Upcoming Events List

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, SEP 6, 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.

	Hike at King-Swett Ranches Saturday, SEP 7, 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.

	Volunteer Opportunity: Community Workday Saturday, SEP 7, 2013 9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rush Ranch Help Solano Land Trust notice changes in our native tree species over time and thereby contribute valuable information to a nationwide climate monitoring project, all while exploring magnificent local landscapes and having fun! No experience is necessary. You'll learn about phenology, the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals from year to year, with a focus on the leafing and flowering of our live oaks, blue oaks, and buckeyes. Advance registration requested but not required: Contact Ken by email or at 707-580-6277. Leader: Ken Poerner Location: 3521 Grizzly Island Road Suisun City DIRECTIONS: Meet in the Rush Ranch courtyard.

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, SEP 7, 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

	Suisun Marsh Walk Saturday, SEP 7, 2013 9:30 AM SUISUN MARSH NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION — Peytonia Ecological Reserve As the seasons change in the Suisun Marsh, it cycles through many different conditions. And all year it is alive with the many resident birds and plants. Now is a good time to take a trek through Peytonia Ecological Reserve in Suisun and learn more about the flora and fauna of these unique wetlands. The Suisun Marsh Natural History Association has scheduled a 1-1/2 hour guided walk through the reserve on Saturday. The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will highlight the current and past uses of plants growing there as well as the natural history of resident birds and animals. Binoculars and walking shoes are recommended. This walk is likely to fill early, so enroll today ! For more information or to register, call the Wildlife Center at: (707) 429-4295. This event is free to members and $5.00 for non-members. All proceeds assist the Suisun Marsh Natural History Association in its Suisun Wildlife Center. Entrance Fee: $5 Location: 1171 Kellogg St Suisun City

	Astronomy Night Saturday, SEP 7, 2013 7:00 PM RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL AND SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rush Ranch CURIOUS ABOUT CONSTELLATIONS? PONDERING THE PLANETS? If so, then don’t miss a Rush Ranch stargazing event led by local astronomy enthusiast, Jim Jerrell, who will share his 30+ years of celestial knowledge. The evening begins at 7:30 pm with a short presentation in the Rush Ranch Nature Center. Outdoor viewing begins when darkness falls. Telescopes will be on hand. Personal scopes & binoculars are welcome, but be familiar with their setup and use. Mosquito repellant and warm clothing are a must. Children are welcome, but must remain supervised at all times. Flashlights must be covered with red cellophane. In order to preserve night vision we ask that all latecomers turn off their headlights when pulling into the parking lot. For more information call 707-422-4491. Free but donations appreciated! Leader: Jim Jerrell 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.

	Birds-of-Prey Tour Sunday, SEP 8, 2013 10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Open Space Park Join Larry Broderick and the Solano Land Trust Raptor Team for a Birds of Prey Migration Kickoff Hike at Lynch Canyon Open Space Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Previous sightings include Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Rough-legged Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Ferruginous Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons and other more common birds of prey. Broderick has over 25 years of experience with birds of prey. All ages are welcome, but participants must be prepared for a moderate pace covering about 4 miles, possibly off-trail in places, 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. An RSVP is requested to Mary Beth at mbcrittendon@comcast.net or 707-685-5908. Meet at the Lynch Canyon parking lot by 10am sharp. Bring $5 cash for parking, 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, layered clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, and protection from sun, wind, fog and rain. Binoculars, a camera, bug repellent and hiking sticks are also recommended. A donation is suggested to help sustain these tours. Leader: Larry Broderick Parking Fee: $5 Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, SEP 13, 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.

	Coyote Club Saturday, SEP 14, 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 encouraged 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.

	A Walk at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Saturday, SEP 14, 2013 9:30 AM SIERRA CLUB REDWOOD CHAPTER — Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Our walk takes us along a historic road to the highest point on Mare Island with spectacular views towards the Carquinez Strait, San Pablo and San Francisco Bays. Fledgling ospreys, perhaps great blue herons and other raptors/wildlife are likely to be seen. There are also various historical features and wildflowers along the way. This walk is a fairly easy 3.5 mile r/t walk mostly along a gradually inclined paved road from 9:30-11:00. Class E-4-A. Take US 101, I-80 or Hwy 29 to Hwy 37 and take the Mare Island exit just west of Vallejo. Follow Walnut Ave south to ‘G’ St (1st stop sign) and turn left. Take the 2nd right at Nimitz and go to 15th S stop sign and turn right. Go to Railroad Ave and turn left. Follow Railroad through the South Gate to the Park kiosk where there is ample parking space. Leader Brian Collett 530-220-3121. Participants are free to bring lunch and eat at the picnic tables and then explore other trails on Mare Island. There are also museums. Leader: Brian Collett Location: 1595 Railroad Ave. Mare Island Vallejo

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, SEP 14, 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

	History & Nature Walk at Lake Solano Park Saturday, SEP 14, 2013 10:00 AM SOLANO COUNTY PARKS & SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lake Solano Lake Solano volunteers Cricket Kanouff and Kitty Van Newkoop will lead this short, easy-paced tour. Walk back through the mists of time to learn about the Patwin Indians, the Berryessa brothers, and John Wolfskill’s impact on the region. 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 Native Americans. Help us look for Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, Peacocks or other wildlife on the tour. Your guides will also show you what the resident beavers have been up to! Participants should bring portable drinking water, and be prepared for variable weather by bringing layered clothes, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and protection from sun, wind, fog and rain. A camera, binoculars and a notebook for recording observations are also recommended. Snacks, bag lunches, and picnics are welcomed as well. For questions in advance, call Cricket at 707-451-7699. 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.

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, SEP 20, 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.

	Volunteer Opportunity: Citizen Science Friday Friday, SEP 20, 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! ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Sue at 707-432-0150 x 207 or by email. Leader: Sue Wickham DIRECTIONS: Provided upon RSVP.

	Geology Trek: Where Did All These Rocks Come From? Saturday, SEP 21, 2013 8:30 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Rockville Trails Preserve Explore the rock types and sources at Rockville Trails Preserve with docent Lorenzo Burch. Are the rocks related to the collision of the Pacific Plate and underlying movement beneath the North American Plate? What is under the ground of the Preserve? Did you know you can see a portion of the Cordelia Fault line at the Preserve? What is the relationship of that fault and the nearby Green Valley fault to the San Andreas Fault? Where was the nearest volcano? When were these rock formations created? This is not a technical geology hike--it is a layperson’s physical geography trek. WHAT TO BRING: a backpack with plenty of water and snacks, boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with good tread, long, sturdy pants and layered clothes, protection from the elements (sun, wind, fog, rain). Recommended: Hiking sticks, bug repellent, binoculars, camera. Participants of all ages are welcome, but they must be prepared an intermediate to strenuous pace hiking 4 to 6 miles up and down rugged, steep, and slippery hills that are full of sticky seeds, thorny plants, and thistle. Rockville Trails is a working ranch—cattle are free range so they roam as they please. All trails are unimproved—expect rough, rocky, uneven ground. Visitors must be accompanied by a docent at all times. Since the preserve is otherwise closed, the entry and exit gate will be locked except for the start and end times of the hike.There is no drinking water. There are no bathrooms. ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Click here to register online, or call Cathy at 707-745-1913. Space is limited. Leader: Lorenzo Burch Location: Fairfield DIRECTIONS: Meeting place provided upon registration.

	Coastal Clean-up Day Saturday, SEP 21, 2013 9:00 AM Come be a part of cleaning up Solano County's coastlines and creeks! Make our waterways beautiful and healthy for wildlife. There will be clean-up locations in your city and local park throughout Solano County (including Lake Solano and Sandy Beach County Parks). Cleanup sites are located throughout the county. Please see website for a location near you. Advanced sign-ups are requested so coordinators can have enough clean-up supplies on-hand for you and your group.

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, SEP 21, 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

	Horse Day at McIntyre Ranch Saturday, SEP 21, 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

	Rush Ranch 'Get the Rush' Saturday, SEP 21, 2013 10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST AND RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Rush Ranch All are invited to 'Get the Rush' at Rush Ranch. Get the Rush is a series of fun activities for the whole family, offered on the third Saturday of every month. Activities offered by trained volunteers may include a guided walk alongside tidal marsh and through upland grasses, a traditional blacksmith shop in action, an interpretive display of Native American tools and decorations, or horse-drawn wagon rides that are wheelchair accessible. 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.

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, SEP 27, 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.

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, SEP 28, 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

	Birds of Prey Migration Sensation Saturday, SEP 28, 2013 10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Open Space Park Join Larry Broderick and the Solano Land Trust Raptor Team for a Birds of Prey Migration Kickoff Hike at Lynch Canyon Open Space Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Previous sightings include Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Rough-legged Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Ferruginous Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons and other more common birds of prey. Broderick has over 25 years of experience with birds of prey. All ages are welcome, but participants must be prepared for a moderate pace covering about 4 miles, possibly off-trail in places, 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. An RSVP is requested to Mary Beth at mbcrittendon@comcast.net or 707-685-5908. Meet at the Lynch Canyon parking lot by 10am sharp. Bring $5 cash for parking, 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, layered clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, and protection from sun, wind, fog and rain. Binoculars, a camera, bug repellent and hiking sticks are also recommended. A donation is suggested to help sustain these tours. Leader: Larry Broderick Parking Fee: $5 Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo