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Hike at King-Swett Ranches
Saturday,
DEC
5, 2015
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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Volunteer Opportunity: Ranch Crew
Saturday,
DEC
5, 2015
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rush Ranch Help care for Rush Ranch through 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. Bring a backpack with plenty of water and snacks, heavy work gloves, eye protection (e.g., sunglasses). Wear 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, and fog. Optional: bug repellent. RSVP online to Ken Poerner at or call 707-580-6277 so he can bring enough tools. Rain cancels. Call Ken if the weather is uncertain. Meet in the Rush Ranch courtyard. 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,
DEC
5, 2015
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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Eagles, Hawks & other Birds of Prey Hike
Saturday,
DEC
5, 2015
10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Join Larry Broderick’s birding bonanza at Lynch Canyon to discover, observe and learn about eagles, hawks and other birds of prey. Previous sightings include golden eagles, Cooper’s hawks, ferruginous hawks, American kestrels, white tailed kites, red-tailed hawks, Northern harriers, and turkey vultures. COST: $10 per person (payable when registering) plus $6 per vehicle (payable at the park). Space is limited. Pre-registration and pre-payment preferred online. Bring: binoculars, snacks or a bag lunch, 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. Also recommended: camera, hiking sticks, and bug repellant. Rain may cancel. Call Larry at 707-791-0335 if the weather is uncertain. All ages are welcome, but participants must be prepared for a moderate pace covering about 4 miles, partly off-trail, up and down rugged, steep, and slippery hills that are full of sticky seeds, thorny plants, and thistle, and passing free range cattle along the way. Meet in the Lynch Canyon parking lot before 10am. Leader: Larry Broderick Entrance Fee: $10 Parking Fee: $6 Registration is required. Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo DIRECTIONS: From I-80 East, take the Hiddenbrooke Parkway exit and follow the Lynch Canyon signs. From I-80 West, take the Red Top Road exit and follow the Lynch Canyon signs. |
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Garden Guys
Saturday,
DEC
5, 2015
10:00 AM GVRD — McIntyre Ranch Bring the family for activities and learn how the garden grows from seeds to fruits. Participants will share ideas on what to plant, will be allowed to harvest and take home the fruits from the garden. For more information contact the Coordinator at 648-4552. Cost: $10/class resident, $12/class nonresident. Pre-registration is required, and can be completed online. Leader: Dee Davis & Nicki Belinger Entrance Fee: $12 Registration is required. Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: McIntyre Ranch, located at the very end of St. John’s Mine Road, across from the Solano Community College Vallejo Center at 545 Columbus Parkway. Take St. John’s Mine Road and cross over the cattle crossing. |
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Old Fashioned Christmas Bazaar at the Peña Adobe
Saturday,
DEC
5, 2015
11:00 AM PEÑA ADOBE HISTORICAL SOCIETY & RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Peña Adobe Park Join us on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and shop for Christmas gifts! Tour the historic Peña Adobe, built in 1842, and visit the Mowers-Goheen Museum. The Peña Adobe, historical landmark #534, was home of the Peña family, who with the Vaca family, settled in Vacaville over one hundred seventy years ago. The Museum collection of artifacts includes Peña family heirlooms, and local Patwin tribe relics. Meet local author Ted Haskins! His book “Twice Delivered” is the heartwarming memoir detailing the journey of two siblings – from separation to reunion 55 years later. Coauthored by Jeanette Meade, it is the true story of a women’s quest to find the brother she never knew. If you are looking for gifts, other books by local authors available will include: Fern Henry’s “My Checkered Life”, Francie Vicondoa’s “Spanish Doors, Dishes and Dreams”, Elissa DeCaro’s “Images of America – Suisun City and Valley”, Brian Irwin’s “Vacaville Then & Now” and Jerry Bowen’s “Images of America - Vacaville”. In addition to Solano County historical books, antique soap dishes, candle holders, baked goods and the newly released Vacaville Heritage Council’s 2016 calendar, will all be available. For more information, call (707) 447-0518 or visit our website. Location: 4699 Peña Adobe Road Vacaville DIRECTIONS: The park is located on Peña Adobe Road just off of Interstate 80. |
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6th Annual Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Saturday,
DEC
5, 2015
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Every weekend evening Friday–Sunday, 5:00pm-8:00pm. Rain or shine! Walk the 1-mile paved trail with holiday lighting to the Naval Cemetery, Rowser Garden, and the Spirit Ship. Music, refreshments, gift items, and a campfire at the Visitors Center, at the south end of Railroad Ave. Free but donations appreciated. Location: 167 O’Hara Ct Mare Island Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Preserve Visitor Center, Building A-167, at the end of Railroad Ave (1595 Railroad Ave) |
