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Friday Bird Walk
Friday,
DEC
2, 2011
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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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Friday,
DEC
2, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Hike at King-Swett Ranches
Saturday,
DEC
3, 2011
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. 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. 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. |
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Volunteer Day at Rush Ranch
Saturday,
DEC
3, 2011
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. 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,
DEC
3, 2011
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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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Saturday,
DEC
3, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Eagles, Hawks & other Birds of Prey Tour
Sunday,
DEC
4, 2011
10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST Lynch Canyon Join raptor expert Larry Broderick for a brief presentation on birds of prey, followed by a 3-4 mile moderate hike. You're likely to see golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, coopers hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, northern herriers, white-tailed kites, kestrels, prairie falcons, barn owls, and tons of other birds! Lynch Canyon is only accessible with a Solano Land Trust guide in the fall and winter months, so take advantage of this special opportunity to visit it. Meet promptly at the Lynch Canyon entrance gate (the gate will be locked behind the tour group). COST: A donation is suggested but not required ($5 for Solano Land Trust members, $10 for non-members). BRING: Water, snacks, bug repellent. Be prepared for variable weather by bringing layered clothes, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and protection from sun, wind, fog, and rain. Also recommended: Cash donation, binoculars, camera. RSVP: Natalie zt 707-432-0150 x200. Constant or heavy rain cancels—call Larry Broderick at 707-975-7047 if the weather is uncertain. Leader: Larry Broderick Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo |
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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Sunday,
DEC
4, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Friday Bird Walk
Friday,
DEC
9, 2011
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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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Friday,
DEC
9, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Volunteer Day at Lynch Canyon
Saturday,
DEC
10, 2011
9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST Lynch Canyon Our land is our future, so jump in with your boots on! Help maintain Lynch Canyon's over 1,000 acres of grassland, oak woodland and riparian habitat. BRING: Backpack, water, snacks or bag lunch, insect repellent, work gloves. Be prepared for variable weather (bring layered clothes including pants, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes, and protection from sun, wind fog, and rain. Upon arrival, arrange a one-time free parking pass with County Parks or Land Trust staff. No RSVP required. Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
DEC
10, 2011
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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Sierra Club Hike
Saturday,
DEC
10, 2011
9:30 AM SOLANO GROUP OF THE SIERRA CLUB Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Come join us for our Second Saturday hike. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Santa Rides the Rails
Saturday,
DEC
10, 2011
10:30 AM BAY AREA ELECTRIC RAILROAD ASSOCIATION Western Railway Museum When his reindeer are resting, St. Nick uses clean, reliable electric railways to get around. Meet Santa at the Western Railway Museum from 10:30am - 3:30pm. Photos are encouraged! After visiting with Santa, visitors of all ages can hop aboard a real train and take a ride on one of the Museum's authentic, historic electric rail cars. Trains depart at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, and 3:30pm for a 50-minute, 10-mile round trip through rural Solano County. Admission to the Museum is just $10 for adults, $9 for seniors 65 years and older, and $7 for children 2 through 14. Free for current Museum Members! Tickets include Museum admission, unlimited train ride, visits with Santa, and free parking. Reservations are not necessary. Entrance Fee: $10 Location: 5848 State Highway 12 Suisun City |
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Carols in the Bunker Holiday Festival
Saturday,
DEC
10, 2011
2:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Carols in the Bunker Holiday Festival 2:00pm-8:00pm and Docent-guided full moon walk at 6:00pm. Meet at the Visitors Center. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Saturday,
DEC
10, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Sunday,
DEC
11, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Friday Bird Walk
Friday,
DEC
16, 2011
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,
DEC
16, 2011
8:30 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST Lynch Canyon Join our Citizen Science Friday team! Solano Land Trust's staff scientist, Sue Wickham, leads us on this outdoor volunteer opportunity where together we restore, maintain, and monitor the health of Solano Land Trust lands. No experience necessary! This month we're going to plant trees and shrubs at Lynch Canyon. Help promote the next generation of these great trees and plants. Heavy rain will cancel—call Sue's cell phone if the weather is uncertain: 707-590-0307. Bring: A backpack with plenty of water and snacks, heavy work gloves, 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, and protection from sun, wind, fog and rain. RSVP: Sue at 707-432-0150 x 207 or sue@SolanoLandTrust.org. Leader: Sue Wickham Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo |
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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Friday,
DEC
16, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Garden Volunteer Day
Saturday,
DEC
17, 2011
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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Rush Ranch 'Get the Rush'
Saturday,
DEC
17, 2011
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. |
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Santa Rides the Rails
Saturday,
DEC
17, 2011
10:30 AM BAY AREA ELECTRIC RAILROAD ASSOCIATION Western Railway Museum When his reindeer are resting, St. Nick uses clean, reliable electric railways to get around. Meet Santa at the Western Railway Museum from 10:30am - 3:30pm. Photos are encouraged! Reigning Miss Solano 2011 Julianna Johnson will visit the Western Railway Museum on Saturday December 17 from 10:30am - 1:30pm to help Santa hand out candy canes, pose for photos, and collect Christmas wishes. After visiting with Santa, visitors of all ages can hop aboard a real train and take a ride on one of the Museum's authentic, historic electric rail cars. Trains depart at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, and 3:30pm for a 50-minute, 10-mile round trip through rural Solano County. Admission to the Museum is just $10 for adults, $9 for seniors 65 years and older, and $7 for children 2 through 14. Free for current Museum Members! Tickets include Museum admission, unlimited train ride, visits with Santa, and free parking. Reservations are not necessary. Entrance Fee: $10 Location: 5848 State Highway 12 Suisun City |
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Birds of Prey Workshop and Hike at Rush Ranch
Saturday,
DEC
17, 2011
1:00 PM Join raptor expert Larry Broderick for this exciting workshop and hike during the winter migratory season. From 1-3pm he'll lead a workshop about identification and interpretation of birds of prey (geared toward adults, but participants of all ages are welcome). Then after a 30 minute social break, from 3:30-5pm he'll lead a hike up Suisun Hill where eagles, hawks, and falcons seek out ground squirrel colonies. Larry brings over 25 years of experience studying, researching, rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey. He loves to share his knowledge and he’s a gifted teacher! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll be entertained as he shows over 100 photos, demonstrates wing beat patterns of different species by the way he flaps his arms, and explains raptor behavior. The hike will be a moderate pace covering about 2 miles, partly off-trail, up and down rugged, steep, and slippery hills that are full of sticky seeds, thorny plants, and thistle. During the hike Larry will help you distinguish eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey from miles away. A donation is suggested but not required. Donations help make Larry's workshops and tours sustainable. Bring: A backpack with plenty of water and snacks, 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: Cash donation, note paper and pencil/pen, binoculars, camera, bug repellent, hiking stick(s), gaiters. Constant or heavy rain cancels—call Larry Broderick at 707-975-7047 if the weather is uncertain. RSVP: Natalie at 707-432-0150 x 200 or volunteer@solanolandtrust.org Leader: Larry Broderick 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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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Saturday,
DEC
17, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Sunday,
DEC
18, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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65th Annual Benicia Christmas Bird Count
Monday,
DEC
19, 2011
A Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a 24-hour census of all the birds seen or heard within a prescribed 15-mile diameter circle. Our circle’s center is on Hwy 680 1¼ mile north of Pierce Road. The Benicia CBC is one of the oldest in California. We need volunteers in all areas: on land, in boats, canoes, and in backyards watching feeders. Or you can help prepare food for the hungry volunteers when they come in from the field! Click on link above for more information. Entrance Fee: $5 |
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Winter Solstice Party
Wednesday,
DEC
21, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Potluck and music in the Visitors Center till the Solstice at 9:30pm. Campfire also. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Friday,
DEC
23, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Saturday,
DEC
24, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Sunday,
DEC
25, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Friday,
DEC
30, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |
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Mare Island Aglow Holiday Lighted Trail Walk
Saturday,
DEC
31, 2011
5:00 PM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Get outdoors all weather during the holiday season in the evening to enjoy holiday lighting of the cemetery’s Victorian era fence, the Rowser Garden and the Spirit Ship atop Mare Island Hill. Warm up at our Visitors Center with hot drinks while shopping at our Magazine Marketplace. Treat yourself to s’mores around the campfire. Open rain or shine! Free but donation suggested. Food will be available. Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Mare Island Vallejo |

