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Friday Bird Walk   Friday,  SEP  4, 2015
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.

 
A Walk at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve   Friday,  SEP  4, 2015
10:00 AM

SIERRA CLUB REDWOOD CHAPTER —  Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve
Start the Labor Day weekend off right with a moderate walk past a historic cemetery and some abandoned bunkers, up to the top of Mare Island. We'll take in great views of the Carquinez Strait, San Pablo Bay, Mt. Tam and Mt. Diablo. Vallejo never looked so good. Bring sturdy shoes, water, hat, sunscreen, and a snack. $5 suggested donation for the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve's conservation efforts. Class: M-3-A. Meet: 10am Trailhead Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Parking at the end of Railroad Ave. For more information, contact hike leader, Phil Kohlmetz by email or at 707-642-4320.
Leader: Phil Kohlmetz
Location:
     167 O’Hara Ct
     Mare Island
     Vallejo  
DIRECTIONS: Preserve Visitor Center, Building A-167, at the end of Railroad Ave

 
First Saturdays   Saturday,  SEP  5, 2015
9:00 AM

GVRD —  McIntyre Ranch
Out is in! Go outside, change your outlook and get involved in your local community! Join the Greater Vallejo Recreation District every first Saturday in June through September to experience what your local Vallejo parks have to offer. Come enjoy hikes and other outdoor activities in GVRD parks the first Saturday of each month this summer. For more information call Emily Long, (707) 648-5317, or contact by email. Pre-registration preferred.
Location:
     St John's Mine Rd
     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.

 
Hike at King-Swett Ranches   Saturday,  SEP  5, 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.

 
Garden Volunteer Day   Saturday,  SEP  5, 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  

 
Peña Adobe Open House   Saturday,  SEP  5, 2015
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. Welcoming this month's guests will be Marshall West, portraying General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, and local author Sharon McGriff-Payne. In 1833, General Vallejo became the Commander of the Presidio of San Francisco and later founded the town of Sonoma. He was granted Rancho Petaluma in 1834 by the Mexican government and by 1835 Vallejo held the highest military command in Northern California. In the summer of 1846 a band of Americans declared war on Mexico and arrested General Vallejo. After filing their grievances, the band raised the Bear Flag and declared independence for California. West's presentation will also include a Question & Answer segment. John Grider, an early African American pioneer, settled in Vallejo in 1850 and was a member of the Bear Flag Party. He is the subject of McGriff-Payne’s book, John Grider Century: African Americans in Solano, Napa and Sonoma Counties from 1845 to 1925.

Dogs are allowed on leashes. For more information, call (707) 447-0518 or visit our website.
Location:
     4699 Peña Adobe Road
     Vacaville  
DIRECTIONS: The park is located on Peña Adobe Road just off of Interstate 80.

 
Tuesday Bird Walk   Tuesday,  SEP  8, 2015
8:00 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

 
Volunteer Opportunity: Citizen Science Friday   Friday,  SEP  11, 2015
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.

 
CWA Youth Hunter Camp   Saturday,  SEP  12, 2015
CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION —  Grizzly Ranch
CWA's camps introduce juniors (ages 10-17) to the sport and traditions of waterfowling. Juniors learn from experts in the field with a safe, positive and supportive environment. At this 2-day camp (Sep 12-13), juniors will learn about or hone their skills with shotguns, waterfowl identification, gear, decoys and lots more. Juniors will receive hunter education instruction and complete the test for earning their hunter education certificate. Additional Information: (916) 275-0961, or register online.
Entrance Fee: $175
Registration is required.
Location:
     4179 Van Sickle Rd
     Suisun City  

