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Hike at King-Swett Ranches
Saturday,
DEC
7, 2013
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. 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. |
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Volunteer Opportunity: Trail Crew
Saturday,
DEC
7, 2013
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rush Ranch Our land is our future, so jump in with your boots on! Rush Ranch is over 2,000 acres of tidal marsh and upland grasses. Help Solano Land Trust's Land Steward, Ken Poerner, maintain it through trail maintenance, construction, litter removal, and other improvement projects. 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 Rush Ranch courtyard. RSVP (appreciated, not required) to Ken Poerner at 707-580-6277 or email. 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. |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
DEC
7, 2013
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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Community Participation Day
Saturday,
DEC
7, 2013
10:00 AM BENICIA TREES FOUNDATION — Benicia Armory Join our army of community volunteers in this historic event! The Benicia Armory, home of the 749th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion is undergoing a transformation to improve and modernize its landscaping, planting trees and installing water-wise native plants. We’ll be planting trees, flowers and shrubs; led by local Boy Scouts earning their Eagle status through the project, along with the leaders of the Benicia Tree Foundation and of course, our soldiers! Instruction and tools provided, all ages welcome! We’ll spend a few hours installing plants and trees, and enjoy a barbecue courtesy of the American Legion and Benicia VFW! Questions? Email info@beniciatrees.org or phone 707-745-4546. Location: 711 Hillcrest Ave Benicia DIRECTIONS: Benicia Armory |
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Santa Rides the Rails
Saturday,
DEC
7, 2013
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. There will be hot cocoa, hot cider, and stories for kids. Photos are encouraged! Trains depart at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, and 3:30pm for a ride through rural Solano County. Location: 5848 State Highway 12 Suisun City |
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Peña Adobe Open House
Saturday,
DEC
7, 2013
11:00 AM PEÑA ADOBE HISTORICAL SOCIETY & RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Peña Adobe Park Visitors are invited to tour the national- and state-recognized historic Peña Adobe built in 1842 and the Mowers-Goheen Museum. Meet our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers at the Adobe--one of the few pre-gold rush era structures remaining in the county--from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Docents will be on hand to answer questions and provide insight into Vacaville’s past. Learn about the early people that inhabited the region from our special guest, Little Bear, as he shares Native American tools and artifacts. For questions in advance, call (707) 451-7699. For same day information, call (707) 470-9975. A camera, binoculars and snacks are recommended as wildlife is often spotted in the park, or bring a picnic, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and take a hike. This is a great family friendly opportunity to have fun. Location: Vacaville DIRECTIONS: The park is located at Peña Adobe Road just off of Interstate 80. |
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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Saturday,
DEC
7, 2013
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Every weekend evening Friday–Sunday from November 22 to New Year's Day 2013, 5:00pm-8:00pm. Rain or shine! Walk the 1-mile paved trail with holiday lighting to the Naval Cemetery, Rowser Garden, and the Spirit Ship. Music, refreshments, gift items, and a campfire at the Visitors Center, at the south end of Railroad Ave. Free but donations appreciated. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
