 pm
Open to the public
Please join us as the Idyllwild Arts Dance Department presents their annual Spring Dance Concert! The Spring Dance Concert will also feature The Little Mermaid, an entertaining one-act dance story combining ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and modern dance.
Friday March 20th
First Day of Spring
Friday March 20th
Gimme, Gimme
A Musical Theatre Cabaret
Idylwild Arts
Rush Hall
4:30 pm
Open to the Public
The Idyllwild Arts Dramatic Arts Department proudly presents a Musical Cabaret, showcasing the work students have been preparing in their Friday Studio Class! Directed and choreographed by faculty member Dimyana Pelev.
Friday March 20th
Spring Dance Concert
Idyllwild Arts
Bowman Theater
6:30 pm
Open to the public
Please join us as the Idyllwild Arts Dance Department presents their annual Spring Dance Concert! The Spring Dance Concert will also feature The Little Mermaid, an entertaining one-act dance story combining ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and modern dance.
Saturday March 21st
Paint & Battery Disposal at The Dump
8 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday March 21st
Energy Healing
W/ Janette & Suzie
Spirit Mountain Retreat
25661 Oakwood
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Saturday March 21st
Yoga & Mindfulness Workshop
With Kate Sirkin & Valerie Velez
53810 Pinecrest
Please RSVP:
katesirkin@gmail.com
kyoshinvelez@gmail.com
Saturday March 21st
“Microscopes, Arts & Crafts
Kids Activity Day
Idyllwild Nature Center
25225 Hwy. 243
11 am – 1 pm
Sundays
Farmer’s Market
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
9am – 2pm
Sunday March 22nd
Spring Equinox Celebration
St. Hugh’s Church
Presented by Spirit Mountain
25525 Tahquitz Dr.
4:00 pm
Next Food Distribution Mar. 26th
Don’t forget to order your box!
Order any time prior to
Monday 3/23 noon!
Tuesday March 24th
Women’s Circle
Community Center
54201 Ridgeview Dr.
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday March 24th
“Trivia Night”
Idyllwild Library
5:00 pm
Tuesday March 24th
Line Dancing
Above The Peak Restaurant
Tahquitz Pines
55251 South Circle
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, March 25th
Storytime ” Wildlife” w/ Living Free
Idyllwild Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Prepare for a wild encounter where the stories are paws-itively amazing with our local animal sanctuary, Living Free. Come see a live Gopher Snake!
Wednesday March 25th
Faces & Places Reading Group
“Albert Einstein”
Idyllwild Library
2:00 pm
This month the Faces and Places Reading Group will be discussing Albert Einstein. Albert Einstein’s life offers a fascinating look at how a “rebellious” spirit and deep curiosity can lead to some of the greatest intellectual breakthroughs in human history. Interestingly, his birthday falls on March 14, a date now globally celebrated by math enthusiasts as Pi Day because it matches the first three digits of the mathematical constant PI (3.14).
Wednesday March 25th
KIMCHI Class
Mile High Cafe
3:30 pm
Fee: $100
Call to reserve your spot:
951-468-4663
Wednesday March 25th
Gallery Opening & Artist’s Reception
“Misquoted Role Models”
By Campbell Morgan
Idyllwild Library
5:00 pm
Join us for a gallery opening and artist’s reception for Campbell Morgan’s show of mixed media collages, “Misquoted Role Models.”
“Being alive feels like a massive mess sometimes. Well, most of the time. But we are all doing our best using the scraps we are given. We collage our lives together piece by mis-matched piece. At some point, a rudimentary self forms. Over time, it develops. We are walking amalgamations of everything that has ever happened to us – everything that we are.”
-Campbell Morgan
Idyllwild Scholarship Fund
Application Window Open Now!
Apply now thru April 15th
Scan the QR Code to apply
If you didn’t get a chance to donate to the Idyllwild Scholarship fund for local seniors, there’s still time….
Click on the link below.
ICF Grant Window Open!
Accepting Grant Proposals
Now – April 13th
Any local 501c3 eligible
Questions? Email us at Idycommfund@gmail.com
Summer Workshops for
Kids & Teens
Registration Open
Idyllwild Arts
Youth Baseball Registration
Now Open
Friday/Saturday/Sunday
March 27-28-29
Writing Workshop
Spirit Mountain Retreat
$245 without lodging
Information: 951-634-4048
Saturday March 28th
Art in the Park
Mountain Center Series
29470 Hwy 74 and 243
(Next door to Mountain Center Cafe)
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday March 28th
Comedy Night
Live Laugh Pup
Rustic Theatre
7:30 pm
Sunday March 29th
Clay Altar Workshop
Community Center
54201 Ridgeview Dr.
10 am – 1 pm
$59
To reserve a spot Call or Text
626-354-7475
Saturday April 4th
Easter Egg Hunt
County Park
54000 Riverside County Playground Rd.
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Sunday April 19th
Spring Senior Social
Silver Pines Lodge
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Tuesday April 21st
Shelter System Talk
Community Center
54195 Ridgeview Dr.
5:00 pm
Thursday April 23rd
Grand Opening
Lily’s
54905 North Circle Dr.
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday April 25th
Idyllwild Arts 80th Anniversary
12:00 President’s Luncheon
2:00 Red Carpet Event
3:00 Performance
5:00 Champagne Toast
What’s happening at the Rustic Theatre?
$15 ADULTS & $12.50 SENIOR/ CHILDREN
Matinee $12.50 (12:00 Show)
Mon – Thur $10
Tuesday is Closed Captions
Thursday 3/19 : Last Night for
“GOAT”
6:00 pm
Rated PG
Starts Friday: 3/20
Project Hail Mary
Rated PG-13
Run time: 2 hr. 36 min.
Friday @ 6:00 pm
Saturday @ 1:00 & 6:00
Sunday @ 1:00 & 6:00
Monday @ 6:00
Tuesday @ 6:00
Wednesday @ 6:00
Thursday @ 6:00
Coming Soon: Hoppers
The Idyllwild Library – 951-659-2300
Thursday 10 am – 6 pm
Friday 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday CLOSED
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 11 am – 7 pm
Wednesday 11 am – 7 pm
Tuesdays
Mah Jongg
12:00 am – 3:30 pm
Calling all Mah Jong players!! Do you enjoy the game of Mah Jong? The Mah Jong game group meets every Tuesday in the library Community Room. All players are welcome.
Tuesday March 24th
“Trivia Night”
Idyllwild Library
5:00 pm
Wednesday, March 25th
Storytime ” Wildlife” w/ Living Free
Idyllwild Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Prepare for a wild encounter where the stories are paws-itively amazing with our local animal sanctuary, Living Free. Come see a live Gopher Snake!
Wednesday March 25th
Gallery Opening & Artist’s Reception
“Misquoted Role Models”
By Campbell Morgan
Idyllwild Library
5:00 pm
Join us for a gallery opening and artist’s reception for Campbell Morgan’s show of mixed media collages, “Misquoted Role Models.”
“Being alive feels like a massive mess sometimes. Well, most of the time. But we are all doing our best using the scraps we are given. We collage our lives together piece by mis-matched piece. At some point, a rudimentary self forms. Over time, it develops. We are walking amalgamations of everything that has ever happened to us – everything that we are.”
-Campbell Morgan
We always have several sweet kitties needing homes. Call ARF to meet him. 951-659-1122
Body & Soul
Click Here for a list of Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, Meditation & Hypnosis in Idyllwild.
Next Food Distribution Mar. 26th
Don’t forget to order your box!
Order any time prior to
Monday 3/23 noon!
San Jacinto Trail Report
Snow, weather, & trail conditions for the San Jacinto Mountains
Idyllwild Historical Museum
Open Saturday & Sunday 11am – 4pm
54470 N Circle Dr.
Stop by the museum and check out all the displays about the logging era, early tourism, & rock climbing history. We would LOVE for you to join the Historical Society. Annual memberships start at just $15. Click here to join. Feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy the Museum up gardens and picnic tables.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Click here for list of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Idyllwild.
12-Step Meetings
1st Quarter Calendar
January – March 2026
Delivery in Idyllwild
Bear Necessities Delivered
Groceries/Restaurant Food/Mail/Pharmacy/Etc.
Call or Text: (951) 512-0800
Available 7 Days a Week
Everyday: 11 am – 8 pm
Deliver to Idyllwild, Pine Cove & Mountain Center.
Organization List
If you’ve ever wondered how many organizations we have here in Idyllwild that would love to have you involved, or need to contact them? Click on the button below.
The New Bathrooms are OPEN!
Next door to the Idyllwild Gardens Nursery – Across the street from the Rustic Theatre.
Open Daily 9am – 5pm
Thank you to Shane & Ashley Stewart for donating the land for these bathrooms and to Stephanie Yost with ICC for her persistence with the County of Riverside to FINALLY get us public bathrooms. Thank you to the County of Riverside and Supervisor Manuel Perez for making this happen. It’s been a LONG time coming! Bathrooms will be locked at night.