 
9th Annual Lagoon Valley Trail Run   Saturday,  SEP  12, 2015
7:30 AM

Whether you’re running in the dirt for the first time or are an experienced trail runner, the LVTR staff promises to deliver you a rewarding experience in a beautiful environment offered nowhere in Solano County. The LVTR has the distinctive reputation of offering challenging terrain, scenic views, well-marked trails, great aid stations and an accurately measured course in a very supportive atmosphere! The LVTR supports maintenance and improvement of the trail system to improve accessibility and promote running and walking on natural surfaces. We have an event for all trail runners and hikers of all abilities. The 30K, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids 1/2 Mile distance all offer almost 100% single track trail and double track trail/fire road surfaces. All events will be timed and results will be posted after the event. For event details and to register, visit us online.
Registration is required.
Location:
     4600 Peña Adobe Rd
     Vacaville  
DIRECTIONS: Peña Adobe Rd off I-80. Arrive early as there are a limited amount of free parking spaces located in the grass lot just north of the main entrance gate. This lot is approximately 1/4 from the start/finish area. Parking is also available near the start/finish area for a $3 parking fee paid at the park entrance.

 
Lake Solano Canoe Tour   Saturday,  SEP  12, 2015
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 on this adventure. 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 $5 per vehicle. For questions in advance, contact Karin by email or 530-795-3006.
Leader: Carla Murphy
Parking Fee: $5
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.

 
Volunteer Opportunity: Trail Crew   Saturday,  SEP  12, 2015
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 and rain. Meet Ken promptly in the parking lot. RSVP to Ken Poerner at 707-580-6277 or email so he can bring enough tools. Meet up at the parking lot.
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.

 
Garden Volunteer Day   Saturday,  SEP  12, 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  

 
Stargazing   Saturday,  SEP  12, 2015
7:00 PM

RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL —  Rush Ranch
Don't miss a Rush Ranch stargazing event led by local astronomy enthusiast, Jim Jerrell, who will share his 30+ years of celestial knowledge. The evening begins at 7:30 pm 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. Free but donations appreciated!
Leader: Jim Jerrell
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.

 
Friday Bird Walk   Friday,  SEP  18, 2015
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.

 
Mare Island Museum Benefit Golf Tournament   Friday,  SEP  18, 2015
11:00 AM

Gabe & Lois Quinones are the chairpersons for the Mare Island Museum Benefit Golf Tournament to be held at Blue Rock Springs Golf Course in Vallejo. The Quinones visited the museum and were very impressed, but then totally dismayed when they became aware of the $5800 CFD tax per month the museum has to pay to Vallejo. Abe, an avid golfer, decided to organize several golf tournaments in the past and volunteered to organize a tournament to benefit the museum. The tournament will be a best ball scramble and there will be prizes for the longest drive and closest to the pin. Get a hole in one and you will be awarded a new Cadillac by Team Chevrolet in Vallejo. There will also be a raffle with donated prizes. Cost to enter the tournament will be $100 per player and that will include the round of golf, your cart and lunch. Entries can be obtained by calling Gabe at (707) 478 3459 or (707) 803 6329 or by email. Please mail the entry forms to the museum at 1100 Railroad Avenue, Vallejo, CA 94592. Or call Gabe Quinones at phone numbers listed above with entrant and credit card information. Check in at Blue Rock Springs East course will begin at 11:00 a.m. and tee-off will be at 12:00 p.m.
Leader: Gabe & Lois Quinones
Entrance Fee: $100
Location:
     655 Columbus Pkwy
     Vallejo  

 
CWA Adult Hunter Camp   Saturday,  SEP  19, 2015
CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION —  Grizzly Ranch
California Waterfowl Adult Camp (Sep 19-20) includes hunter education, shooting instruction, hunting skills development in a fun-filled outdoor weekend camp at Grizzly Ranch Conservation Education Center in the Suisun Marsh. Additional Information: (916) 275-0961, or register online.
Entrance Fee: $200
Registration is required.
Location:
     4179 Van Sickle Rd
     Suisun City  

 
Coastal Clean-up Day   Saturday,  SEP  19, 2015
9:00 AM

SOLANO RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT —  Various locations around Solano County.
Come be a part of cleaning up Solano County's coastlines and creeks! Make our waterways beautiful and healthy for wildlife. There will be clean-up locations in your city and local parks throughout Solano County. Please see our website for a location near you. Advanced sign-ups are requested so coordinators can have enough clean-up supplies on-hand for you and your group.
DIRECTIONS: Various locations around Solano County.

 
Rockville Hills Regional Park Trail Crew   Saturday,  SEP  19, 2015
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  

 
Tree Care Day - Benicia National Guard Armory   Saturday,  SEP  19, 2015
9:00 AM

BENICIA TREE FOUNDATION —  Benicia National Guard Armory
Join BTF volunteers and help care for the trees at the Benicia National Guard Armory. Register online or phone 707-745-4546 to learn more!
Location:
     711 Hillcrest Ave
     Benicia  

 
Garden Volunteer Day   Saturday,  SEP  19, 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  

 
Garden Guys   Saturday,  SEP  19, 2015
10:00 AM

GVRD —  McIntyre Ranch
Bring the family for activities and learn how the garden grows from seeds to fruits. Participants will share ideas on what to plant, will be allowed to harvest and take home the fruits from the garden. For more information contact the Coordinator at 648-4552. Cost: $10/class resident, $12/class nonresident. Pre-registration is required, and can be completed online.
Leader: Dee Davis & Nicki Belinger
Entrance Fee: $12
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.

 
Horse Day at McIntyre Ranch   Saturday,  SEP  19, 2015
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.

 
Rush Ranch 'Get the Rush'   Saturday,  SEP  19, 2015
10:00 AM

SOLANO LAND TRUST AND 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. Activities may include a guided walk alongside the tidal marsh and through upland grasses (timing varies), a traditional blacksmith shop in action, an interpretive display of Native American tools and decorations, and horse-drawn wagon rides that are wheelchair accessible. For more details, click on the event link above. Bring water, snacks or picnic lunch, bug repellent. Be prepared for variable weather by bringing layered clothes, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and protection from sun, wind, fog, and rain. Optional: binoculars, camera.
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.

 
Tidal Marsh Walk   Saturday,  SEP  19, 2015
10:00 AM

SOLANO LAND TRUST —  Rush Ranch
Join this guided walk in the Suisun Marsh. Find out why Rush Ranch is locally loved and nationally famous! This is a two mile amble on mostly level but uneven dirt trails around the edges of the marsh. mostly level but uneven dirt trails around the edges of the marsh. We may encounter free roaming cattle. Kids and adults of all ages who are able to walk this distance on this terrain are encouraged to come, release some steam and enjoy the outdoors. In order to protect wildlife, cattle, and rare plants—and for your pet's safety—dogs are not allowed on these trails. Maintain a safe distance from cattle and wildlife, and be aware that this is tick and wild pig country. Bring a backpack with plenty of water and snacks. Wear boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with good tread, protection from the elements (sun, wind, fog, rain, and layered clothes that can get dirty or muddy. Meet your guide in the brick courtyard beside the Nature Center exhibit. This walk will take place rain or shine.
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.

 
Mare Island 5k Zombie Run/Walk   Sunday,  SEP  20, 2015
7:30 AM

TOURO UNIVERSITY —  Touro University
You can run, but you can’t hide!! Also know as the 9th Annual Mare Island 5K Run/Walk, all proceeds benefit Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve and GVRD. Sign up online or check out our page for more information. Packet pickup and race day registration will be available race morning from 7:30-8:45 am. After the race, join us in the Lander Hall Gym for an awesome health festival with an award ceremony! Volunteers from the Student-Run Free Clinic will be performing blood pressure checks; SAAO will be performing OMM demos and much more!! See you there!
Location:
     1310 Club Drive
     Mare Island
     Vallejo  
DIRECTIONS: Lander Hall Gym

 
Birds of Prey Identification Hike   Sunday,  SEP  20, 2015
10:00 AM

SOLANO LAND TRUST —  Lynch Canyon Open Space Park
Join Larry Broderick and the Solano Land Trust Raptor Team for a birds of prey hike. The hike will offer identification tips and views of resident and migrating birds of prey. Previous sightings include golden eagles, bald eagles, rough-legged hawks, Cooper's hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, ferruginous hawks, peregrine falcons, prairie falcons and other, more common birds of prey. This is the Land Trust’s eighth season offering raptor tours and workshops on its properties. Cost is $10 per person (payable when registering) plus $6 per vehicle (payable at the park). Advance registration is required. You can register online.

