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Hike at King-Swett Ranches
Saturday,
APR
6, 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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Mountain Bike Clinic
Saturday,
APR
6, 2013
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST AND SOLANO COUNTY PARKS — Lynch Canyon Expand your mountain biking knowledge and skills at the Mountain Bike Clinic on Saturday, April 6 from 9am to noon, at Lynch Canyon Open Space Park. Volunteers from Solano Land Trust and Rockville Alternative Transportation Society, as well as expert local mountain bikers, will instruct and demonstrate the latest techniques. Cycling technique instruction will be offered at 9:15 and 10:30, and demonstrations will be hourly. Enjoy cycling contests, obstacle courses, an easy ride, and nature at this event, which is designed to be friendly for families and singles of any cycling ability. Participants with mountain bikes and helmets are invited to join the fun at 9am. Watch the demonstrations, learn to ride, and experience the fun of mountain biking at Lynch Canyon. This Clinic is free, and parking is only $5 per motorized vehicle. Arriving by bike is absolutely free. Riders must wear helmets, and should wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as well as protection from sun, wind, and fog. Bringing plenty of water is a must since there is no source of drinking water on the property. Gloves, snacks, a picnic lunch and bug repellent are also recommended. For questions, call 707-592-6710 or email. Lynch Canyon is a working ranch with free-range cattle. For the protection of wildlife and cattle, pets are not allowed. Learn more online. Parking Fee: $5 Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Off McGary Road between the American Canyon/Hiddenbrooke and Red Top Road exits off I-80. |
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Public Boating Courses: Sailing
Saturday,
APR
6, 2013
9:00 AM CAL MARITIME ACADEMY — Cal Maritime Academy This is a two-day event on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. Basic Keelboat $50. The Basic Keelboat course will teach you the basic elements of sailing including terminology, boat setup, wind direction and points of sail, sail trim, tacking, jibing, reefing. You'll also learn the more advanced elements of sailing, including close quarter maneuvering, docking, anchoring, navigation rules, and crew overboard recovery. Upon successful completion you will be issued a US SAILING Log Book with Basic Keelboat certification. Cal Maritime’s Basic Keelboat course is taught in the J-22s by US SAILING certified instructors. Classes are Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm at the California Maritime Academy. For more information, call 707-654-1157. Entrance Fee: $50 Location: 200 Maritime Academy Dr Vallejo |
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Volunteer Day at Rush Ranch
Saturday,
APR
6, 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. |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
APR
6, 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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Wildflowers & Aquatic Critters Walk
Saturday,
APR
6, 2013
10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Jepson Prairie Jepson Prairie Preserve is one of California’s best remaining examples of vernal pools and native grasslands. Enjoy an easy walk in a portion of the Preserve only accessible with a Jepson Prairie docent. The Preserve explodes into color during its spring wildflower display. Dry and dormant most of the year, the prairie is transformed by winter rains into a tapestry of stunning colors, and its vernal pools host a rich diversity of rare aquatic life. WHAT TO BRING: Protection from sun, wind, fog, and rain. Note: It is often windy! Also recommended: Cash donation suggested but not required: $5/adult. No RSVP. Location: Dixon DIRECTIONS: Cook Lane off Highway 113 South 12 miles south of Dixon |
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Scenic Limited Wildflower Train
Saturday,
APR
6, 2013
11:00 AM BAY AREA ELECTRIC RAILROAD ASSOCIATION — Western Railway Museum Lake and Utah Railway observation parlor car #751, enjoying cookies and lemonade served by uniformed attendants. Coach passengers ride in Sacramento Northern interurban #1005. Like the wildflowers, #1005 is also a true California native. It spent its working life on the same rail line the Museum now owns and preserves. Volunteers have lovingly and accurately restored both #1005 and #751 to their historic glory. Trains depart at 11:00am, 12:30pm and 2:00pm. ,br> Coach tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors 65 years and older, and $7 for children 2-14, available on a first-come, first served basis. First Class service is $6 extra and includes cookies and lemonade served by uniformed staff. Advanced reservations accepted for first-class through our partners at Brown Paper Tickets, by clicking here. Entrance Fee: $10 Location: 5848 State Highway 12 Suisun City DIRECTIONS: Between Fairfield and Rio Vista |
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Vintage Comet Wine Train
Saturday,
APR
6, 2013
5:00 PM BAY AREA ELECTRIC RAILROAD ASSOCIATION — Western Railway Museum Enjoy an hour-long train ride at sunset! The Vintage Comet uses the same historic train equipment as the Scenic Limited but departs Saturdays at 5:00pm to take advantage of the beautiful late-afternoon light. Adult passengers learn about and sample local wine provided by the Suisun Valley Wine Co-Op. Each Saturday features at least 4 different wines from different Co-Op members. Fun fact: the name Vintage Comet refers to wine, to history, and to honor an actual Sacramento Northern train name, The Comet, which ran from Oakland to Sacramento over the tracks the Museum now owns and operates. A portion of the ticket price from Vintage Comet benefits the Solano Midnight Sun Foundation, which provides temporary financial assistance to women with breast cancer who need help paying basic living expenses during their treatments. All tickets are $30/person, and include a souvenir wine glass. Click here for advanced reservations through Brown Paper Tickets. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure and note that the train departs on time. All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges. For "day-of" sales, please call the Museum directly at 707-374-2978. Entrance Fee: $30 Location: 5848 State Highway 12 Suisun City DIRECTIONS: Between Fairfield and Rio Vista. |
