Guided Canoe Trip on Lake Solano
Saturday,
OCT
4, 2014
8:00 AM SOLANO COUNTY PARKS Lake Solano Make a splash and join a guided canoe program at Lake Solano Park. Discover the wonders of Putah Creek on this adventure. You’ll have the opportunity to relax, explore, learn, and enjoy the arrival of spring. To ensure a friendly, personal experience, the guided trip is limited to just 20 guests in up to 7 park-owned canoes. Children age 8 and older are welcome if accompanied by an adult. The volunteers will give you basic safety and paddling instructions before you begin. Then you’ll learn about life along the river. You may observe Great blue herons, egrets, cormorants, ducks, geese, or perhaps a shy muskrat or river otter. Participants may want to bring water, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and paddling gloves. You will probably get wet, so a change of clothes is recommended upon your return to land. For those who want to take pictures, a dry bag (double ziplock bags work well) or water tight container is suggested to keep your camera dry. Reservations are required. Reserve your spot online. Guests should arrive by 7:45am to pay the fees of $5 per vehicle. Paddles and lifejackets are included with the rental. For questions in advance, contact Bobby by email or 530-867-0435. For same-day information, call the Nature Center office at 530-795-2990. Leader: Carla Murphy Entrance Fee: $10 Parking Fee: $5 Registration is required. Location: 8685 Pleasants Valley Road DIRECTIONS: Lake Solano Park straddles Pleasants Valley Road, north of Vacaville and near the town of Winters. Pay the $5 parking fee and park on the east-side of Pleasants Valley Rd. |
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Hike at King-Swett Ranches
Saturday,
OCT
4, 2014
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST King-Swett Ranches Come explore the hills between Fairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo! You'll be led by Jim Walsh and/or James Chang, both expert Solano Land Trust guides who know this area—known as the King-Swett Ranches—inside out. They'll share insights about the birds and other wildlife that call this area home, and give you a great workout! Take advantage of this special opportunity if you can because the King-Swett Ranches are otherwise closed. Bring: a backpack with plenty of water and snacks, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with tread for rugged, steep, and slippery off-trail terrain, long, sturdy pants and layered clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, protection from the elements (sun, wind, fog, rain). Recommended: binoculars, camera, bug repellent, hiking sticks, gaiters. Participants of all ages are welcome, but they must be prepared: a strenuous pace hiking 4-6 miles off-trail, up and down rugged, steep, and slippery hills that are full of sticky seeds, thorny plants, and thistle. The King-Swett Ranches are working ranches—cattle are free range so they roam as they please. Very heavy rain cancels—call Jim at 916-870-4824 if the weather is uncertain. The hike is free; donations are appreciated. No reservations are necessary but an RSVP would be appreciated to Jim at 916-870-4824 or by email. Leader: Jim Walsh or James Chang Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Meet Jim and/or James promptly at the Park-and-Ride lot where McGary Road, Hiddenbrooke Parkway, and American Canyon Road intersect (on the Hiddenbrooke side of the American Canyon/Hiddenbrooke Parkway exit, off Interstate 80). (Jim has a white "TruGreen" pickup truck). Be ready to carpool or caravan from there. |
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Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day
Saturday,
OCT
4, 2014
9:00 AM CITY OF FAIRFIELD Rockville Hills Regional Park This is a great opportunity to pass on your love for pedaling to your kids! Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day celebrates the life of Jack Doub, an avid teenage mountain biker from North Carolina who had a true passion for the sport from an early age but passed away in 2002. This event will run from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2014. Pre-registration is required! Deadline October 2. Register online at EZReg--click on Special Events. The riders will be grouped by age, 4-6, 7-9, 10-13, 14 & over. Each group will have an hour long ride with experienced Mountain Bikers on the trails & fire roads of Rockville Park, suited to each age group. The rider groups will be small to help insure that everybody has a great time! Rides are approximately 1 hour in duration. Bring your bicycle, helmet, water bottle, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. For more information, call 707.428.7714. Registration is required. Location: 2149 Rockville Road Fairfield |
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Volunteer Opportunity: Trail Crew
Saturday,
OCT
4, 2014
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST Rush Ranch Our land is our future, so jump in with your boots on! Rush Ranch is over 2,000 acres of tidal marsh and upland grasses. Help Solano Land Trust's Land Steward, Ken Poerner, maintain it through trail maintenance, construction, litter removal, and other improvement projects. Ages 12 and up are welcome; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tools are provided. WHAT TO BRING: a backpack with plenty of water and snacks, heavy work gloves, eye protection (e.g., sunglasses), boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with tread for rough, steep, and slippery terrain, long, sturdy pants and layered clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, protection from sun, wind, fog and rain. Meet Ken promptly in the Rush Ranch courtyard. RSVP (appreciated, not required) to Ken Poerner at 707-580-6277 or email. Leader: Ken Poerner Location: 3521 Grizzly Island Road Suisun City DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 12 in Suisun City, take Grizzly Island Road south approximately 2 miles. Entrance/driveway will be on the right. |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
OCT
4, 2014
9:30 AM BENICIA STATE PARKS ASSOCIATION Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic Garden We meet every Saturday from 9:30-11:30am in the Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic Garden located at the Benicia State Park Recreation Area for planting, weeding, and tending. Parking is free on Saturday Volunteer Days. Tell the Gate Attendant that you are going into the Park to work at the Garden. Location: I-780 at Columbus Parkway Benicia State Park Recreation Area Benicia |
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Peña Adobe Open House
Saturday,
OCT
4, 2014
11:00 AM PEÑA ADOBE HISTORICAL SOCIETY & RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL Peña Adobe Park Visitors are invited to tour the national- and state-recognized historic Peña Adobe built in 1842 and the Mowers-Goheen Museum. Meet our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers at the Adobe--one of the few pre-gold rush era structures remaining in the county--from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Docents will be on hand to answer questions and provide insight into Vacaville’s past. A camera, binoculars and snacks are recommended as wildlife is often spotted in the park, or bring a picnic, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and take a hike. Docent-led nature walks will begin at 11:15, 12:15 and 1:15. This is a great family friendly opportunity to have fun. Leader: Little Bear Location: Vacaville DIRECTIONS: The park is located at Peña Adobe Road just off of Interstate 80. |
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