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Family Hunter Camp
Friday,
AUG
5, 2016
CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION — Grizzly Ranch California Waterfowl Family Camp includes hunter education, shooting instruction, duck banding in a fun-filled outdoor weekend camp at Grizzly Ranch Conservation Education Center in Suisun Marsh. California Waterfowl Hunting Heritage Programs goal is to prepare hunters for a lifetime of outdoor experiences in a unique and exciting way. We do this by using great locations and experts in the field - staff and volunteers who enthusiastically share outdoor skills with campers. For more information, click here. Registration is required. Location: 4179 Van Sickle Rd Suisun City |
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Stargazing
Friday,
AUG
5, 2016
8:00 PM RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Rush Ranch Don't miss a Rush Ranch stargazing event led by local astronomy enthusiast, Jon Pannier. The evening begins with a short presentation in the Rush Ranch Nature Center. Outdoor viewing begins when darkness falls. Telescopes will be on hand. Personal scopes & binoculars are welcome, but be familiar with their setup and use and arrive before dark. Mosquito repellant and warm clothing layers are a must. Children are welcome, but must remain supervised at all times. In order to preserve night vision, flashlights should be covered with red cellophane, and all latecomers should dim their headlights. For questions, contact Mary at 707-422-4491. Free but donations appreciated! Leader: Jon Pannier 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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First Saturdays
Saturday,
AUG
6, 2016
9:00 AM GVRD — Blue Rock Springs Park Come enjoy hikes and various nature activities in GVRD parks the first Saturday of each month this Summer. Come join us in promoting a healthier lifestyle for you and your family. Receive free information from health care professionals while enjoying the beautiful scenery of our Vallejo parks. Participants will also enjoy a low impact hike led by a knowledgeable representative. Kick start your summer months with this fun free opportunity. Wear comfortable clothing and close toed shoes. For more information call Emily Long, (707) 648-5317, or contact by email. Pre-registration preferred. Location: 650 Columbus Pkwy Vallejo |
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Hike at King-Swett Ranches
Saturday,
AUG
6, 2016
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — King-Swett Ranches PLEASE NOTE: CANCELLED DUE TO AN EMERGENCY Come explore the hills between Fairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo! You'll be led by 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. Only heavy rain or high fire danger cancels—call Jim at 925-519-1834 if the weather is uncertain. Space is limited. Pre-registration recommended online. Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Meet 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). Be ready to carpool or caravan from there. |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
AUG
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 |
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Peña Adobe Open House
Saturday,
AUG
6, 2016
11:00 AM PEÑA ADOBE HISTORICAL SOCIETY & RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Peña Adobe Park For our August Open House, we announce the return of “Authors at the Adobe.” Come meet local authors Fern Henry, author of “My Checkered Life,” Sharon McGriff-Paine, author of "John Grider's Century," and Francie Vicondoa, author of "Spanish Doors, Dishes and Dreams," as well as touring the historic Peña Adobe home, one of the oldest structures in Solano County. Dating back to 1842, the Adobe was once the home of the Juan Felipe Peña family, who, with the Vaca family, settled in Vacaville over 170 years ago. Tour the adjacent Mowers-Goheen Museum or take a nature walk around the historical park. 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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Volunteer Opportunity: Citizen Science Friday
Friday,
AUG
12, 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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Family Campout at Children's Wonderland
Friday,
AUG
12, 2016
6:30 PM GVRD — Children's Wonderland Park Join us for an old-fashioned campout! Children's Wonderland transforms into "Camp Fun Haven" for the night! Bring your tent, bed rolls, and a willingness to participate and have fun. Pitch your tent on the soft green grass and stay up as long as you want! Enjoy a professional recreation staff that will make your camping experience an enjoyable one. Begins Friday, August 10th at 6:30p.m. Ends Saturday, August 11th at 10:00a.m. $30 covers 1 adult and child; $12 each additional person in same family. Limit is 100 participants. Each child must be accompanied by a responsible adult over 21 years of age. Includes dinner, breakfast, outdoor movie, camp fire with smores, night games, and more! For more information contact GVRD Main Office at 707-648-5317 or register online by clicking on Summer Camps. Registration is required. Food will be available. Location: 360 Glenn Street Vallejo |
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"Lichens are Awesome and Oaks are Majestic" Hike
Saturday,
AUG
13, 2016
8:30 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rockville Trails Preserve Explore the hills between Suisun Valley and Green Valley. Admire majestic oak trees, learn about lichens, 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. Rain or high fire danger cancels. Call Jim at 707-372-6090 if the weather is uncertain. Leader: Jim 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 |
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Volunteer Opportunity: Trail Crew
Saturday,
AUG
13, 2016
8:30 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. This is physical outdoor work. There is usually no shade. Be prepared to be outdoors for approximately three hours using hand tools like shovels and hoes; 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 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 pre-register, tools and free lunch 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. Meet promptly in the parking lot. Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended so that we can plan projects and bring enough tools and food. Pre-register online. Rain or high fire danger cancels. Call Jordan at 315-262-4090 if the weather is uncertain. 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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Coyote Club
Saturday,
AUG
13, 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. (Choose 'Outdoors' on the menu.) 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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Second Saturday Tree Maintenance Day
Saturday,
AUG
13, 2016
9:00 AM BENICIA TREE FOUNDATION — Benicia State Recreation Area The Benicia Tree Foundation is sponsoring a tree maintenance day! 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. Set aside a few hours every second Saturday of the month to give our trees some TLC. Location: 1 State Park Rd Benicia DIRECTIONS: Take the Columbus Parkway exit off of I-780. |
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9th Annual Mare Faire
Saturday,
AUG
13, 2016
9:30 AM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Come join us to learn how history shaped the island and how nature is changing the course of history. Displays, slide shows and films, food, fresh produce exchange, music, silent auction and a Saturday evening campfire with s’mores. 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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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
AUG
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 |
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9th Annual Mare Faire
Sunday,
AUG
14, 2016
9:30 AM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Come join us to learn how history shaped the island and how nature is changing the course of history. Displays, slide shows and films, food, fresh produce exchange, music, silent auction and a Saturday evening campfire with s’mores. 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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Third Thursday Volunteer Day
Thursday,
AUG
18, 2016
9:00 AM BENICIA TREE FOUNDATION — Lake Herman Regional Park 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. |
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Lake Solano Canoe Tour
Saturday,
AUG
20, 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: Lea Stokes 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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Rockville Hills Regional Park Trail Crew
Saturday,
AUG
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 |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
AUG
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 |
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Horse Day at McIntyre Ranch
Saturday,
AUG
20, 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. Registration is also available online, click on 'Outdoors'. 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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Rush Ranch 'Get the Rush'
Saturday,
AUG
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. 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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Yoga Hike
Saturday,
AUG
20, 2016
1:00 PM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rush Ranch Hike for a bit, then put your yoga mat down and enjoy a full body opening yoga practice in the sun. You'll be led by Dorene Adams, a yoga instructor and tidal marsh docent. Suggested donation is $10/person. All proceeds go to Solano Land Trust for the protection of Rush Ranch and other natural and agricultural lands in Solano County. This experience will be hiking a dirt trail and doing full body yoga outdoors. Bring your own yoga mat; they are not provided. Maintain a safe distance from cattle and wildlife, and be aware that this is tick and wild pig country. WHAT TO BRING: Yoga mat, shoes with good grip for the hike (to prevent falls on slippery, steep, rugged terrain), comfortable clothing for outdoor yoga, sunscreen, water and snacks. Meet in front of the Nature Center, next to the brick courtyard. The hike and practice will last about 90 minutes, depending on the weather. Pre-registration is recommended online. Leader: Dorene Adams 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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Waterfowl Hunting Clinic
Saturday,
AUG
27, 2016
8:30 AM CDFW — Grizzly Ranch The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (DFW) Advanced Hunter Education Program and cosponsored by California Waterfowl Association is offering a waterfowl hunting clinic at Grizzly Island near Suisun. The clinic is designed for all skill levels. Topics to be covered are concepts of decoy placement, blind design, ballistics, calling, duck ID, and safety. Other topics will include hunting on State and Federal Waterfowl Management Areas and game care. Space is limited to 25 people so please register early. Cost $45. Those under 16 years and younger are free but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, contact Lieutenant Alan Gregory, or register online. Entrance Fee: $45.16 Registration is required. Location: 4179 Van Sickle Rd Grizzly Island Suisun City DIRECTIONS: Turn onto Grizzly Island Rd from Highway 12 in Suisun City. After 5.4 miles, you will fork right and cross Montezuma Slough Rd. After 3.3 miles turn right onto Van Sickle Rd. (Note: you should see a white fence) After 0.4 miles turn right into Grizzly Ranch. In 0.7 miles, you will arrive at the Ranch. (Check in at CWA sign) |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
AUG
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 |
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2016 Grizzly Ranch Fun Shoots
Sunday,
AUG
28, 2016
9:00 AM CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION — Grizzly Ranch Fun shooting opportunities for shooters of all ages and abilities. Shooting instruction runs 9am‐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. Click here for more details. To register online, visit California Waterfowl Association. For questions, contact jgonsalves@calwaterfowl.org or call (707)-363-4318. 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. |
