Upcoming Events List

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, MAR 4, 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. Let Cheryl Harris (cheryleharris@sbcglobal.net) know if you would like to be added to the email list for Friday Bird Walks. But if you are not on the email list, the same details will usually be added to this page at about the same time the email is sent. 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.

	Hike at King-Swett Ranches Saturday, MAR 5, 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. RSVP to Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200, 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, MAR 5, 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. RSVP to Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200, volunteer@SolanoLandTrust.org. 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.

	Native California Flute Workshop Saturday, MAR 5, 2011 10:00 AM RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Rush Ranch The beauty of flute making, a Native Californian tradition, is the subject of a workshop sponsored by the Rush Ranch Educational Council and the Solano Land Trust. Antonio Flores, a docent with East Bay Regional Parks, will show participants not only how to carve flutes from Elderberry branches; he'll then demonstrate how to coax a few notes from the flutes by playing a few native songs himself. All materials will be supplied; however, it is suggested that attendees bring a sharpened pocketknife. The cost for the workshop is $10 which covers all supplies and expenses. Water, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be provided. Reserve your place by email, taksan@comcast.net or call 707-422-4491 by Friday, March 4. Leader: Antonio Flores Registration is required. Food will be available. Performers: Antonio Flores Location: Nature Center 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.

	Eagles, Hawks & other Birds of Prey Tour Sunday, MAR 6, 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 at Solano Land Trust's Lynch Canyon. Recent sightings include 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 currently only accessible with a Solano Land Trust guide, so take advantage of this special opportunity to visit it. Meet promptly at the Lynch Canyon entrance gate (gate is locked behind us). Constant or heavy rain cancels—call Larry Broderick at 707-975-7047‎ if the weather is uncertain. Be sure to sign in and pay the $5 parking fee. Leader: Larry Broderick Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, MAR 11, 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. Let Cheryl Harris (cheryleharris@sbcglobal.net) know if you would like to be added to the email list for Friday Bird Walks. But if you are not on the email list, the same details will usually be added to this page at about the same time the email is sent. 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.

	Volunteer Day at Lynch Canyon Saturday, MAR 12, 2011 9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Our land is our future, so jump in with your boots on! Help Solano Land Trust Land Steward, Ken Poerner, 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. RSVP to Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200 or volunteer@SolanoLandTrust.org. Upon RSVP, arrange a one-time free parking pass with Natalie. Leader: Ken Poerner Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo

	Second Saturday Public Access Day Saturday, MAR 12, 2011 10:00 AM MARE ISLAND HERITAGE TRUST — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Join us for our monthly Second Saturday Public Access Day, with guided hikes, docent-led wildflower walks, exhibits and more! Location: 1595 Railroad Ave Vallejo

	Walk at Jepson Prairie Saturday, MAR 12, 2011 10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Jepson Prairie Jepson Prairie Preserve is just over 1500 acres and is one of California’s best remaining examples of vernal pools and native grasslands. Enjoy an easy, meandering walk in a portion of the Preserve only accessible with a Jepson Prairie docent. Under wide-open skies, 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. Bring: Backpack, water snacks or bag lunch, insect repellent. Be prepared for variable weather (bring layered clothes including pants, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes, and protection for sun, wind, fog and rain. RSVP to Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200, volunteer@SolanoLandTrust.org. Location: Dixon DIRECTIONS: Cook Lane off Highway 113 South 12 miles south of Dixon

	Walk at Jepson Prairie Sunday, MAR 13, 2011 10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Jepson Prairie Jepson Prairie Preserve is just over 1500 acres and is one of California’s best remaining examples of vernal pools and native grasslands. Enjoy an easy, meandering walk in a portion of the Preserve only accessible with a Jepson Prairie docent. Under wide-open skies, 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. Bring: Backpack, water snacks or bag lunch, insect repellent. Be prepared for variable weather (bring layered clothes including pants, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes, and protection for sun, wind, fog and rain. Location: Dixon DIRECTIONS: Cook Lane off Highway 113 South 12 miles south of Dixon

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, MAR 18, 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. Let Cheryl Harris (cheryleharris@sbcglobal.net) know if you would like to be added to the email list for Friday Bird Walks. But if you are not on the email list, the same details will usually be added to this page at about the same time the email is sent. 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, MAR 18, 2011 8:30 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Put your thinking cap on for Citizen Science Friday! Led by Solano Land Trust staff scientist, Sue Wickham, this outdoor volunteer opportunity includes restoration, maintenance, and monitoring. You’ll learn about the importance of native species, the impact of introduced species, and how soil, plants, animals, light and moisture levels interact in an ecosystem. Parking fee is not applicable. RSVP to Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200 or volunteer@SolanoLandTrust.org. Bring water, a snack or bag lunch, and gloves. Come prepared for variable weather (bring layered clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and protection from sun, wind, fog, and rain). Be sure to wear pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes (preferably waterproof boots). Leader: Sue Wickham Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo

	Rush Ranch 'Getting the Rush' Saturday, MAR 19, 2011 9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rush Ranch Get the Rush is a series of fun and free activities designed for families—all ages and mobility levels are welcome! From 9:00am to 10:00am: Tour the scenic tidal marsh and upland grasses of Rush Ranch. 10am to 1pm: Take a trip back in time at the historic Rush Ranch Blacksmith Shop, and Little Bear's display of Native American tools and decorations. 11am to 1pm: Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides (all are welcome, but the wagons are especially designed for wheelchairs and others with limited mobility). 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.

	Saturday Bird Walk Saturday, MAR 19, 2011 9:00 AM NAPA - SOLANO AUDUBON SOCIETY — Mare Island San Pablo Bay Walking Trail Mare Island San Pablo Bay Walking Trail is located on the western side of Mare Island with sweeping panoramic vistas of San Pablo Bay, Mt. Diablo, the Carquinez Strait, the East Bay hills, Mt. Tamalpais and the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. This is an up to 4-mile round trip trail, an easy walk on all flat terrain, with a shorter loop trail around the newly contained landfill. On that loop is a seasonal wetland chock full of waterfowl and shorebirds. Many types of raptors, shorebirds and ducks are likely to be seen from many viewpoints along the trail. The trail has 12 interpretive panels and benches along the way. The distance walked will be adjusted to the needs of the participants. Everyone is welcome--all ages & interest levels. Binoculars are available on loan. No restroom facilities are available. (Car-poolers will share driving expenses (recommended $.30/mi to be split by the number of riders.) Leader: Lore Dias and Keith Gish Location: Vallejo DIRECTIONS: To reach the trailhead, turn west onto Dump Road which is an extension to the west of A St. at the intersection of Azuar Dr. and continue along the gravel road to a parking lot on the left. Or to carpool, meet at Sweeney's Sport Store, 1537 Imola Ave West, Napa, at 8:30AM.

	Tour at Lynch Canyon Saturday, MAR 19, 2011 9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Solano County Parks and Solano Land Trust invite you to join a Solano County Park Ranger for a guided hike of Lynch Canyon. Learn about the animals and plants that live in the grassland, oak woodland, and riparian habitats, and about local human history. Be sure to pay the $5 parking fee. BRING: Backpack, water, snacks or bag lunch, insect repellent, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes, and protection from sun, wind, fog, and rain. No RSVP required. For questions, contact Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200 or volunteer@SolanoLandTrust.org. Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo

	Blacksmith Demonstration Saturday, MAR 19, 2011 10:00 AM RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Rush Ranch Skilled docent, Virgil Sellars, displays traditional blacksmithing skills using authentic tools and equipment in the ranch’s historic blacksmith shop. Leader: Virgil Sellars 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.

	Walk at Jepson Prairie Saturday, MAR 19, 2011 10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Jepson Prairie Jepson Prairie Preserve is just over 1500 acres and is one of California’s best remaining examples of vernal pools and native grasslands. Enjoy an easy, meandering walk in a portion of the Preserve only accessible with a Jepson Prairie docent. Under wide-open skies, 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. Bring: Backpack, water snacks or bag lunch, insect repellent. Be prepared for variable weather (bring layered clothes including pants, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes, and protection for sun, wind, fog and rain. RSVP to Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200, volunteer@SolanoLandTrust.org. Location: Dixon DIRECTIONS: Cook Lane off Highway 113 South 12 miles south of Dixon

	Access Adventures Saturday, MAR 19, 2011 11:00 AM ACCESS ADVENTURES — Rush Ranch Access Adventure uses uniquely designed vehicles to offer a safe and comfortable ride to anyone living with a condition that affects their ability to get around. Access Adventures' specially built Thornlea Carriages are designed to accommodate wheelchair users and and others with limited mobility. 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.

	Raptor Workshop and Tour Saturday, MAR 19, 2011 1:00 PM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rush Ranch Join birds-of-prey expert Larry Broderick for his last presentation and hike of the winter migratory season. From 1-3pm he'll give a presentation about raptor identification and interpretation including a season wrap-up and highlights from this incredible year. Then after a 30 minute social break, from 3:30-5pm he'll lead a hike up Suisun Hill where eagles, falcons and hawks seek out ground squirrel colonies. Broderick has 25 years experience studying, researching, rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll be entertained as Broderick shows over 100 photos, demonstrates wing beat patterns, and explains raptor behavior. Donations suggested but not required. Bring: water, snacks, insect repellent, and binoculars. Be prepared for variable weather (bring layered clothes including pants, boots or other closed-toe, sturdy shoes, and protection from both sun and wind). RSVP to Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200 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.

	Walk at Jepson Prairie Sunday, MAR 20, 2011 10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Jepson Prairie Jepson Prairie Preserve is just over 1500 acres and is one of California’s best remaining examples of vernal pools and native grasslands. Enjoy an easy, meandering walk in a portion of the Preserve only accessible with a Jepson Prairie docent. Under wide-open skies, 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. Bring: Backpack, water snacks or bag lunch, insect repellent. Be prepared for variable weather (bring layered clothes including pants, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes, and protection for sun, wind, fog and rain. RSVP to Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200, volunteer@SolanoLandTrust.org. Location: Dixon DIRECTIONS: Cook Lane off Highway 113 South 12 miles south of Dixon

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, MAR 25, 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. Let Cheryl Harris (cheryleharris@sbcglobal.net) know if you would like to be added to the email list for Friday Bird Walks. But if you are not on the email list, the same details will usually be added to this page at about the same time the email is sent. 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.

	Tour at Lynch Canyon Saturday, MAR 26, 2011 9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Solano County Parks and Solano Land Trust invite you to join a Solano County Park Ranger for a guided hike of Lynch Canyon. Learn about the animals and plants that live in the grassland, oak woodland, and riparian habitats, and about local human history. Be sure to pay the $5 parking fee. BRING: Backpack, water, snacks or bag lunch, insect repellent, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes, and protection from sun, wind, fog, and rain. No RSVP required. For questions, contact Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200 or volunteer@SolanoLandTrust.org. Parking Fee: $5 Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo

	Walk at Jepson Prairie Saturday, MAR 26, 2011 10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Jepson Prairie Jepson Prairie Preserve is just over 1500 acres and is one of California’s best remaining examples of vernal pools and native grasslands. Enjoy an easy, meandering walk in a portion of the Preserve only accessible with a Jepson Prairie docent. Under wide-open skies, 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. Bring: Backpack, water snacks or bag lunch, insect repellent. Be prepared for variable weather (bring layered clothes including pants, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes, and protection for sun, wind, fog and rain. RSVP to Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200, volunteer@SolanoLandTrust.org. Location: Dixon DIRECTIONS: Cook Lane off Highway 113 South 12 miles south of Dixon

	Walk at Jepson Prairie Sunday, MAR 27, 2011 10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Jepson Prairie Jepson Prairie Preserve is just over 1500 acres and is one of California’s best remaining examples of vernal pools and native grasslands. Enjoy an easy, meandering walk in a portion of the Preserve only accessible with a Jepson Prairie docent. Under wide-open skies, 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. Bring: Backpack, water snacks or bag lunch, insect repellent. Be prepared for variable weather (bring layered clothes including pants, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes, and protection for sun, wind, fog and rain. RSVP to Natalie at 707-432-0150 x200, volunteer@SolanoLandTrust.org. Location: Dixon DIRECTIONS: Cook Lane off Highway 113 South 12 miles south of Dixon