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4th Annual McCormack Ranch Sheepdog Trials
Saturday,
APR
1, 2017
9:00 AM MCCORMACK SHEEP & GRAIN — McCormack Ranch Highly trained dogs and their handlers convene Friday, March 1 – Sunday, April 2 at the McCormack Ranch outside of Rio Vista in hopes to win a place at the upcoming National Sheepdog Finals in September. The rolling Montezuma Hills are bucolic, the trial course is tough, the dogs amazing and the sheep typical, meaning they act naturally but not always as expected! This all adds up to a challenging event for dogs and handlers alike and great fun for the viewing public. Bring your blanket or folding chairs and don’t forget your binoculars! Over 80 dogs and handlers from several western states and as far away as the east show their skills moving sheep around a large course within an allotted time limit. Dogs and handlers are judged by their ability to complete all the tasks required for competent livestock work. Admission, good for one day, is $15 for adults and free for children under 12. For more information, check online or call Jeannie McCormack at (707) 374-2254. Location: 7680 Montezuma Hills Road Rio Vista DIRECTIONS: At the junction of Emigh Road and Montezuma Hills Road. |
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Hike at King-Swett Ranches
Saturday,
APR
1, 2017
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — King-Swett Ranches Come explore the hills between Fairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo! You'll be led by 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 up to 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. Only heavy rain or high fire danger cancels—call Jim at 925-519-1834 if the weather is uncertain. Space is limited. Pre-registration recommended online. Leader: Jim Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Meet 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). Be ready to carpool or caravan from there. |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
APR
1, 2017
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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Wildflowers & Water Critters Walk
Saturday,
APR
1, 2017
10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Jepson Prairie Jepson Prairie Preserve is one of California’s best remaining examples of a vernal pool ecosystem and native grassland prairie. Dry and dormant most of the year, the prairie is transformed by winter rains into a tapestry of stunning colors, and its vernal pools host a rich diversity of rare aquatic life. Enjoy an easy guided walk which may include portions of the Preserve that are only accessible with a Jepson Prairie docent. Learn about vernal pools and see the aquatic invertebrate and flowering plants that depend on them. Expect a slow pace and meandering route with lots of opportunities to bend down and look at tiny wildflowers. All ages are welcome. It is often windy. The preserve is a working ranch with free-range sheep. There is no drinking water. In order to protect endangered species and sensitive habitat, dogs are not allowed. Bring abackpack with plenty of water and snacks and/or a picnic lunch. Wear boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes, preferably ones that are waterproof, layered clothes, and protection from the elements—sun (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), wind, fog, rain. You may also want to bring a hand lens, binoculars and a camera. Park and meet near the outhouse. Rain may cancel. Call Kate at 530-758-5093 if the weather is uncertain. If your group is 6 or more, RSVP to Kate Mawdsley by email or at 530-758-5093. Free but a donation is requested. Leader: Kate Mawdsley Location: Dixon DIRECTIONS: Cook Lane off Highway 113 South 12 miles south of Dixon |
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Peña Adobe Open House
Saturday,
APR
1, 2017
11:00 AM PEÑA ADOBE HISTORICAL SOCIETY & RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Peña Adobe Park This month's Open House will feature “Artists at the Adobe” from 11:00am until 2:00pm. Fairfield’s Sandy Imperatori and members from art workshops she has conducted in Rancho Solano and Vacaville will be on hand. Bring your art supplies and join the fun or bring a picnic and enjoy the wildlife and scenery. Last year’s event included over 150 participants. There is no charge for admission into the historical park. Also explore the Pena Adobe, who with the Vaca family first settled in Vacaville in 1842, the Willis Jepson Memorial Garden, and the Indian Council Grounds. Enjoy horseshoe pits, a multi-purpose field, a small pond, and excellent hiking. Dogs are welcome on leashes. Docents will be on hand to lead tours of the Peña Adobe, the Museum and the grounds. For questions in advance, call (707) 447-0518. The park is located at 4966 Pena Adobe Road in Vacaville’s rural southwest section just off of Interstate 80 to the left of the Lagoon Valley Park entrance. Leader: Sandy Imperatori Location: 4699 Peña Adobe Road Vacaville DIRECTIONS: The park is located on Peña Adobe Road just off of Interstate 80. |
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Scenic Limited Wildflower Train
Saturday,
APR
1, 2017
11:00 AM BAY AREA ELECTRIC RAILROAD ASSOCIATION — Western Railway Museum Come ride the annual Scenic Limited on a leisurely 11-mile round trip through the heart of Northern California. Enjoy the rolling Montezuma Hills and views of Mt. Diablo as you travel what was once the Sacramento Northern mainline on our historic train. The Scenic Limited runs April 1 - 30. Train departs Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00am, 12:30pm and 2:00pm. General admission is $10 adults, $9 Seniors and $7 kids 2-14. Members are free. First Class fare includes cookies and lemonade in the beautiful parlor car - $17 Adults, $16 Seniors 65+, $14 Kids 2-14 and Members $7. Enjoy the day at the museum so you can explore historic railway exhibits, ride a vintage streetcar, make use of our large shaded picnic grounds, and visit our Museum Store, library archives, and the Depot Cafe. Scenic Limited tickets are now available online. Proceeds from ticket sales help support the Western Railway Museum, and a portion of proceeds go to the Solano Midnight Sun Foundation. Their mission is to provide assistance and resources to men and women in our local community affected by breast cancer. SMSF also promotes breast health and early detection. Location: 5848 State Highway 12 Suisun City DIRECTIONS: Between Fairfield and Rio Vista |
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Centennial Park Restoration
Saturday,
APR
1, 2017
12:30 PM SOLANO RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT — Centennial Park Solano RCD is hosting volunteer events to plant native plants in Vacaville this winter. We will be working from 12:30-3:30 in Centennial Park in north Vacaville and will be planting a wide variety of native perennial wildflowers and forbs (goldenrod, aster, mugwort, milkweed, etc.) to provide food resources for pollinators. We will provide all necessary tools, work gloves, and snacks. All of these events are family friendly, but we do ask that children under the age of 14 work closely with an adult. Please RSVP by email if you are interested in participating. Location: Vacaville DIRECTIONS: Meeting location provided on RSVP. |
