Upcoming Events List

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, OCT 5, 2012 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.

	Friday evening wine and walk (or just good talk) in the Preserve Friday, OCT 5, 2012 6:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Join us from 6:00-7:00pm for some wine and good conversation at the Visitors Center. Bring wine to share or sip some of our collection of inexpensive wine and we'll provide cheese and crackers. Leader: Myrna Hayes Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo

	Hike at King-Swett Ranches Saturday, OCT 6, 2012 9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — King-Swett Ranches Join Solano Land Trust docent Jim Walsh for a rigorous hike through the King-Swett Ranches. These ranches are only accessible in the company of trained Solano Land Trust docents, so take advantage of this opportunity to get healthy exercise and see spectacular views. They are working ranches, so cattle may be present. Requires the ability to hike off-trail, through thistle, on uneven ground and hilly terrain. BRING: Backpack, water, snacks or bag lunch, insect repellent. 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. Participants of all ages are welcome, but they must be prepared for 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. Meet promptly beside Jim's white "TruGreen" pickup truck at the Park-and-Ride lot on the Hiddenbrooke side of the American Canyon/Hiddenbrooke Parkway exit, off Interstate 80. Be ready to carpool or caravan from there. Heavy rain cancels—call Jim at 916-870-4824 if the weather is uncertain. RSVP requested, but not required: Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200 (office), 415-517-2624 (cell), volunteer@solanolandtrust.org. Leader: Jim Walsh Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Meet promptly beside Jim's white "TruGreen" pickup truck at the Park-and-Ride lot on the Hiddenbrooke side of the American Canyon/Hiddenbrooke Parkway exit, off Interstate 80.

	Volunteer Day at Rush Ranch Saturday, OCT 6, 2012 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, OCT 6, 2012 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

	Discover Lake Solano Park Saturday, OCT 6, 2012 10:00 AM SOLANO COUNTY PARKS — Lake Solano County Park The Discover Lake Solano Park event is free, and parking is only $5 per vehicle. Hikes are generally moderate in distance and terrain. Dress appropriately for the day's weather, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, and some snacks or a picnic lunch for afterwards. You may also want to bring binoculars to watch wildlife. Our Volunteer Docents and Rangers will present an enjoyable program for you and your family or friends. You will hike the park's trails, meet the local wildlife and hear fascinating stories about the history of Lake Solano, Putah Creek and your own Solano County. And come on back later to enjoy the park's RV and tent campground, boat launch and miles of shoreline fishing. Meet at 10 am at the Lake Solano Nature Center. Parking Fee: $5 Location: 8685 Pleasants Valley Road Winters, CA 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. Then walk across to the Nature Center on the west side.

	Raptor Migration Tour Sunday, OCT 7, 2012 10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Join Larry Broderick’s birding bonanza at Lynch Canyon to discover, observe and learn about eagles, hawks and other birds of prey. Previous sightings include golden eagles, Cooper’s hawks, ferruginous hawks, American kestrels, white tailed kites, red-tailed hawks, Northern harriers, and turkey vultures. Each fall and winter season he offers tours on Solano Land Trust lands. Take advantage of these special opportunities to see resident, migrating and over-wintering raptors. Broderick brings over 25 years of experience studying, researching, rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey. He’s a gifted and entertaining teacher who is anxious to share his knowledge of and passion for raptors with others. He distinguishes a ferruginous hawk from a red-tailed hawk and a prairie falcon from a peregrine falcon from great distances, and he demonstrates the wingbeat patterns of different species by the way he flaps his arms. What to Bring: binoculars, a backpack with plenty of water and snacks, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes, long, sturdy pants and layered clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, protection from sun, wind, and fog, cash for parking ($5) and optional donation. Also recommended: camera, bug repellent, hiking sticks, and a picnic lunch for afterwards. All ages are welcome, but participants must be prepared for a moderate pace covering about 4 miles, possibly off-trail, up and down rugged, steep, and slippery hills that are full of sticky seeds, thorny plants and thistle, and passing free range cattle along the way. RSVP requested to Mary Beth at 707-685-5908, or email Mary Beth. Meet in the Lynch Canyon parking lot at 10am sharp. Leader: Larry Broderick Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, OCT 12, 2012 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.

