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Cinco K Run Fiesta
Sunday,
MAY
1, 2016
9:00 AM NORTHBAY HEALTHCARE — Anheuser-Busch Visitor's Center The second annual Cinco K Run Fiesta presented by NorthBay Healthcare is a Cinco de Mayo themed celebration featuring a festive family atmosphere with a 5K run/walk, 10K run and 1 Mile walk, food, dancing and entertainment. This year we’ve added the 10K distance and expanded our Race Expo! Located at the renowned Anheuser–Busch visitor’s center, participants 21+ will also be treated to a beer garden experience like no other! Vámanos! Let’s Go! Benefits Farifield Police Activities League. Register online. Location: 3101 Busch Drive Fairfield |
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Wildflowers & Water Critters Walk
Sunday,
MAY
1, 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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Osprey May Day Napa River Cruise
Sunday,
MAY
1, 2016
11:00 AM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Napa River Join guides Captain Ronn Patterson and Mare Island Preserve's Myrna Hayes for a cruise aboard the River Dolphin with Dolphin Charters. Your guides will share history of Mare Island and highlight the Napa River wetlands and wildlife. Cost: $45 per person. Bring your own snacks and drinks. Rain or shine. Vessel is enclosed with an open upper deck. To reserve call 510-527-9622 or 800-472-9942 or visit Dolphin Charters online. Leader: Myrna Hayes & Captain Ronn Patterson Entrance Fee: $45 Registration is required. Location: K Dock, Vallejo Marina 42 Harbor Way Vallejo |
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13th Annual Loop the Lagoon Family Fun Run
Saturday,
MAY
7, 2016
8:30 AM VACAVILLE PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION — Lagoon Valley Regional Park Please join us and enjoy the beautiful hills and lake at Lagoon Valley Park. Whether you are competing seriously or walking leisurely, Loop the Lagoon is a great way to get involved in a healthy activity for a worthy cause. For more information, visit Loop the Lagoon online. Location: Pena Adobe Road at Rivera Road Vacaville |
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Lake Solano Canoe Tour
Saturday,
MAY
7, 2016
8:30 AM PUTAH CREEK COUNCIL & SOLANO COUNTY PARKS — Lake Solano Make a splash and join a guided canoe program at Lake Solano Park. Discover the wonders of Putah Creek through exploration, relaxation, and education. The tour is an opportunity to learn about life along the river and the special riparian forest that grows along its banks. To ensure a friendly, personal experience, the guided trip is limited to just 14 guests. Children age 8 and older are welcome if accompanied by an adult. The volunteers will give you basic safety and paddling instructions before you begin. Canoes, paddles, and lifejackets will be provided free of charge. Participants may want to bring water, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and paddling gloves. You will probably get wet, so a change of clothes is recommended upon your return to land. For those who want to take pictures, a dry bag (double ziplock bags work well) or water tight container is suggested to keep your camera dry. Reservations are required. Reserve your spot online. Guests should arrive by 8:15am to pay the fees of $6 per vehicle. For questions in advance, contact Karin by email or 530-795-3006. Leader: Linda Allison Parking Fee: $6 Registration is required. Location: 8685 Pleasants Valley Road DIRECTIONS: Lake Solano Park straddles Pleasants Valley Road, north of Vacaville and near the town of Winters. Pay the $5 parking fee and park on the east-side of Pleasants Valley Rd. |
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Ranch Hike
Saturday,
MAY
7, 2016
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST & GVRD — McIntyre Ranch & Vallejo Swett Ranch Take a guided hike of Vallejo Swett Ranch, Solano Land Trust's property surrounding the Greater Vallejo Recreation District's McIntyre Ranch. The hike will be led by knowledgeable Land Trust docents. You'll get a workout while enjoying views of Vallejo and the bay. Take advantage of this special opportunity if you can because Vallejo Swett Ranch is 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 3-4 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 916-870-4824 if the weather is uncertain. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required by calling 707-648-4600 or online, following "Click Here to Register," then "All Other Classes," then "Outdoors," then "Breakin' A Sweat On Vallejo Swett Ranch." Leader: James Walsh & James Chang Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: McIntyre Ranch, located at the very end of St. John’s Mine Road. Take St. John’s Mine Road off of Columbus Pkwy and cross over the cattle crossing. You are authorized to drive through on this narrow road. Please drive 10-15 mph and watch for wildlife. Park by the yurt. |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
MAY
