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Hike at King-Swett Ranches
Saturday,
APR
4, 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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Local Wild History and Wildflowers
Saturday,
APR
4, 2015
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rockville Trails Preserve Join docent John McVicar for a moderate hike. As you look at the beautiful views and wildflowers, he will regale you with his many tales of the local area, its interesting people and historical events. Expect to travel about 4 miles of rocky, hilly terrain. Appropriate for children over the age of five if they like to hike. Wear hiking boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with good tread, and long, sturdy pants and layered clothes that provide protection from the elements (sun, wind, fog, rain, cold). Hiking sticks, bug repellent, binoculars and a camera are also recommended. Heavy rain cancels. Call John if the weather is uncertain: 707-718-3498. High fire danger or heavy rain cancels. Advance registration is required. Register online. For questions, call John at 707-718-3498. Leader: John McVicar Registration is required. Location: Fairfield DIRECTIONS: Park and meet your guide promptly by the starting time at the big red "Ice House" building on Suisun Valley Ct., near the intersection of Rockville Rd. and Suisun Valley Rd., behind La Barista Espresso. Be ready to immediately carpool or caravan from there to the trailhead. |
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Volunteer Opportunity: Ranch Crew
Saturday,
APR
4, 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,
APR
4, 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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Spring Break at Mare Island Preserve
Saturday,
APR
4, 2015
10:00 AM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Spring Break starts at the Mare Island Preserve on Friday, Mar 27, and continues through Sunday, April 12. Open daily, 10am to hour after sunset. Yes, really. Come out and take advantage of the beauty of spring in the Preserve. Bring some friends and family, too! Location: 167 O’Hara Ct Mare Island Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Preserve Visitor Center, Building A-167, at the end of Railroad Ave |
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Wildflowers & Aquatic Critters Walk
Saturday,
APR
4, 2015
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. Note: It 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
4, 2015
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. Location: Vacaville DIRECTIONS: The park is located at Peña Adobe Road just off of Interstate 80. |
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Scenic Limited Wildflower Train
Saturday,
APR
4, 2015
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. Coach tickets are $11 for adults, $10 for seniors 65 years and older, and $8 for children 2-14. All coach tickets are all first-come, first-served. All first-class tickets are $6 extra, and include cookies and lemonade served by uniformed staff. Advanced reservations for first-class accepted online or by calling 800-838-3006. Location: 5848 State Highway 12 Suisun City DIRECTIONS: Between Fairfield and Rio Vista |
