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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
DEC
17, 2011
9:30 AM CNPS - WILLIS LINN JEPSON CHAPTER — 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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Rush Ranch 'Get the Rush'
Saturday,
DEC
17, 2011
10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST AND RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Rush Ranch Get the Rush is a series of fun and free activities designed for families—all ages and mobility levels are welcome! Choose from several activities: Travel back in time as you enter the historic Rush Ranch Blacksmith Shop. Learn about traditional blacksmithing tools and equipment, and see the forge in the center of the ranch. Join in an interactive demonstration with a smithy, and you may even get the opportunity to make your own iron nail or other keepsake! Or, if weather permits, visit Little Bear at his table full of Native American tools and decorations, most of which he hand-crafted himself. Ask him about his life experiences and the history and culture of Native Americans. Also, if weather and resources permit, take a horse-drawn wagon ride. Wheelchair users are encouraged and can board via a solar-powered wheelchair lift. These rides allow those with limited mobility to experience the freedom and excitement of exploring beautiful open spaces like Rush Ranch with highly trained horses and experienced drivers. 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. |
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Santa Rides the Rails
Saturday,
DEC
17, 2011
10:30 AM BAY AREA ELECTRIC RAILROAD ASSOCIATION — Western Railway Museum When his reindeer are resting, St. Nick uses clean, reliable electric railways to get around. Meet Santa at the Western Railway Museum from 10:30am - 3:30pm. Photos are encouraged! Reigning Miss Solano 2011 Julianna Johnson will visit the Western Railway Museum on Saturday December 17 from 10:30am - 1:30pm to help Santa hand out candy canes, pose for photos, and collect Christmas wishes. After visiting with Santa, visitors of all ages can hop aboard a real train and take a ride on one of the Museum's authentic, historic electric rail cars. Trains depart at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, and 3:30pm for a 50-minute, 10-mile round trip through rural Solano County. Admission to the Museum is just $10 for adults, $9 for seniors 65 years and older, and $7 for children 2 through 14. Free for current Museum Members! Tickets include Museum admission, unlimited train ride, visits with Santa, and free parking. Reservations are not necessary. Entrance Fee: $10 Location: 5848 State Highway 12 Suisun City |
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Birds of Prey Workshop and Hike at Rush Ranch
Saturday,
DEC
17, 2011
1:00 PM Join raptor expert Larry Broderick for this exciting workshop and hike during the winter migratory season. From 1-3pm he'll lead a workshop about identification and interpretation of birds of prey (geared toward adults, but participants of all ages are welcome). Then after a 30 minute social break, from 3:30-5pm he'll lead a hike up Suisun Hill where eagles, hawks, and falcons seek out ground squirrel colonies. Larry brings over 25 years of experience studying, researching, rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey. He loves to share his knowledge and he’s a gifted teacher! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll be entertained as he shows over 100 photos, demonstrates wing beat patterns of different species by the way he flaps his arms, and explains raptor behavior. The hike will be a moderate pace covering about 2 miles, partly off-trail, up and down rugged, steep, and slippery hills that are full of sticky seeds, thorny plants, and thistle. During the hike Larry will help you distinguish eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey from miles away. A donation is suggested but not required. Donations help make Larry's workshops and tours sustainable. Bring: 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, protection from sun, wind, fog and rain. Also recommended: Cash donation, note paper and pencil/pen, binoculars, camera, bug repellent, hiking stick(s), gaiters. Constant or heavy rain cancels—call Larry Broderick at 707-975-7047 if the weather is uncertain. RSVP: Natalie at 707-432-0150 x 200 or volunteer@solanolandtrust.org Leader: Larry Broderick 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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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Saturday,
DEC
17, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
