|
Gates Canyon Field Trip
Saturday,
MAY
18, 2013
NAPA - SOLANO AUDUBON SOCIETY — Gates Canyon Gates Canyon is one of the best places to see songbirds in all of Solano County. In mid-May we will see and hear in full spring song Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Wood-Peewee, the three vireo species, a few warblers, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak and Bullock's Oriole. Phainopeplas are sometimes found near the bottom of the road, and Wrentits and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers at the top. Pileated Woodpecker may be heard or seen, as well as Mountain Quail and Northern Pygmy-owl. This is 2.0 mile downhill walk. Very short segments of the road are gravelly and steep. Directions: Please carpool if you can. If not, be at the corner of Pleasants Valley Road and Gates Canyon Rd. at 7:15 am. From Vacaville, take the Cherry Glen exit off I-80. Proceed north on Pleasants Valley Rd. Gates Cyn Rd is about one mile north of Foothill Dr, or 0.3 mile south of Vaca Valley Rd. From there, we will arrange an auto shuttle to take birders to the top of the road for the walk down its length. At each carpool location, please be prepared for departure at the time indicated. Carpool Times & Locations: Napa - 6:30 AM Sweeney's Sport Store, 1537 Imola Ave West; Cordelia - 6:50 AM Solano Education Building, 5100 Business Center Drive, Fairfield. A reminder from the Field Trip Coordinator: Car-poolers will share driving expenses (recommended $.30/mi to be split by the number of riders). Leader: Murray Berner Location: Vacaville |
|
Spring-time Guided Hike at Rockville Trails
Saturday,
MAY
18, 2013
7:30 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rockville Trails Join a guided hike that explores Solano County’s newest natural park, Rockville Trails. Extensively trained docents will give you a great workout as they lead you up and down this hilly and rocky terrain. You’ll learn about the area’s majestic oak trees, wildflowers and wildlife, and rich human history. These guided hikes are offered weekly each Saturday in May. The start time, duration, and route may vary from week to week. Since there are no parking lots on the property, each hike is limited to 20 registrants who will meet off-site and then carpool to the trailhead. Reservations for these 20 spots open two weeks before each hike date on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can register online from the at events calendar, or by calling Cathy Christo at 707-745-1913. WHAT TO BRING: a backpack with plenty of water and snacks, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with tread for rugged, steep, and potentially slippery terrain, long, sturdy pants and layered clothes, protection from the elements (sun, wind, fog, rain. Also recommended: binoculars, camera, bug repellent, hiking sticks. There is no drinking water anywhere at Rockville Trails. There are no bathrooms anywhere at Rockville Trails. All trails are unimproved—expect rough, rocky, uneven ground. Location: Fairfield DIRECTIONS: Directions will be given upon registration. |
|
Rindler Creek Cleanup
Saturday,
MAY
18, 2013
9:00 AM VALLEJO WATERSHED ALLIANCE — Rindler Creek Rindler Creek flows out of the hills to the east of Vallejo, down into Lake Chabot. It attracts a fair amount of trash, unfortunately, and it's time for a spring cleaning! Meet at the corner of Fairgrounds Drive and Coach Lane. Wear sturdy clothes and shoes, glove, hat and sunscreen. We will provide tools, trash bags, water, and refreshments. Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Meet at the corner of Fairgrounds Drive and Coach Lane. |
|
Rockville Hills Regional Park Trail Crew
Saturday,
MAY
18, 2013
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 |
|
Volunteer Opportunity: Trail Crew
Saturday,
MAY
18, 2013
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Looking for a way to fit exercise, fresh air, and volunteering into your schedule? Look no further than Solano Land Trust’s new trail crew. This volunteering is much needed to help the Land Trust care for trails on the 10,000+ acres of land it owns and protects in Solano County. If you have expertise in maintaining trails, or want to gain experience, join the team. The group will be led by Solano Land Trust’s Land Steward, Ken Poerner. Their first location will be Lynch Canyon Open Space Park and their first project will be prepping existing trails for spring events. Tasks will include removing weeds, mowing, and re-contouring trails.Volunteers will meet Poerner at the kiosk in the Lynch Canyon parking lot for orientation and training. Volunteers should bring a backpack with plenty of water and snacks or a bag lunch. They should wear work gloves, boots, long pants, and layered clothes, and bring protection from sun, wind and fog. Bringing tools is appreciated, especially hoes and cordless trimmers. To join this new trail crew for one day or more, RSVP to Natalie DuMont or 707-432-0150 x200. Plans are canceled if it’s raining; call Poerner at 707-580-6277 if the weather is uncertain. Volunteers get a free parking pass for the day, so they can enjoy the afternoon at Lynch Canyon after volunteering that morning. Leader: Ken Poerner Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo DIRECTIONS: From I-80, take the Hiddenbrooke or Red Top Road exit and follow the signs. |
|
Volunteer Trail Work Party: Hiddenbrooke Trail
Saturday,
MAY
18, 2013
