Upcoming Events List

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, FEB 5, 2016 8:00 AM NAPA - SOLANO AUDUBON SOCIETY — Napa and Solano Counties The destination for each Friday bird walk is not decided until a few days before the trip. An email is sent out each week describing the destination for the upcoming trip. If you would like to be added to the email list for Friday Bird Walks, you can submit your information on our sign-up page. Car-poolers will share driving expenses (recommended $.40/mi to be split by the number of riders). Leader: Murray Berner DIRECTIONS: Meet at Sweeney's Sport Store, 1537 Imola Ave West, Napa, to carpool.

	Citizen Science - Planting! Saturday, FEB 6, 2016 8:30 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Vallejo Swett Ranch Get involved in science on our lands! Solano Land Trust staff scientist Sue Wickham will teach you all you need to know. The plan for this particular day: Restoration assistance and planting. We will be planting shrubs and trees in a small riparian area and at disturbed construction areas at the Vallejo Swett Pond #5. About 25 trees will get large cages. This is an outdoor experience involving physical exertion. There is usually no shade. Be prepared to be moving outdoors for approximately four hours. Depending on the citizen science goals for the day, you may be hiking, doing physical work, and/or recording observations about plants and animals. You may be using hand tools like clippers; lifting, carrying and lowering supplies; bending over, squatting and kneeling on dirt, grasses and weeds; and sweating. Ages 12 and up who are comfortable with this kind of physical exertion are welcome—those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and must have a liability waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. Tools are provided. Bring a backpack with plenty of water and snacks, sturdy work gloves, eye protection (e.g., sunglasses), and wear boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with tread for rough, steep, and slippery terrain, long, sturdy pants and layered clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and protection from the elements (sun, wind, fog, rain). Optional: bug repellent, your favorite gardening tools, and binoculars to enjoy the birds! Pre-registration is required. Contact Sue at 707-432-0150 x 207 or by email. Meeting place directions provided upon registration. Leader: Sue Wickham Registration is required. Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Directions provided upon registration.

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, FEB 6, 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

	Peña Adobe Open House Saturday, FEB 6, 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. 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.

	Tuesday Bird Walk Tuesday, FEB 9, 2016 7:00 AM NAPA - SOLANO AUDUBON SOCIETY — Napa and Solano Counties Walks will be led by Wendy Schackwitz or Steve Gerstle and will usually be over by noon. Information about locations and time will be emailed to those signed up to receive NSAS announcements and will be updated on our website two days before the walk. A donation of $5.00 is suggested but not mandatory. Leader: Wendy Schackwitz or Steve Gerstle

	Citizen Science Friday Friday, FEB 12, 2016 8:30 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Get involved in science on our lands! Solano Land Trust staff scientist Sue Wickham will teach you all you need to know. This is an outdoor experience involving physical exertion. There is usually no shade. Be prepared to be moving outdoors for approximately four hours. Depending on the citizen science goals for the day, you may be hiking, doing physical work, and/or recording observations about plants and animals. You may be using hand tools like clippers; lifting, carrying and lowering supplies; bending over, squatting and kneeling on dirt, grasses and weeds; and sweating. Ages 12 and up who are comfortable with this kind of physical exertion are welcome—those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and must have a liability waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. Tools are provided. Bring a backpack with plenty of water and snacks, sturdy work gloves, eye protection (e.g., sunglasses), and wear boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with tread for rough, steep, and slippery terrain, long, sturdy pants and layered clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and protection from the elements (sun, wind, fog, rain). Optional: bug repellent, your favorite gardening tools, and binoculars to enjoy the birds! Pre-registration is required. Contact Sue at 707-432-0150 x 207 or by email. Meeting place directions provided upon registration. Leader: Sue Wickham Registration is required. DIRECTIONS: Directions provided upon registration.

	Habitat Planting at Winters Friday, FEB 12, 2016 9:30 AM PUTAH CREEK COUNCIL — Putah Creek Nature Park Join Putah Creek Council staff and our partners at Solano County Water Agency in planting native trees, shrubs, and sedges along Putah Creek in Winters Putah Creek Nature Park. These plants were raised by community volunteers in the CAL FIRE Native Plant Nursery in Davis. The vegetation will help to improve wildlife habitat, bank stability, and soil health. We provide all the tools and supplies, including gloves. Meet at 9:30 am and plan to work until noon. Please dress appropriately for the weather in clothes that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Don't forget your water bottle! If you are under 18, you MUST bring this completed liability form with a parent's signature. This event will happen rain or shine. PCC will bring ponchos and mud boots if necessary. You can register for this event online. Location: Winters Rotary Park 201 Railroad Ave. DIRECTIONS: Meet at the Winters Rotary Park in Winters, CA.

	Great Backyard Bird Count & Walk Saturday, FEB 13, 2016 9:00 AM NAPA-SOLANO AUDUBON SOCIETY — Rush Ranch February 12-15 is the national Audubon Great Backyard Bird Count, and this workshop will show you how you can participate and help scientists better understand the world around us by recording the birds that you see in your backyard. The workshop begins at 9am., followed by a bird walk at Rush Ranch Open Space and Grizzly Island Wildlife Area at 9:30 a.m. until noon. Walks are appropriate for all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). This walk requires some hiking up hills. Please bring binoculars if you have them and water. Meet at the Rush Ranch parking lot at 9:00 a.m. Contact Wendy for more information. 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.

	Tree Maintenance Day Saturday, FEB 13, 2016 9:00 AM BENICIA TREE FOUNDATION — Lake Herman Regional Park Last November, the Benicia Tree Foundation and the California Conservation Corps at Lake Herman Regional Park planted 79 coast live oaks, 20 valley oaks, and four California buckeyes east of the paved pathway that connects Lake Herman Regional Park with Benicia Community Park. Now it's time to give them some TLC. We'll work from 9 am to Noon. No experience necessary. Tools and instruction provided. Bring gloves if you have them. Children under 14 must have accompanying adult and all participants must sign our release waiver. RSVP for details on meeting point by contacting the Benicia Tree Foundation at 745-4675 or by email. Location: Benicia DIRECTIONS: RSVP for meeting place details.

	Valentine's Day Hike Saturday, FEB 13, 2016 9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rockville Trails Preserve Come celebrate Valentine's Day weekend with nature's own valentines. Learn about other local historical relationships too. Bring your own valentine along if you like! Take advantage of this special opportunity if you can because Rockville Trails Preserve is otherwise closed. Wear hiking boots or trail running shoes with good grip (to prevent falls on the slippery, steep, rugged terrain), long socks pulled over long, sturdy pants (to protect your legs from thorny plants and any poison oak, and to make any ticks more visible so that you can brush them off you), layered clothes and protection from the elements (sun, wind, fog, rain), and bring a backpack with plenty of water and snacks. You may also want to bring hiking sticks, gaiters, bug repellent, binoculars, and a camera. Since there is no parking lot at Rockville Trails Preserve, please meet your guide promptly and be ready to leave immediately from the big red barn with "Ice House" printed on its side, located on Suisun Vly Ct, near the southeast corner of the Rockville Rd. and Suisun Valley Rd. intersection, behind La Barista Espresso, Fairfield, CA. Space is limited. Pre-register online. For additional questions, call Jim at 707-372-6090. Rain cancels. Call if the weather is uncertain. Registration is required. Location: Rockville Rd & Suisun Valley Rd Fairfield DIRECTIONS: Meet promptly 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. MAP

	Volunteer Opportunity: Trail Crew Saturday, FEB 13, 2016 9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Open Space Park Help us take care of Lynch Canyon's 1,000 plus acres. Projects include improving trails, fixing fences, weeding, and the like. Ages 12 and up are welcome—under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 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. Meet promptly in the parking lot. RSVP by email or call at 707-580-6277 so he can bring enough tools. Ages 12 and up who are comfortable with this type of physical work are welcome—under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and must have a liability waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. When you arrive, ask the leader for a free parking pass. If you RSVP, tools and free lunch are provided. Rain cancels. Call Ken if the weather is uncertain. Leader: Ken Poerner 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.

	Volunteer Planting Saturday, FEB 13, 2016 9:00 AM SOLANO RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT — Centennial Park The rain is here and Solano RCD has several great volunteer opportunities to help restore local waterways! This winter we’ll be planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses along Horse Creek in Centennial Park in northern Vacaville. Please RSVP if you are interested in participating. We will work from 9am to 12noon. Families are welcome at these events, but we need anyone under the age of 14 to work closely with their parents. Site location and other information will be sent once you RSVP. As always, we’ll provide all necessary tools as well as snacks. Feel free to email Katherine if you have questions. Registration is required. Location: Vacaville DIRECTIONS: Details for the meeting location will be given on RSVP.

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, FEB 13, 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

	Habitat Planting at Winters Saturday, FEB 13, 2016 9:30 AM PUTAH CREEK COUNCIL — Putah Creek Nature Park Join Putah Creek Council staff and our partners at Solano County Water Agency in planting native trees, shrubs, and sedges along Putah Creek in Winters Putah Creek Nature Park. These plants were raised by community volunteers in the CAL FIRE Native Plant Nursery in Davis. The vegetation will help to improve wildlife habitat, bank stability, and soil health. We provide all the tools and supplies, including gloves. Meet at 9:30 am and plan to work until noon. Please dress appropriately for the weather in clothes that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Don't forget your water bottle! If you are under 18, you MUST bring this completed liability form with a parent's signature. This event will happen rain or shine. PCC will bring ponchos and mud boots if necessary. You can register for this event online. Location: Winters Rotary Park 201 Railroad Ave. DIRECTIONS: Meet at the Winters Rotary Park in Winters, CA.

	Cupid's Valentine Splash Saturday, FEB 13, 2016 12:00 PM CITY OF FAIRFIELD — Aquatics Complex Natatorium Swimming with your family and friends is in the Air! Delight in a fun-filled afternoon swimming with our family and your favorite sweetheart! Come have a sweet time in the refreshing warm waters at the Aquatics Complex at Allan Witt Park. Enjoy little cupid swim races, valentine games and take home a handmade valentines card for your friends. Pre-registration is encouraged. Cost is $8 or $5 spectator. Call 428-7726 for more information or visit EZReg and click on Special Events. Registration is required. Location: Allan Witt Park 1741 W Texas St Fairfield

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, FEB 19, 2016 8:00 AM NAPA - SOLANO AUDUBON SOCIETY — Napa and Solano Counties The destination for each Friday bird walk is not decided until a few days before the trip. An email is sent out each week describing the destination for the upcoming trip. If you would like to be added to the email list for Friday Bird Walks, you can submit your information on our sign-up page. Car-poolers will share driving expenses (recommended $.40/mi to be split by the number of riders). Leader: Murray Berner DIRECTIONS: Meet at Sweeney's Sport Store, 1537 Imola Ave West, Napa, to carpool.

	20th Annual San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival Friday, FEB 19, 2016 3:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Please join us Feb 19-21 for our 20th Annual Flyway Festival! We'll be headquartered at Mare Island with activities scheduled at other nearby venues also. The seasonal wetlands are filled, ensuring that they will be brimming with wildlife too! The Flyway Festival includes an art and photography show, exhibition hall with great exhibitors, and an abundance of guided walks to view the magnificent variety of migratory birds. For more information, visit us on on Facebook. For a PDF schedule of events, click here. Location: Bldg 253, 575 Connolly St. Mare Island Vallejo

	20th Annual San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival Saturday, FEB 20, 2016 9:00 AM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Please join us Feb 19-21 for our 20th Annual Flyway Festival! We'll be headquartered at Mare Island with activities scheduled at other nearby venues also. The seasonal wetlands are filled, ensuring that they will be brimming with wildlife too! The Flyway Festival includes an art and photography show, exhibition hall with great exhibitors, and an abundance of guided walks to view the magnificent variety of migratory birds. For more information, visit us on on Facebook. For a PDF schedule of events, click here. Location: Bldg 253, 575 Connolly St. Mare Island Vallejo

	Rockville Hills Regional Park Trail Crew Saturday, FEB 20, 2016 9:00 AM CITY OF FAIRFIELD — Rockville Hills Regional Park The Rockville Trail Crew volunteer work days are scheduled for the third Saturday of every month from 9-12noon, rain or shine! Trail Crew volunteers provide technical assistance with trail maintenance and construction activities on the trails. Trail Crew volunteer duties consist of clearing rocks, trees, brush and other debris from proposed trail routes; build/repair walk ways, bridges or other structures; grade/fill existing trail paths to ensure user safety; and attend all required meetings and training sessions. Volunteers should bring water, gloves and a tool if available. Volunteers should wear layered clothing and sturdy shoes. A snack and beverage provided for volunteers. Meet at the parking area. If you are not a regular volunteer, please RSVP to Ranger Teri, (707) 249-3613, or by email. Location: 2149 Rockville Rd Fairfield

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, FEB 20, 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

	Rush Ranch 'Get the Rush' Saturday, FEB 20, 2016 10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST & RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Rush Ranch Get the Rush is a series of fun and free activities for the whole family, offered on the third Saturday of every month at Rush Ranch. All ages and mobility levels are welcome! This event is 100% volunteer-run and activities vary month-to-month. February Activities -- 10am-1pm: Blacksmithing: Travel back in time by entering a traditional blacksmith shop. Try blacksmithing and make an iron nail or other keepsake. -- 10am-Noon: Science Discovery Labs: Learning stations will be set-up with engaging science and engineering activities for families. -- Noon-1pm: Guided Walk alongside the Tidal Marsh: Rush Ranch is locally loved and nationally famous. Learn why scientists across the country get so excited about the tidal marsh at Rush Ranch, and why the natural mixing of saltwater and freshwater in the marsh is so good for people and the plants and animals that call Rush Ranch home. Up to one mile. -- 11am-1pm: Weather permitting, ride around the ranch on a horse-drawn wagon. Wheelchair users are encouraged to board the wagon and experience the ride; the wagons are specially-designed with a wheelchair lift. 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.

	NSAS Field Trip Sunday, FEB 21, 2016 8:00 AM NAPA-SOLANO AUDUBON SOCIETY — Rush Ranch & Grizzly Island Wildlife Area Rush Ranch is an important bird area, bordered on one side by the Suisun Marsh, a vital component of the San Francisco Bay/Delta Estuary. Within its boundaries is one of the best remaining examples of brackish tidal marsh habitat, exceptionally rich in vegetation and wildlife. We will look for Burrowing, Great Horned, and Barn Owls, raptors, ducks, and Tricolored Blackbirds. Then, we will visit the marsh for rails and continue on to Grizzly Island for ducks, shorebirds, possible bittern, and Loggerhead Shrike. It is free to the public every day of the year. Donations are accepted at the Iron Ranger within the parking lot. Bring lunch and water. Meet Ken at the McDonald's on the corner of Highway 12 and Grizzly Island Road in Suisun City. Leader: Ken Poerner Location: Suisun City DIRECTIONS: Take Hwy 80 to CA-12 east towards Suisun/Rio Vista. Go five miles to Grizzly Island Road. Meet Ken at the McDonalds on the corner.

	20th Annual San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival Sunday, FEB 21, 2016 9:00 AM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Please join us Feb 19-21 for our 20th Annual Flyway Festival! We'll be headquartered at Mare Island with activities scheduled at other nearby venues also. The seasonal wetlands are filled, ensuring that they will be brimming with wildlife too! The Flyway Festival includes an art and photography show, exhibition hall with great exhibitors, and an abundance of guided walks to view the magnificent variety of migratory birds. For more information, visit us on on Facebook. For a PDF schedule of events, click here. Location: Bldg 253, 575 Connolly St. Mare Island Vallejo

	Winter's Day Hike Monday, FEB 22, 2016 9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rockville Trails Preserve Enjoy this winter's day outdoors! Explore the hills between Suisun Valley and Green Valley, and see sweeping views of Solano County and beyond. Take advantage of this special opportunity if you can because Rockville Trails Preserve is otherwise closed. Wear hiking boots or trail running shoes with good grip (to prevent falls on the slippery, steep, rugged terrain), long socks pulled over long, sturdy pants (to protect your legs from thorny plants and any poison oak, and to make any ticks more visible so that you can brush them off you), layered clothes and protection from the elements (sun, wind, fog, rain), and bring a backpack with plenty of water and snacks. You may also want to bring hiking sticks, gaiters, bug repellent, binoculars, and a camera. Since there is no parking lot at Rockville Trails Preserve, please meet your guide promptly and be ready to leave immediately from the big red barn with "Ice House" printed on its side, located on Suisun Vly Ct, near the southeast corner of the Rockville Rd. and Suisun Valley Rd. intersection, behind La Barista Espresso, Fairfield, CA. Space is limited. Pre-register online. Heavy rain cancels. Registration is required. Location: Rockville Rd & Suisun Valley Rd Fairfield DIRECTIONS: Meet promptly 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. MAP

	Tuesday Bird Walk Tuesday, FEB 23, 2016 7:00 AM NAPA - SOLANO AUDUBON SOCIETY — Napa and Solano Counties Walks will be led by Wendy Schackwitz or Steve Gerstle and will usually be over by noon. Information about locations and time will be emailed to those signed up to receive NSAS announcements and will be updated on our website two days before the walk. A donation of $5.00 is suggested but not mandatory. Leader: Wendy Schackwitz or Steve Gerstle

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, FEB 27, 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

	Polar Bear Plunge Saturday, FEB 27, 2016 10:30 AM CITY OF VACAVILLE — Walter Graham Aquatic Center Brave the cold at the Polar Bear Plunge! Come splash in Frosty's Castle, Chilly Tank and ride the Arctic Slide. There will be a costume contest and hot cocoa to warm you up after the plunge! Pre-registration is required by Feb. 19 to guarantee a spot. First 20 pre-registered participants will receive a T-shirt! Call 469-4030. Location: 1000 Alamo Drive Vacaville

	Eagles, Hawks & other Birds of Prey Hike Sunday, FEB 28, 2016 10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Join Larry Broderick and team for a hiking tour featuring resident, migrating and over-wintering birds of prey. Broderick is a gifted and entertaining teacher who brings over 25 years of experience researching, rescuing and rehabilitating raptors. Learn about these majestic birds, including where they go, what they do, and how to distinguish different species based on their looks, behaviors, and the ways they fly. Birds of prey we've seen on past hikes include Golden and Bald Eagles, Rough-legged, Cooper's, Sharp-shinned and Ferruginous Hawks, Peregrine and Prairie Falcons, and other more common raptor species. COST: $10 per person (payable when registering) plus $6 per vehicle (payable at the park). Space is limited. Pre-registration and pre-payment preferred online. Bring: binoculars, snacks or a bag lunch, 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. Also recommended: camera, hiking sticks, and bug repellant. Rain may cancel. Call Larry at 707-791-0335 if the weather is uncertain. All ages are welcome, but participants must be prepared for a moderate pace covering about 4 miles, partly off-trail, up and down rugged, steep, and slippery hills that are full of sticky seeds, thorny plants, and thistle, and passing free range cattle along the way. Meet in the Lynch Canyon parking lot before 10am. Leader: Larry Broderick Entrance Fee: $10 Parking Fee: $6 Registration is required. 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.