|
Hike at King-Swett Ranches
Saturday,
FEB
1, 2014
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: Trail Crew
Saturday,
FEB
1, 2014
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 trail maintenance, construction, litter removal, and other improvement projects. WHAT TO BRING: a backpack with plenty of water and snacks, heavy work gloves, eye protection (e.g., sunglasses), 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. Meet Ken promptly in the Rush Ranch courtyard. RSVP (appreciated, not required) to Ken Poerner at 707-580-6277 or email. 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,
FEB
1, 2014
9:30 AM BENICIA STATE PARKS ASSOCIATION — 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 |
|
Over-wintering Birds of Prey Hike
Saturday,
FEB
1, 2014
10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Open Space Park Join Larry Broderick and the Solano Land Trust Raptor Team for the 2013 fall raptor migration. The tour will be focused on resident, migrating and over-wintering birds of prey. 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. Constant or heavy rain cancels the hike. Call (707) 685-5908 if the weather is uncertain. Leader: Larry Broderick Parking Fee: $5 Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo |
