|
Hike at King-Swett Ranches
Saturday,
FEB
2, 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. |
|
Tree Planting: Volunteer Day at Semple School
Saturday,
FEB
2, 2013
9:00 AM BENICIA TREE FOUNDATION — Robert Semple Elementary School Make a difference through greening our school campuses! We'll be planting 80 trees at Robert Semple Elementary School as part of our Urban Forestry Initiative. Please volunteer and support the efforts to grow the campus forest at Semple Elementary School! We need help planting and staking trees on Saturdays between January 19 and February 9, 2013. All ages are welcome - no experience necessary! Instruction and tools provided, although we encourage you to bring your own tools if you have them. All volunteer work days are Saturdays. Please sign up for as many dates as you can! All volunteers will be involved in tree scarification, placing, filling the tree hole, and staking. We have arranged to have the tree holes pre-dug with an auger, so no digging necessary! A Benicia Tree Foundation representative will contact you 1-2 days prior to the workday to confirm your involvement, and provide any important updates such as rescheduling due to weather, etc. Due to the likeliness of one or more of our workdays being affected by weather, we encourage you to choose at least two days for volunteering. However, even if you are able to commit to just one shift, we welcome your participation! Every tree planted is a success and will benefit Benicians for generations to come. Click here to learn more or sign up! Registration is required. Location: 2015 East 3rd Street Benicia |
|
Volunteer Day at Rush Ranch
Saturday,
FEB
2, 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 litter removal, trail maintenance, construction, and other improvement projects. Come prepared for variable weather by bringing layered clothes (including pants, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes) and protection from sun, wind, fog, and rain. Meet in the Rush Ranch courtyard. RSVP requested, but not required: email Ken Poerner or 707-580-6277 (cell). Leader: Ken Poerner 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. |
|
Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
FEB
2, 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 |
|
The Folklore of Lake Solano Birds
Saturday,
FEB
2, 2013
10:00 AM SOLANO COUNTY PARKS — Lake Solano County Park Lake Solano is a magnet for both year-round residents and migratory birds at this time of year. Join volunteers Barbara Cooper and Kristina Reese as you encounter which feathered friends are ringing in the New Year at Lake Solano. Learn how birds have figured in myths and religions of the world and other "bird lore." For instance, did you know the nest of the golden eagle can weigh as much as a small car? Bet you didn’t realize the expression "eat crow," which refers to making a difficult apology, is derived from eating the tough, unappetizing flesh of older crows. Listen to amazing facts and fables as you stroll along Putah Creek on this "not so usual" bird walk. Dress in layers and be prepared for cold, rainy weather. Don’t forget to bring binoculars, cameras, and an inquiring mind with you. Meet at the boat ramp/canoe rental area on the Day-Use (east) side of Lake Solano Park. The presentation is free; parking is only $5 per vehicle, payable at the entrance to the day-use area. Heavy rain cancels. For information in advance, visit Solano County Parks, call 707-432-0150 x200, or email. For same-day information, call 530-795-2990. Leader: Barbara Cooper Parking Fee: $5 Location: 8685 Pleasants Valley Road DIRECTIONS: Lake Solano Park straddles Pleasants Valley Road, north of Vacaville and near the town of Winters. The address is 8685 Pleasants Valley Rd. Park on the east-side of Pleasants Valley Rd. |