9:00 AM BAY AREA RIDGE TRAIL AND GVRD — Bay Area Ridge Trail through Hiddenbrooke Join the Ridge Trail Council's Trail Steward John Aranson and the Greater Vallejo Recreation District for a morning restoring the Hiddenbrooke Trail, which runs through the beautiful open space between Vallejo and Fairfield. Much needed repairs include widening the trail, installing rolling dips, and cutting invasive plants from the trail corridor. All tools and supervision will be supplied. Ages 14 and older are welcome to participate; under age 18 must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Please bring work gloves, sunscreen, and a water bottle (with water). and dress in laters for variable weather including rain gear, a hat/visor for sun protection. Event will proceed in light rain, but heavy rain cancels. There is limited parking at the trail head so please meet at the intersection of McGary Road and Hiddenbrooke Parkway so we can carpool the 0.5 miles to the trail. From interstate 80 northeast of Vallejo and west of Fairfield take the American Canyon exit east into Hiddenbrooke Parkway. Immediately turn right and park in the area at the entrance to the community that is Mc Gary road. We will meet at this intersection at 9am. Please bring sturdy shoes, work cloths, sunscreen and hat. refreshments will be supplied. Sign up online. Leader: John Aranson Location: McGary Rd and Hiddenbrooker Parkway Vallejo DIRECTIONS: From interstate 80 northeast of Vallejo and west of Fairfield take the American Canyon / Hiddenbrooke Parkway exit. |
|
Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
MAY
18, 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 |
|
Experiential Walk and Picnic at Lake Solano Park
Saturday,
MAY
18, 2013
10:00 AM SOLANO COUNTY PARKS — Lake Solano Join Lake Solano Park volunteers to experience a new kind of walk at Solano Lake Park along the Shoreline Trail. Spring is in the air. Flowers are budding and there are new leaves on the trees. You may want to pause to study the California buckeye tree in bloom, or the cliff swallows swirling around the bridge. You may be inclined to grab your journal and sketch what captures your interest. Enjoy the view of the lake and the water birds from the shoreline bench. Follow the footsteps of the Native Patwin people and those who came after throughout the years. A poem may come to mind! Enjoy a brown bag or potluck lunch at noon on an available picnic table with peacocks looking on. After lunch, you are welcome to linger with your guides until 3pm (optional). Meet in front of the Nature Center at Lake Solano Park & Campground, located at 8685 Pleasants Valley Road, just off Highway 128 near the town of Winters. The Nature Center is at the west entrance of the park. Parking is $5 per vehicle, payable at the east entrance of the Park. The walk is free. Bring a journal, pencils, pens, and/or water colors, camera and binoculars, drinking water, sunhat, sun screen, insect repellent, closed-toe shoes, and a brown bag lunch or pot luck item. For more information on Solano County Parks and the fun, educational opportunities they offer, check out our website. Leader: Linda Elkins, Amanda Hicks and Kitty Van Newkoop 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. Pay the $5 parking fee and park on the east-side of Pleasants Valley Rd. |
|
Horse Day at McIntyre Ranch
Saturday,
MAY
18, 2013
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). Kids will receive a souvenit t-shirt! Eat a good breakfast, bring water bottle and wear layers. For more information contact the Coordinator at 648-4552. Leader: Jane Mitchell Entrance Fee: $25 Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Off St. John's Mine Road |
|
Nature Journaling and Sketching Walk
Saturday,
MAY
18, 2013
10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rush Ranch Tune in to your senses while walking alongside the tidal marsh at Rush Ranch. Close your eyes—what do you hear? Hold pickleweed in your hand—how does it look, feel, smell, and taste? Jot down thoughts, sketch or paint, or read or write a poem if you feel so inspired. Meet docents Jody Lane and Laurie Guest in the Rush Ranch courtyard to begin this experience of slowing down enough to truly observe nature. WHAT TO BRING: Journal or other paper; pencils, pens, and/or water colors; 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. THINGS TO KNOW: Some inhabitants of Nature are best observed and avoided! Watch for ticks, bees and wasps, and snakes. Leader: Jody Lane and Laurie Guest 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. |
|
Rockville Trails Exploration
Saturday,
MAY
18, 2013
10:00 AM GREENBELT ALLIANCE — Rockville Trails Come and explore the new 1500-acre preserve of Solano Land Trust. This beautiful open space is home to many species of raptor and contains many natural communities. Learn the fascinating connection between this parkland and the Pony Express! This is a moderate 4-mile hike with less than 1,000 feet gain in elevation. Bring binoculars, water, sun protection, and hiking poles if you normally use them. Rain cancels. Check back for meeting place and driving directions. Leader: Steven Chun Location: Fairfield DIRECTIONS: Meeting place to park & carpool to trailhead: Old County Road at the intersection of Suisun Valley Road and Rockville Road. Park alongside the big red “Ice House” building. |
|
Rush Ranch 'Get the Rush'
Saturday,
MAY
18, 2013
10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST AND RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Rush Ranch All are invited to 'Get the Rush' at Rush Ranch. Get the Rush is a series of fun activities for the whole family, offered on the third Saturday of every month and it’s 100% volunteer-run. This month’s activities include a nature journaling and sketching walk. 10am: Tune in to your senses while walking alongside the tidal marsh at Rush Ranch. Close your eyes—what do you hear? Hold pickleweed in your hand—how does it look, feel, smell, and taste? Jot down thoughts, sketch or paint, or read or write a poem if you feel so inspired. Meet docents Jody Lane and Laurie Guest in the Rush Ranch courtyard to begin this experience of slowing down enough to truly observe nature. Bring a journal or other paper, pencils, pens, and/or water colors, water, snacks or picnic lunch, bug repellent and, optionally, binoculars and a camera. 10am to 1pm: 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. Take part in an interactive demonstration with a smithy, and you may even get the opportunity to make your own iron nail or other keepsake! Or 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. 11am to 1pm: Visitors of all ages and mobility levels are welcome to jump aboard 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. 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. |