Hotel Information
Upcoming Weekends
www.IdyLodging.com
Idyllwild Churches
All events, venues & programs run by
Idyllwild Community Center
Idyllwild TOWN HALL
25925 Cedar St
Chair Exercise Class
FREE
Town Hall
Monday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Wednesday 11:30 am – 12:30pm
Friday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Friday
Yoga for Seniors
Town Hall
10:45 am – 11:45 am
Fit after 50
Free Exercise Class
Town Hall
Tuesday 10:00am – 11:00am
Wednesday 10:00am – 11:00am
Thursday 10:00am – 11:00am
Mondays
Tai Chi Class
Free!
Town Hall
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Every Other Thursday
Starts Jan. 22
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
5:30 – 6:30
Every 3rd Thursday
Chess League
Community Center
54201 Ridgeview Dr.
FEEDING AMERICA
First Tuesday of each month.
Visitor Center – Now Open
Saturdays & Sundays 11am – 4pm
The Visitor Center is now open between the public bathrooms and Idyllwild Gardens on Saturdays & Sundays from 11am – 4 pm.
If you would like to volunteer to talk to visitors, help them find their way and point them in the direction of “A Good Time” please contact me at hello@GoodMorningIdyllwild.com.
Need To Know Stuff…
Idyllwild POST OFFICE HOURS:
Closed Christmas Day & New Years Day.
Open Monday – Friday
9 AM – 5 PM
Lobby open for mailbox access 7 am – 8 pm daily. Sometimes the timer doesn’t work right and the lobby is open later, so don’t hesitate to try the door.
Package pick-up only
Sat. 12 Noon – 1 PM
Mail goes off the hill once a day at 7:45 am Mon – Sat.
Mountain Center Post Office Hours:
Closed Christmas Day & New Years Day.
Open Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 12 Noon & 1:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Closed Saturday & Sunday
Is The Dump Open Today?
Friday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Monday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – Closed
Thursday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Mayor Max & Deputy Meadow
We will be in our usual spot in front of Wooleys:
Friday 4:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday 2:00 pm
Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays – Off
Thursday 4:00 pm
Idyllwild Nature Center
Open Friday 9am – 4pm
Open Saturday 9am – 4pm
Open Sunday 9am – 4pm
Closed Monday
Closed Tuesday
Open Wednesdays 9am – 4pm
Open Thursday 9am – 4pm
Nature Center Banquet/Meeting Room available to Rent for your group activity.
951-659-3850
The Help Center is Open:
Monday 10-4
Tuesday 10-4
Wednesday 10-4
Thursday 10-4 (Donations accepted 10-1)
Friday 10-4 (Donations accepted 10-1)
Saturday 10-4 (Donations accepted 10-1)
Sunday 10-4
Call 951-659-3000 to schedule donations outside normal donation hours.
Bargin Barn
Idyllwild Community Church
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Behind the Church at 54400 N. Circle
Donations accepted Thur/Fri/Sat 10:00 – 1:00
Idyllwild Laundry
Laundromat/Wash & Fold/Dry Cleaning
Open 8 am – 8pm EVERY DAY!
FREE Pickup & Deliver
951-659-2217
Idyllwild Shuttle
Idyllwild Shuttle Service – FREE
Monday – Palm Desert
Tuesday – Around Idyllwild
Wednesday – Hemet
Thursday – Around Idyllwild
Friday – Not in Service
Saturday – Not in Service
Sunday – Not in Service
Call for more details: 951-426-9688
The shuttle is available to rent to outside groups when available.
Idyllwild Community Center Facilities
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
Butterfield Amphitheater
54201 Ridgeview Dr.
Community Center
54201 Ridgeview Dr.
Next to Community Playground
Overlooking Butterfield Amphitheater
Available for Rentals
More info call: 951-659-2638
Idyllwild Pickleball Court
26375 Hwy. 243
Behind Skate Park
Open Daily 7 am – Dusk
First come-first-serve basis
More info call: 951-659-2638
Idyllwild Community Playground
Open Daily 7 am – Dusk
54195 Ridgeview Dr.
Idyllwild Dog Park
26375 Hwy. 243
Open Daily 7 am – Dusk
Idyllwild Skate Park
26375 Hwy. 243
Open Daily 7 am – Dusk
Skateboard & safety gear required.
Un-supervised – Ride at your own risk.
If you run across someone and they want to find out which restaurants are open but they don’t get Good Morning Idyllwild delivered to their inbox, they can always go directly to the website http://www.GoodMorningIdyllwild.com and find the Restaurant Chart. You don’t HAVE to sign up to see the most recent newsletter or see the restaurant chart. Just go to the website.
If you would like some business cards to hand out with Good Morning Idyllwild, please message me back at the bottom of your email and I will get you some to hand out personally or at your business.
We do our best to get days and times correct but sometimes we make mistakes.
Questions: Please contact us at P.O. Box 1171 Idyllwild, CA 92549
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