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Guided Outing to Green Valley Falls   Saturday,  MAY  2, 2015
9:00 AM

BAY AREA RIDGE TRAIL —  Green Valley Falls
One of the most picturesque places in Solano County, this waterfall vies for the title of most beautiful in the Bay Area. The falls flow all year long and it is cool and inviting even on a hot day. The hike is fairly short, but there are some steep and difficult spots. The hike should last about 3 hours. The City of Vallejo limits each hike to 30 people. We'll take reservations on a first-come first-served basis. You must bring a photo ID, be older than 12 years old, and be accompanied by a parent or guardian if you are under 18. Save your spot now by registering online now.
Entrance Fee: $25
Location: Fairfield  
DIRECTIONS: End of Green Valley Road in Fairfield.

 
Hike at King-Swett Ranches   Saturday,  MAY  2, 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.

 
Nature Journaling at Rockville Trails Preserve   Saturday,  MAY  2, 2015
9:00 AM

SOLANO LAND TRUST —  Rockville Trails Preserve
Beginners or experienced nature journalists, come hike the hills of Rockville Trails Preserve stopping to admire and sketch, paint or photograph wildflowers, trees and grassy landscapes. Once you capture a flower on paper, you'll never forget it. Nature Journaling is a wonderful way to experience nature. Discussions will include experiences and knowledge of the flowers and Nature Journaling. Expect an easy pace hiking 3-5 miles up and down rocky, steep, and slippery hills that are full of sticky seeds and thorny plants. Some travel may be off-trail. The preserve is a working ranch where free-range cattle roam as they please. Visitors must be accompanied by a docent at all times. Since the preserve is otherwise closed, the entry and exit gate will be locked except for the start and end times of the hike. There is no drinking water nor bathrooms. In order to protect wildlife, cattle, and rare plants--and for your pet's safety--dogs are not allowed. Maintain a safe distance from cattle and wildlife, and be aware that this is tick, rattlesnake, mountain lion, and wild pig country. Rain cancels. Meet promptly at 8:45. Pre-registration required online. For questions, call Cathy at 707-745-1913.
Leader: Cathy
Location: Fairfield  
DIRECTIONS: Meet promptly at 8:45 at the big red "Ice House" building on Suisun Valley Ct, near the intersection of Rockville Rd and Suisun Valley Rd, Fairfield, CA. Be ready to immediately carpool or caravan from there to the trailhead.

 
Volunteer Opportunity: Ranch Crew   Saturday,  MAY  2, 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.

 
Garden Volunteer Day   Saturday,  MAY  2, 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  

 
Wildflowers & Aquatic Critters Walk   Saturday,  MAY  2, 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

 
Peña Adobe Open House   Saturday,  MAY  2, 2015
11:00 AM

PEÑA ADOBE HISTORICAL SOCIETY & RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL —  Peña Adobe Park
This month, Fairfield’s Sandy Imporatori 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. 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.