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Third Annual McCormack Ranch Sheepdog Trials
Saturday,
APR
2, 2016
8:00 AM MCCORMACK SHEEP & GRAIN — McCormack Ranch Highly trained dogs and their handlers convene Friday, April 1 – Sunday, April 3 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, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Separate tickets for a delicious lamb barbecue, hosted by the Montezuma Fire Department, Saturday, April 2 from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM are available for $15. Rio Vista Youth Services sells drinks and barbeque hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs every day from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Alcohol is not sold. Attendance is limited to 200 people per day. Parking is free. A farm wagon takes you from the parking lot to the event. The only animals allowed at the dog trials are those dogs entering the contest. No other dogs or pets are permitted to enter the gates, except for legitimate service dogs for disabled persons. Event sponsors are the National Border Collie Association, McCormack Sheep & Grain, Rio Vista Youth Services and Rio Vista Soroptimist, with much help from the wider Rio Vista community. For information, visit 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
2, 2016
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 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. Only heavy rain or high fire danger cancels—call Jim at 707-332-4359 if the weather is uncertain. Space is limited. Pre-registration recommended online. 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). (Jim has a white "TruGreen" pickup truck). Be ready to carpool or caravan from there. |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
APR
2, 2016
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
2, 2016
10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Jepson Prairie Jepson Prairie Preserve is one of California’s best remaining examples of vernal pools and native grasslands. Enjoy an easy walk in a portion of the Preserve only accessible with a Jepson Prairie docent. The Preserve explodes into color during its spring wildflower display. 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. WHAT TO BRING: Protection from sun, wind, fog, and rain. Jepson Prairie is often windy! Cash donation suggested but not required: $5/adult. No RSVP for groups up to five; for more than five, please RSVP to Kate by email or at 530-758-5093. 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
2, 2016
11:00 AM PEÑA ADOBE HISTORICAL SOCIETY & RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Peña Adobe Park Join the Peña Adobe Historical Society for our monthly Open House. The Peña Adobe Park located just off Interstate 80 at Peña Adobe Road. Visit the center of attraction at the 11/2 acre historical park and one of the oldest structures in Solano County, California historical landmark #534 and the former home of the Peña family. The park also includes the Mowers-Goheen Museum, the Willis Linn Jepson Memorial Garden, Indian Council Ground and picnic and recreation facilities. This month, Fairfield’s Sandy Imperatori and members from art workshops she has conducted in Rancho Solano and Vacaville will be at Peña Adobe Park for “Artists at the Adobe”! Sandy studied BFA Graphic Design at Carnegie Mellon University and has conducted the Plein Air Workshop in Virginia City, Nevada for over 20 years. The former Gallery Director of the Fairfield Visual Arts Association, Sandy began drawing and painting as a young child, and has been painting watercolor for 25 years, which has led to several awards. Joining the day’s activities will be Vacaville High School’s Art Club. Students will be on site demonstrating nature themed sidewalk chalk drawings. Bring your art supplies and join the fun or bring a picnic and enjoy the wildlife and scenery. Docents will be on hand to answer questions and conduct tours of the Peña Adobe, built in 1842 by the Peña family and the adjacent Mowers-Goheen Museum. For more information, call (707) 447-0518. 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
2, 2016
11:00 AM BAY AREA ELECTRIC RAILROAD ASSOCIATION — Western Railway Museum All aboard for the Scenic Limited, running on Wednesdays, Saturday, and Sundays in April at 11am, 12:30pm, and 2pm! The Scenic Limited is an hour-long ride for all ages that highlights the natural wildflowers that dot the hillsides. Passengers admire panoramic views populated with native wildflowers such as poppies, goldfields, and lupine. A limited number of first-class seats can be reserved in the Parlor-Observation car, which include cookies and lemonade. Special rates available for current Museum members. General Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors 65 years and older, and $7 for children 2-14. All coach tickets are all first-come, first-served. All first-class tickets are $7 extra, and include cookies and lemonade served by uniformed staff. Advanced reservations for first-class accepted online. Admission is good for the entire day so you can explore historic railway exhibits, ride vintage streetcar, make use of our large shaded picnic grounds, and visit our Museum Store, library archives, and the Depot Cafe. Parking is free. Location: 5848 State Highway 12 Suisun City DIRECTIONS: Between Fairfield and Rio Vista |