7, 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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Home & Garden Tour
Saturday,
MAY
7, 2016
11:00 AM BENICIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY — Fischer-Hanlon House Seven Benicia showpieces will open their doors and garden gates to the public on Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the Benicia Historical Society’s home and garden tour. The Fischer-Hanlon House Garden will be open with refreshments. The four homes and the commercial site are more than 100 years old and offer a glimpse into Benicia’s rich architectural past. Examples of Craftsman and Italianate homes are among the architecture styles on the tour. Docents will be available at each location to provide historical and architectural information and answer questions. Homes can be visited in any order. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 the day of the tour. Advance tickets are available online, or at Benicia Chamber of Commerce, Benicia Main Street, Bookshop Benicia, Camellia Tea Room and Steve’s Hallmark in Benicia. On the day of the tour, tickets will be sold at Benicia Main Street, Camellia Tea Room and Capital Corner (602 West K St.), one of the tour sites. Participants are asked to wear soft-soled shoes (no heels, please). The tour is for adults only. Homes and gardens are not wheelchair-accessible. Backpacks, baby carriers and strollers are not permitted. No photography is allowed. Location: Benicia |
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Osprey May Day Napa River Cruise
Saturday,
MAY
7, 2016
11:00 AM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Napa River Second Cruise Added! Join guides Captain Ronn Patterson and Mare Island Preserve's Myrna Hayes for a cruise aboard the River Dolphin with Dolphin Charters. Your guides will share history of Mare Island and highlight the Napa River wetlands and wildlife. Cost: $45 per person. Bring your own snacks and drinks. Rain or shine. Vessel is enclosed with an open upper deck. To reserve call 510-527-9622 or 800-472-9942 or visit Dolphin Charters online. Leader: Myrna Hayes & Captain Ronn Patterson Entrance Fee: $45 Registration is required. Location: K Dock, Vallejo Marina 42 Harbor Way Vallejo |
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Peña Adobe Open House
Saturday,
MAY
7, 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. Join the Peña Adobe Historical Society as we celebrate “Kids Day at the Adobe!” Fun activities will include acorn grinding on authentic mortar and pestles, planting a California State Flower, the Poppy, to take home for Mom, visiting with Rush Ranch’s Little Bear as he shares Native American tools, many of which he has made. Or you may want to make a shell necklace to wear as the local Patwin Indians did years ago using an old fashioned pump drill. Stroll the 1½ acre grounds, have your face painted and enjoy cookies and treats for all. Docents will be on hand to answer questions and conduct tours of the Peña Adobe 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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Mother's Day Tea
Sunday,
MAY
8, 2016
2:00 PM MARE ISLAND HISTORIC PARK FOUNDATION — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Join us May 8 from 2 until 4 for a Mother's Day Tea. Enjoy scones, strawberry jam and other ingredients for our simple "cream tea". It's also most helpful to have some help cleaning up! As always our tea is free of charge, but donations are appreciated. There are no reservations required. Walk to the garden or if you aren't able to walk, there is limited parking. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave. Vallejo |
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Volunteer Opportunity: Citizen Science Friday
Friday,
MAY
13, 2016
8:30 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Solano Land Trust Properties Get involved in science on our lands! Solano Land Trust staff scientist Sue Wickham will teach you all you need to know. BRING: Water, snacks, sturdy gloves, pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes. Come prepared for variable weather (bring layered clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and protection from sun, wind, and fog). Optional: bug repellent, your favorite gardening tools, and binoculars to enjoy the birds! ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Sue at 707-432-0150 x 207 or by email. Leader: Sue Wickham Registration is required. DIRECTIONS: Provided upon RSVP. |
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Coyote Club
Saturday,
MAY
14, 2016
9:00 AM GVRD — McIntyre Ranch Ages 4-14 -- The McIntyre Ranch is home to several different habitats, farm animals and an educational garden. Studies have found that children who spend time exploring nature are more focused and interested in school. Bring a snack, water and your curiosity! Cost: $5/class for residents, $6/class nonresident. Adults must register at no cost. Pre-registration is required at 395 Amador St. or online. For more information contact the Coordinator at 707-639-1325. Leader: Dee Davis Entrance Fee: $5 Registration is required. Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: McIntyre Ranch, located at the very end of St. John’s Mine Road, across from the Solano Community College Vallejo Center at 545 Columbus Parkway. Take St. John’s Mine Road and cross over the cattle crossing. Continue up the road and stay to the right to follow the road down to the barn. You are authorized to drive through this road for GVRD programs only. |
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Tree Maintenance Day
Saturday,
MAY
14, 2016
9:00 AM BENICIA TREE FOUNDATION — Benicia Middle School The Benicia Tree Foundation is sponsoring a tree maintenance day at Benicia Middle School 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. Rain cancels. RSVP for details on meeting point by contacting the Benicia Tree Foundation at 745-4675 or by email. Location: 1100 Southampton Rd Benicia |
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Volunteer Opportunity: Trail Crew
Saturday,
MAY
14, 2016
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Open Space Park Help remove a temporary fence to prepare for the Kite Festival. Free parking pass for the day and, if you pre-register, free pizza! Pre-register online. For questions, contact Jordan or call him at 315-262-4090. 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. Leader: Jordan 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. |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
MAY
14, 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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Guided Hike
Saturday,
MAY
14, 2016
10:00 AM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Join our docent-guided hike exploring the Mare Island Preserve. Osprey and great blue herons are nesting, plus wildflowers and history! Free but donations always appreciated. 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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Spring Festival
Saturday,
MAY
14, 2016
11:00 AM FRIENDS OF LOMA VISTA FARM — Loma Vista Farm This year’s Spring Festival will be held on May 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is an opportunity for friends and families to come out and enjoy the Farm. It’s a good time to think about spring planting and making a garden of your own. Find out more about the Farm and the wonderful things that we offer all year long. See all of the projects that we have been working on and the improvements that have been made. Free admission. Activity tickets $.50. Location: 150 Rainier Ave Vallejo DIRECTIONS: From Highway 37, take Fairgrounds Dr. north. Left on Corcoran and left on Rainier. |
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Vallejo Garden Tour
Sunday,
MAY
15, 2016
10:00 AM VALLEJO NAVAL AND HISTORICAL MUSEUM — Please join Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum for their annual Vallejo Garden Tour on Sunday, May 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be ten unique gardens on this year’s Tour, featuring everything from a mature rose garden in a historic setting to a backyard grove of fruit trees, surrounded by extensive plantings of organic vegetables, all lovingly watched over by a flock of happy chickens! Another garden features views of Mt. Tamalpais and the Mare Island Strait, and is a haven for birds, butterflies, bees and people. A “water-wise” garden will prove to visitors that a tropical effect can be achieved even in drought-stricken California. The Garden Tour is a major fundraiser for the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum. Purchase tickets before April 30th and get 3 tickets for the price of 2. Tickets are $35 for Museum Members; $40 for the General Public. All tickets are $40 on day of Tour. Garden Vendors and Displays all day on Fresno Street between Zoey June Gift & Garden and The Basement. Tickets will be available after April 1st at: Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, 734 Marin Street, Zoey June Gift and Garden, 1426 Tennessee Street, Visit Vallejo Information Window, 289 Mare Island Way at the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Garden Vendors and Displays all day on Fresno Street between Zoey June Gift & Garden and The Basement. |
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Third Thursday Volunteer Day
Thursday,
MAY
19, 2016
9:00 AM BENICIA TREE FOUNDATION — Lake Herman Open Space Help us maintain the trees planted last Novemeber by the Benicia Tree Foundation hosted the California Conservation Corps at Lake Herman Regional Park. 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: Lake Herman Rd Benicia |
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Grizzly Ranch Ladies Fun Shoot
Saturday,
MAY
21, 2016
