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Friday Bird Walk
Friday,
JAN
4, 2013
8:00 AM NAPA - SOLANO AUDUBON SOCIETY — Napa and Solano Counties The destination for each Friday bird walk is not decided until a few days before the trip. An email is sent out each week describing the destination for the upcoming trip. If you would like to be added to the email list for Friday Bird Walks, you can submit your information on our sign-up page. Car-poolers will share driving expenses (recommended $.30/mi to be split by the number of riders). Leader: Murray Berner DIRECTIONS: Meet at Sweeney's Sport Store, 1537 Imola Ave West, Napa, to carpool. |
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Hike at King-Swett Ranches
Saturday,
JAN
5, 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 Day at Rush Ranch
Saturday,
JAN
5, 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,
JAN
5, 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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Friday Bird Walk
Friday,
JAN
11, 2013
8:00 AM NAPA - SOLANO AUDUBON SOCIETY — Napa and Solano Counties The destination for each Friday bird walk is not decided until a few days before the trip. An email is sent out each week describing the destination for the upcoming trip. If you would like to be added to the email list for Friday Bird Walks, you can submit your information on our sign-up page. Car-poolers will share driving expenses (recommended $.30/mi to be split by the number of riders). Leader: Murray Berner DIRECTIONS: Meet at Sweeney's Sport Store, 1537 Imola Ave West, Napa, to carpool. |
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Coyote Club
Saturday,
JAN
12, 2013
9:00 AM GVRD — McIntyre Ranch For ages 4-14 -- The McIntyre Ranch is home to several different habitats, farm animals and an educational garden. Explore nature through activities, games and crafts. Getting up close to nature helps us to understand the balance we have with the environment. Studies have found that children who spend time exploring nature are more focused and interested in school. Families are encourage to come to every meeting. Bring a snack, water and your curiosity! For more information contact the Coordinator at 648-4552. Cost: $5/class resident, $6/class nonresident. Adults must register at no cost. Leader: Dee Davis Entrance Fee: $5 Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Off St. John's Mine Road |
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Hann's Park Restoration
Saturday,
JAN
12, 2013
9:00 AM VALLEJO WATERSHED ALLIANCE — Hann's Park Meet in Hanns Park to collect cottonwood cuttings and perform annual cleaning and maintenance on bird boxes in the corridor. Wear comfortable clothes, gloves, and sturdy shoes. Park in the lot at Redwood and Skyline; follow the signs up the bike path. Everyone welcome. Free refreshments. Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Skyline Drive at Redwood Parkway |
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Tree Planting: Volunteer Day at Semple School
Saturday,
JAN
12, 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 |
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A Walk at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve
Saturday,
JAN
12, 2013
9:30 AM SIERRA CLUB REDWOOD CHAPTER — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve We will walk to the highest point on Mare Island and encounter various wildflowers and spectacular views towards the Carquinez Strait and San Pablo Bay with the likelihood of seeing fledgling ospreys and great blue herons along the way. The route also includes various historical features along the way. This walk is a fairly easy 3.0 mile r/t walk on paved roads. Class E-4-A. Leader: Brian Collett Location: 1595 Railroad Ave. Mare Island Vallejo |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
JAN
12, 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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The Folklore of Lake Solano Birds
Saturday,
JAN
12, 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 and Kristina Reese 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. |
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Friday Bird Walk
Friday,
JAN
18, 2013
8:00 AM NAPA - SOLANO AUDUBON SOCIETY — Napa and Solano Counties The destination for each Friday bird walk is not decided until a few days before the trip. An email is sent out each week describing the destination for the upcoming trip. If you would like to be added to the email list for Friday Bird Walks, you can submit your information on our sign-up page. Car-poolers will share driving expenses (recommended $.30/mi to be split by the number of riders). Leader: Murray Berner DIRECTIONS: Meet at Sweeney's Sport Store, 1537 Imola Ave West, Napa, to carpool. |
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'Citizen Science Friday' Land Stewardship Volunteer Opportunity
Friday,
JAN
18, 2013
8:30 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon / King-Swett Ranches Get involved in science on our lands! Solano Land Trust staff scientist Sue Wickham will teach you all you need to know. BRING: Water, snacks, sturdy gloves, pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes. Come prepared for variable weather (bring layered clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and protection from sun, wind, and fog). Optional: bug repellent, your favorite gardening tools, and binoculars to enjoy the birds! RSVP REQUIRED: Sue at 707-432-0150 x 207 or by email. Leader: Sue Wickham DIRECTIONS: Provided upon RSVP. |
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Rockville Hills Regional Park Trail Crew
Saturday,
JAN
19, 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 |
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Tree Planting: Volunteer Day at Semple School
Saturday,
JAN
19, 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 |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
JAN
19, 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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Horse Day at McIntyre Ranch
Saturday,
JAN
19, 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 |
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Rush Ranch 'Get the Rush'
Saturday,
JAN
19, 2013
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! November through March: The blacksmith shop remains open for visitors! The wagons are in storage for the winter. Other activities are dependent on volunteer availability and the weather. As part of this month's Get the Rush series, join volunteers and special guest Sarah Ferner for a guided walk at Rush Ranch. Take advantage of this opportunity and bring the whole family if you can because Sarah is a fun and engaging speaker for all ages, and she's a marsh expert with the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Use all five senses as you travel alongside the tidal marsh and through the upland grasses. Learn why Rush Ranch is locally loved and nationally famous! Rain or shine, meet at the wall map just outside the entrance to the Nature Center. (Sarah and team will guide you through the Nature Center exhibit if it's raining too hard to walk). 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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Buzzed for Bees!
Saturday,
JAN
19, 2013
1:30 PM RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Rush Ranch Nature Center Meet renowned bee expert Robbin Thorp, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Entomology at UC Davis, and hear his presentation titled "Native Bees as crop pollinators and providing bee habitat on farms & gardens". Come away knowing why native bees are critical to our food and fiber, and how we can make our farms and gardens more welcoming for them! This free program will last approximately 2 hours and will be held indoors in the Rush Ranch Nature Center conference room. Leader: Robbin Thorpe 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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Community Workday at Lake Solano
Sunday,
JAN
20, 2013
9:00 AM SOLANO COUNTY PARKS — Lake Solano Help care for Lake Solano Park & Campground! Join lead volunteer Aaron Damman on special projects, like improving the Shoreline and Beetle Point trails. Bring: a backpack with plenty of water and snacks, heavy work gloves, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with tread for potentially rough, steep, and slippery terrain, long, sturdy pants and layered clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, protection from the elements (sun, wind, fog, rain). RSVP REQUIRED: Natalie DuMont or 707-432-0150 x200. Meet Aaron just outside the Lake Solano Nature Center on the west side of the park at 8685 Pleasants Valley Road. Leader: Aaron Damman Location: 8685 Pleasants Valley Road DIRECTIONS: Lake Solano Park straddles Pleasants Valley Road, north of Vacaville and near the town of Winters. Park on the east side of Pleasants Valley Rd. |
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Friday Bird Walk
Friday,
JAN
25, 2013
8:00 AM NAPA - SOLANO AUDUBON SOCIETY — Napa and Solano Counties The destination for each Friday bird walk is not decided until a few days before the trip. An email is sent out each week describing the destination for the upcoming trip. If you would like to be added to the email list for Friday Bird Walks, you can submit your information on our sign-up page. Car-poolers will share driving expenses (recommended $.30/mi to be split by the number of riders). Leader: Murray Berner DIRECTIONS: Meet at Sweeney's Sport Store, 1537 Imola Ave West, Napa, to carpool. |
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Tree Planting: Volunteer Day at Semple School
Saturday,
JAN
26, 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 |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
JAN
26, 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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History-Nature Walk at Lake Solano Park
Saturday,
JAN
26, 2013
10:00 AM SOLANO COUNTY PARKS & SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lake Solano Enjoy guided walks along the Shoreline Trail of Lake Solano Park with volunteers Cricket Kanouff and Kitty Van Newkoop. Walk back through the mists of time to learn about the Patwin Indians, the Berryessa brothers and John Wolfskill’s impact on the region. Enjoy the beauty of nature – the lake and its surroundings. Discover how Putah Creek was transformed into Lake Solano, bringing water to farmers and residents of Solano County. Learn about the native trees and plants, and some of their medicinal secrets, passed down through the generations by the Native Americans. You may have the good fortune of spotting a great blue heron, a snowy egret, or a peacock on the tour! Meet in front of Lake Solano Park’s Nature Center . No RSVP is necessary, but note that the walks are canceled if it rains. Be prepared for variable weather and trail conditions by bringing water, wearing sturdy closed-toe shoes, and dressing in layers. A camera and binoculars are also recommended. For questions in advance, call 707-432-0150 x200 or email. For same-day information, call 530-795-2990. Leader: Cricket Kanouff 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. |
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Eagles, Hawks & other Birds of Prey Tour
Saturday,
JAN
26, 2013
11:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rush Ranch Join Larry Broderick and the Solano Land Trust Raptor Team for an interactive presentation covering raptor natural history and threats, the importance of habitat conservation, acquisition and restoration, identification methods, and a book review. The presentation will be held in the Rush Ranch Nature Center from 11am to 1pm. Following a brief social break, test your new identification skills on a short but steep hike up Suisun Hill to observe eagles, falcons and hawks. Space is limited. RSVP to Mary Beth at 707-685-5908 or email. Bring: binoculars, snacks or a bag lunch, 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: camera, hiking sticks, and gaiters. Free, but donations are appreciated. Leader: Larry Broderick Location: 3521 Grizzly Island Road Suisun City |