All ages are welcome, but participants should be prepared for a moderate pace covering about 4 miles, possibly off-trail in places, 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 at the Lynch Canyon parking lot before 10 a.m. Bring $5 cash for parking; a backpack with plenty of water and snacks; 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; and protection from sun, wind and fog. Binoculars, a camera, bug repellent and hiking sticks are also recommended. Heavy rain cancels the hike. Call Mary Beth at (707) 685-5908 if the weather is uncertain.
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.

 
Tuesday Bird Walk   Tuesday,  SEP  22, 2015
8:00 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

 
Fall Equinox Party and Evening Hiking   Wednesday,  SEP  23, 2015
4:00 PM

MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST —  Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve
Rain or shine, from 4P-9P. Depending on Spare the Air, gather ‘round the campfire, roast some marshmallows and sip something hot. Come make some music, if you like and welcome in the new season with Preserve friends. Donations always welcomed.
Leader: Myrna Hayes
Location:
     167 O’Hara Ct
     Mare Island
     Vallejo  
DIRECTIONS: Preserve Visitor Center, Building A-167, at the end of Railroad Ave (1595 Railroad Ave)

 
Guided Tours & Night Photography   Friday,  SEP  25, 2015
3:00 PM

RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL —  Rush Ranch
We hope you can join us for an exciting one-night Photography Workshop at Rush Ranch. Rush Ranch, an operating cattle ranch, is a rustic 2,070-acre open space areain Solano County. We will start off with a few docent-guided tours of the Ranch (in daylight!), and the three hiking trails surrounding it. The 2-mile MarshTrail leads down to the edge of Suisun Marsh, and the hike up the Suisun Hill Trail provides scenic vistas of the Marsh, the Ranch, and the adjacent hills--all unique parts of this gentle, quiet landscape. The Ranch itself provides a wealth of interesting subjects to photograph at night: a number of old buildings (corral, stable, barn), plenty of old farm equipment, weathervanes, etc. After our tour, we meet in the Visitor Center for a brief introduction to Night Photography, followed by plenty of detailed information about the evening's "shoot." Emphasis will be on evaluating existing lighting situations and exposing accordingly. Supplemental lighting possibilities will be discussed and demonstrated, with an emphasis on "Light Painting" techniques. Transparency, B&W, color negative films, and digital will be discussed and compared. This is an intensive workshop limited to 15 participants, closely supervised on location. Students will provide their own equipment and should be familiar with basic photographic techniques. A "Suggested Equipment" list will be provided upon receipt of payment. For more information, visit The Nocturnes - Rush Ranch. For registration information, contact Susan by email or call (707) 645-9860. Proceeds from the workshop will benefit the outreach and education programs of the Rush Ranch Educational Council. The deadline to register is Sep 15.
Entrance Fee: $100
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.

 
CWA Youth Hunter Camp   Saturday,  SEP  26, 2015
CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION —  Grizzly Ranch
CWA's camps introduce juniors (ages 10-17) to the sport and traditions of waterfowling. Juniors learn from experts in the field with a safe, positive and supportive environment. At this 2-day camp (Sep 26-27), juniors will learn about or hone their skills with shotguns, waterfowl identification, gear, decoys and lots more. Juniors will receive hunter education instruction and complete the test for earning their hunter education certificate. Additional Information: (916) 275-0961, or register online.
Entrance Fee: $175
Registration is required.
Location:
     4179 Van Sickle Rd
     Suisun City  

 
National Public Lands Day   Saturday,  SEP  26, 2015
8:00 AM

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. NPLD began in 1994 with three sites and 700 volunteers. In 2014, about 175,000 volunteers worked at 2,132 sites in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Seven federal agencies as well as nonprofit organizations and state, regional and local governments participate in the annual day of caring for public lands.

Locally, the NPLD effort will be to work on a restoration and cleaning project at the former Mare Island Naval Ammunition Depot guard houses. Volunteers from the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve will participate along with members of the 63d RSC’s Environmental Division in a restoration of Guard House A279. The event will be a positive experience for veterans and community members who will be exposed to history in the form of these cultural resources. Before or after the event, a short educational film or visit to the Mare Island Historic Museum, can be provided in order for everyone to understand the role of Mare Island in U.S. history. For more information and a map, please visit our page online.
Leader: 63d RSC’s Environmental Division
Location:
     1481 Railroad Avenue
     Mare Island
     Vallejo  

 
Women's Pheasant Hunt Weekend   Saturday,  SEP  26, 2015
9:00 AM

CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION —  Birds Landing Hunting Preserve & Shooting Clays
This two-day event will include and online Hunter Education course (with 6-8 hours of study required prior to camp), lunch, gun training and shooting practice on Saturday (Sep 26), followed by a Sunday morning Guided Pheasant hunt and lunch on Sunday (Sep 27). Saturday dinner and overnight lodging is available at CWA's Denverton facility. Register online. For more information, call George at 916-275-0961.
Entrance Fee: $250
Location:
     2099 Collinsville Rd
     Birds Landing, CA 94512
       

 
Garden Volunteer Day   Saturday,  SEP  26, 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  

 
Garden Guys   Saturday,  SEP  26, 2015
10:00 AM

GVRD —  McIntyre Ranch
Bring the family for activities and learn how the garden grows from seeds to fruits. Participants will share ideas on what to plant, will be allowed to harvest and take home the fruits from the garden. For more information contact the Coordinator at 648-4552. Cost: $10/class resident, $12/class nonresident. Pre-registration is required, and can be completed online.
Leader: Dee Davis & Nicki Belinger
Entrance Fee: $12
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.

 
McIntyre Ranch Hands   Saturday,  SEP  26, 2015
10:00 AM

GVRD —  McIntyre Ranch
Come join the families who enjoy and care for the ranch. Meet the hands who are the muscles behind the ranch improvements and projects. No special skills needed. Enjoy this beautiful setting, a day in the sun and a BBQ lunch. Instructor: Dee Davis. Register online.
Leader: Dee Davis
Entrance Fee: $6
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.

 
Pirate Escapades of the Jack Sparrow Kind   Saturday,  SEP  26, 2015
6:00 PM

CITY OF FAIRFIELD —  Natatoruim -- Aquatics Complex
Experience the Aquatics Complex at Allan Witt Park and be a Pirate for the evening! Bring the whole family out for a fun-filled night full of adventures and so much more in our Indoor Aquatic Complex! Pre-Registration encouraged. Go online to EZReg and click on "Special Events" then "Outdoor Activities."
Entrance Fee: $8
Location:
     Allan Witt Park
     1741 W Texas St
     Fairfield  

 
Blood Moon Hike   Sunday,  SEP  27, 2015
6:00 PM

MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST —  Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve
Calling all full, super, harvest, and blood moon enthusiasts to the Preserve for an awesome location to view and photograph the moon. Depending on 'Spare the Air', we’ll crank up the campfire and certainly the visitor center will be open. Bring some friends. Start out with a hike to the Mare Island Hilltop to watch the sun set, then stay around for a rare moon viewing experience. Maximum eclipse will be at 7:47pm.
Location:
     167 O’Hara Ct
     Mare Island
     Vallejo  
DIRECTIONS: Preserve Visitor Center, Building A-167, at the end of Railroad Ave (1595 Railroad Ave)