9:00 AM CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION — Grizzly Ranch Fun shooting opportunities for shooters of all ages and abilities. Shooting instruction runs 9:30am‐12 noon. Sporting clays course is open from 9:00am-3pm (no new shooters after 2pm). Bring your own shotgun or use ours, we have .410, 20 and 12 gauge firearms available. Rifles and archery equipment provided. All ammunition and targets are included. 40-45 minutes at each station. Note: Safety speech/orientation prior to shooting. At noon there is a lunch with wild game tasting and cooking discussion. After lunch there are 30-minute fun sessions until 3PM. For more information, visit us online. Location: 4179 Van Sickle Rd Suisun City DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 12 turn onto Grizzly Island Rd. Go 5.4 miles, then stay right and cross over Montezuma Slough Bridge. Go 3.3 miles then turn right onto Van Sickle Road. (If you get to the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area you have gone too far.) After 0.4 miles, turn right into Grizzly Ranch. The entrance is .7 miles. |
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Rockville Hills Regional Park Trail Crew
Saturday,
MAY
21, 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 |
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Spring Cleanup at Rindler Creek
Saturday,
MAY
21, 2016
9:00 AM VALLEJO WATERSHED ALLIANCE — Rindler Creek Rindler Creek flows out of the hills to the east of Vallejo, down into Lake Chabot. It attracts a fair amount of trash, unfortunately, and it's time for a spring cleaning! Meet at the corner of Fairgrounds Drive and Coach Lane. Wear sturdy clothes and closed-toe shoes, gloves, hat and sunscreen. We will provide tools, trash bags, water, and refreshments. Participants under 18 must have a signed waiver (see form online). Please RSVP online. See you there! Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Meet at the corner of Fairgrounds Drive and Coach Lane. |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
MAY
21, 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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Horse Day at McIntyre Ranch
Saturday,
MAY
21, 2016
10:00 AM GVRD — McIntyre Ranch For ages 8-17 -- Learn about the friendly horses and goats, and participate in their daily care. Wear sturdy work clothes and tough shoes because this is a "hand-on" experience. You will put a halter on a horse, learn to lead horses safely, brush them, clean their feet and clean their stalls. Everyone will have a chance to sit on a horse (helmet are required and provided, keep hairstyle simple for easy fit). Eat a good breakfast, bring water bottle and wear layers. For more information contact the Coordinator at 648-4552. Cost: $25/class resident, $30/class non-resident. Online registration is also available online. Leader: Jane Mitchell Entrance Fee: $25 Registration is required. Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: McIntyre Ranch, located at the very end of St. John’s Mine Road, across from the Solano Community College Vallejo Center at 545 Columbus Parkway. Take St. John’s Mine Road and cross over the cattle crossing. Continue up the road and stay to the right to follow the road down to the barn. You are authorized to drive through this road for GVRD programs only. |
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Ranch Day -- Science Discovery Labs
Saturday,
MAY
21, 2016
10:00 AM SAN FRANCISCO BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE — Rush Ranch Get the Rush at Rush Ranch has something for everyone to love! Sponsored by the Rush Ranch Educational Council. The NERR will be hosting Science Discovery Labs in the courtyard with help from the Tidal Marsh Docents. Come join us for some science and engineering fun! Registration is required. 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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Rush Ranch 'Get the Rush'
Saturday,
MAY
21, 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. 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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Hunting 101 for Adults
Sunday,
MAY
22, 2016
8:30 AM CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION — Grizzly Ranch FULL day of preparation to get you prepared for your first hunt. Registrants must be age 16 & older. Registrants must bring Online Hunter Education completion certificate to event. Itinerary includes 4-hour Online Hunter Education course, Shooting skills, Hunting and Wild Game preparation skills. All equipment (guns, ammunition, etc) provided. Or bring your own shotgun if you wish. Questions contact: George Oberstadt at (916) 275-0961. To register online clickhere. Location: 4179 Van Sickle Rd Suisun City DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 12 turn onto Grizzly Island Rd. Go 5.4 miles, then stay right and cross over Montezuma Slough Bridge. Go 3.3 miles then turn right onto Van Sickle Road. (If you get to the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area you have gone too far.) After 0.4 miles, turn right into Grizzly Ranch. The entrance is .7 miles. |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
MAY
28, 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 |
