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Visions of the Wild
Saturday,
SEP
6, 2014
9:00 AM What is your vision of the wild? Whether it's bird watching in your local park or backpacking through remote forest, wildness is where you find it. Join us September 3rd-6th in downtown Vallejo for this unique celebration of wilderness on the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. This cross-cultural event features music, art, films, author events, field trips, speakers, panels, camping workshops and activities for young people. A festival pass offers entry to all events at the Empress Theatre and a choice of guided field trips on Saturday, Sep 6. Student ID required for discount ticket. Price increases to $50 after Sept 1. Note: Children under 8 years old are not allowed on the Napa River Cruise. 3-Day Festival Pass: $20 Students / $40 General, Napa River Cruise and 3-Day Festival Pass: $60. Click for more information. Entrance Fee: $40 Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: The Empress Theater and various locations around Vallejo. |
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Volunteer Opportunity: Trail Crew
Saturday,
SEP
6, 2014
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rush Ranch Our land is our future, so jump in with your boots on! Rush Ranch is over 2,000 acres of tidal marsh and upland grasses. Help Solano Land Trust's Land Steward, Ken Poerner, maintain it through trail 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. WHAT TO BRING: a backpack with plenty of water and snacks, heavy work gloves, eye protection (e.g., sunglasses), 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. Meet Ken promptly in the Rush Ranch courtyard. RSVP (appreciated, not required) to Ken Poerner at 707-580-6277 or email. 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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Where the Wild Things Are
Saturday,
SEP
6, 2014
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — King-Swett Ranches Explore the hills between Fairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo—known as the King-Swett Ranches—as part of Visions of the Wild: A Festival Connecting Nature, Culture & Community. A Festival Connecting Nature, Culture & Community. You'll be led by Jim Walsh, an expert Solano Land Trust guide who knows this area inside out. He'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. There are no bathrooms. 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. RSVP to Jim at 916-870-4824 or by email. Leader: Jim Walsh Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Meet Jim 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,
SEP
6, 2014
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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Peña Adobe Open House
Saturday,
SEP
6, 2014
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. Docent-led nature walks will begin at 11:15, 12:15 and 1:15. This is a great family friendly opportunity to have fun. Leader: Little Bear Location: Vacaville DIRECTIONS: The park is located at Peña Adobe Road just off of Interstate 80. |
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Walk on the Wild Side
Saturday,
SEP
6, 2014
2:00 PM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Open Space Park Take a walk on the wild side at Lynch Canyon as part of Visions of the Wild: A Festival Connecting Nature, Culture & Community. Your guide, Natalie DuMont, will encourage you to use all your senses to explore and observe this wild land. What sounds will we become aware of when our eyes are closed? How many pollinators will we notice out and about? What clues will wildlife leave behind to tell us who they are and what they eat? Come find out! All ages are welcome. This will be a very slow-paced hike with frequent stops, covering 2 miles or less. The route may include rugged, steep, and slippery hills that are full of sticky seeds and thorny plants. Expect rough, rocky, uneven ground. This is a working ranch where free-range cattle roam as they please. There is no drinking water. There is one bathroom, located in the parking lot. In order to protect wildlife, cattle, and rare plants—and for your pet's safety—dogs are not allowed. This is tick, mountain lion, and potentially rattlesnake country. Bring a backpack with plenty of water and snacks. Wear boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with good tread, layered clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, long, sturdy pants are recommended, and protection from the elements (sun, wind, fog, rain). Optional: gaiters (to protect your legs from thorny plants), hiking sticks, bug repellent, binoculars, a camera, and a magnifying glass. Parking is $5 per motorized vehicle. Meet your guide beside the parking lot kiosk. Extreme weather cancels (e.g., heavy rain or red flag conditions)—call Natalie at 415-517-2624 if the weather is uncertain. Leader: Natalie DuMont Parking Fee: $5 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. |