	Friday evening wine and walk (or just good talk) in the Preserve Friday, OCT 12, 2012 6:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Join us from 6:00-7:00pm for some wine and good conversation at the Visitors Center. Bring wine to share or sip some of our collection of inexpensive wine and we'll provide cheese and crackers. Leader: Myrna Hayes Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo

	A Walk at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Saturday, OCT 13, 2012 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

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, OCT 13, 2012 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

	Heritage Feast Dinner & Art Auction Saturday, OCT 13, 2012 5:00 PM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rush Ranch Celebrate Solano County's Harvest Season with Solano Land Trust! Enjoy good company, delicious local food and wine, and beautiful art inspired by Solano Land Trust lands. The feast includes locally-sourced appetizers and meal by Chef Daniel Bell plus dessert by MagPies. Enjoy wagon rides with Access Adventure and blacksmith shop tours with the Rush Ranch Educational Council. Tickets for a special raffle, 'Solano County 7-City Restaurant Tour for 4' (valued over $700) may be pre-purchased. Entrance Fee: $75 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.

	Native American Walk Monday, OCT 15, 2012 9:30 AM SUISUN MARSH NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION — Rockville Hills Regional Park The Suisun Marsh Natural History Association will be holding a 2-hour field trip in Rockville Hills Park starting at 9:30 am. The interpretive tour will focus on the customs, lifestyles and religious ceremonies of the local Suisun Indians. Binoculars, water, and walking shoes are recommended. This walk may be difficult for small children, as there is some uphill walking. The walk will be held on Saturday. Registration is limited to 25. This event is free to members and $5.00 for non-members. For more information or to register, call the Wildlife Center at: (707) 429-4295, 9am – 6pm. All proceeds assist the Suisun Marsh Natural History Association in its Suisun Wildlife Center. Entrance Fee: $5 Location: 2149 Rockville Road Fairfield

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, OCT 19, 2012 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.

	'Citizen Science Friday' Land Stewardship Volunteer Opportunity Friday, OCT 19, 2012 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.

	Friday evening wine and walk (or just good talk) in the Preserve Friday, OCT 19, 2012 6:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Join us from 6:00-7:00pm for some wine and good conversation at the Visitors Center. Bring wine to share or sip some of our collection of inexpensive wine and we'll provide cheese and crackers. Leader: Myrna Hayes Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo

	Hann's Park Restoration Saturday, OCT 20, 2012 9:00 AM VALLEJO WATERSHED ALLIANCE — Hann's Park Meet in Hanns Park to collect native plant seeds and acorns, weed and mulch our native grass meadow. 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

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, OCT 20, 2012 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

	Arbor Day in Benicia -- Saturday, OCT 20, 2012 10:00 AM BENICIA TREE FOUNDATION — City Park This year’s theme was selected to reflect and support the ambitious goal we have chosen to plant 1,000 trees in the City of Benicia. Rather than view this big number of trees in the abstract, it is much more useful to bring it to the level of "you and me" because this is the level that trees get planted...one by one by every people like you and me. In addition to a variety of tree related activities, the event will feature the Native Plant Society / Willis L. Jepson Chapter annual plant sale. Food will be available. Location: Military W & 1st St Benicia

	Lake Solano Tour Saturday, OCT 20, 2012 10:00 AM SOLANO COUNTY PARKS — Lake Solano County Park Join a guided walk along the Shoreline Trail to learn about the history and plant life along Putah Creek. 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 also spot a Great Blue Heron, a snowy egret, a peacock in all its feathered glory or other wildlife on the tour. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and water are recommended for this walk. Visitors will meet at 10:00 am at the Lake Solano Park Nature Center. The presentation is free, but parking is $5 per vehicle, payable across the road at the entrance to the day use area. No RSVP is necessary. For questions in advance, call 707-432-0150 x200 or email. For same-day information, call 530-795-2990. Make a day of it by bringing a picnic lunch for afterwards, renting a canoe, or staying and camping the whole weekend! Leader: Cricket Kanouff and Kitty Van Newkoop Parking Fee: $5 Location: 8685 Pleasants Valley Road Winters, CA 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. Then walk to the Nature Center on the west-side.

	Rush Ranch 'Get the Rush' Saturday, OCT 20, 2012 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! Choose from several activities: 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. Join in an interactive demonstration with a smithy, and you may even get the opportunity to make your own iron nail or other keepsake! Or, if weather permits, 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. Also, if weather and resources permit, take 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. 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.

	Halloween Howl Monday, OCT 22, 2012 12:00 PM SUISUN MARSH NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION — Suisun Wildlife Center Come to the Suisun Wildlife Center's Halloween Howl where our critters slither, creep, screech, hoot, and howl--if you dare! Get a Trick-or-Tweet bag, walk the wild creature spooky trail, meet our owls, bats, spiders, and more. Adopt a pumpkin and make a jack-o-lantern, boo-gie and enjoy games, face painting, and refreshments. Be sure to bring your camera! You can find us at the DEAD-end of Kellogg Street. Kids in costume $3, kids without costume $5, and adults free. For more information, call the Wildlife Center at: (707) 429-4295 (HAWK) 9am – 6pm, Mon.- Sun. Entrance Fee: $5 Location: 1171 Kellogg St Suisun City

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, OCT 26, 2012 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.

	Friday evening wine and walk (or just good talk) in the Preserve Friday, OCT 26, 2012 6:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Join us from 6:00-7:00pm for some wine and good conversation at the Visitors Center. Bring wine to share or sip some of our collection of inexpensive wine and we'll provide cheese and crackers. Leader: Myrna Hayes Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, OCT 27, 2012 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

	'Be Wary of Scary'. . . Fall fun aplenty Saturday, OCT 27, 2012 10:00 AM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve The Preserve will be open 10:00am-10:00pm “Be Wary of Scary” Afternoon Children’s Programs and Live Music at the Visitors Center 12noon-3:00pm pumpkin carving, gourd painting, “bobbling” for apples strung on fish line, peer into the witches brew and other fall surprises in the eucalyptus grove at the Preserve Trailhead. 1:30pm-3:30pm Live music at the Visitors Center 2:00pm-3:00pm The Little Pumpkin Treasure Hunt: all ages, take the clues out on the Preserve trail starting at the Visitors Center to the nearby little bunkers to find your own little pumpkin and a treat, too. 3:00pm-4:00pm The Great Pumpkin Escape, a special FREE Jack O'Lantern themed Puppet Man (think the giant puppets in our Visitors Center) show for the whole family in the eucalyptus grove at the Preserve Trailhead. 5:00pm-10:00pm “Scare Island” Haunted Trails and Tales: start at the Visitors Center on a spooky trail to the Bunkers Trail and Cemetery, both surely haunted. Return to the Visitors Center to gather around the campfire to tell ghost stories, make s’mores and sip a hot cup of cocoa or apple cider. Repeats Saturday, October 28 and Halloween night, Wednesday, October 31. Want to volunteer to help make all this fun happen? Contact Myrna Hayes by email or call 707-249-9633. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo

	'Scare Island' Haunted Trails and Tales Saturday, OCT 27, 2012 5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Join us for some scary fun! 5:00-10:00pm. Free but donations always appreciated. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo

	UC Davis Aquathlon and 5k Sunday, OCT 28, 2012 7:00 AM UC DAVIS TRIATHLON TEAM — Lake Solano County Park The Aquathlon event is sponsored by the UC Davis Triathlon Team and open to the public. The race kicks off with a swim in beautiful Lake Solano at Lake Solano County Park near Winters, California. The run course will take you on a scenic tour of the park and will be mostly trails and some asphalt. The run course is on 70% dirt trails and 30% pavement. The lake water temperature is 62-65 degrees year-round so wetsuits are allowed and recommended. Wetsuitrental.com is offering a special deal for college kids with a $35 rental instead of $45. Outdoor Adventures at UC Davis also rents wetsuits to students and the public. Registration prices are listed on the event page. For more information, send an email to Tara Kurihara. Location: 8685 Pleasants Valley Road DIRECTIONS: Lake Solano Park straddles Pleasants Valley Road, north of Vacaville, near the town of Winters. Parking is on the east side of the road.

	'Scare Island' Haunted Trails and Tales Sunday, OCT 28, 2012 5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Join us for some scary fun! 5:00-10:00pm. Free but donations always appreciated. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo

	Full Moon Night Photography Monday, OCT 29, 2012 3:00 PM RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Rush Ranch Join Tim Baskerville of The Nocturnes on the "Hunter's Moon" for an exciting one-night photography workshop at Rush Ranch Open Space. We will start off with a few docent-guided tours of the Ranch--in daylight!--including the 2-mile Suisun Marsh Trail and the Suisun Hill Trail with scenic vistas of the surrounding area. Emphasis will be on evaluating existing lighting situations and exposing accordingly. Supplemental lighting possibilities will be discussed and demonstrated, with an emphasis on "Light Painting" techniques. Transparency, B&W, color negative films, and digital will be discussed. This is an intensive workshop limited to 15 participants. Students will provide their own equipment and should be familiar with basic photography techniques. Partial proceeds from the workshop will benefit the outreach and education programs of the Rush Ranch Educational Council. For more information visit The Nocturnes. Register by Oct 1. Leader: Tim Baskerville Entrance Fee: $100 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.

	Nightmare on Glenn Street Wednesday, OCT 31, 2012 4:00 PM GVRD — Children's Wonderland Park More scary details to come at www.gvrd.org Location: 360 Glenn St Vallejo

	'Scare Island' Haunted Trails and Tales Wednesday, OCT 31, 2012 5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Join us for some scary fun! 5:00-10:00pm. Free but donations always appreciated. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo