Upcoming Events List

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, APR 4, 2014 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 $.40/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: Trail Crew Saturday, APR 5, 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, APR 5, 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

	Peña Adobe Open House Saturday, APR 5, 2014 11:00 AM PEÑA ADOBE HISTORICAL SOCIETY & RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Peña Adobe Park Visitors are invited to tour the national- and state-recognized historic Peña Adobe built in 1842 and the Mowers-Goheen Museum. Meet our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers at the Adobe--one of the few pre-gold rush era structures remaining in the county--from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Docents will be on hand to answer questions and provide insight into Vacaville’s past. Learn about the early people that inhabited the region from our special guest, Little Bear, as he shares Native American tools and artifacts. For questions in advance, call (707) 451-7699. For same day information, call (707) 470-9975. A camera, binoculars and snacks are recommended as wildlife is often spotted in the park, or bring a picnic, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and take a hike. This is a great family friendly opportunity to have fun. Location: Vacaville DIRECTIONS: The park is located at Peña Adobe Road just off of Interstate 80.

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, APR 11, 2014 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 $.40/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.

	Fishing in the City Saturday, APR 12, 2014 8:00 AM ROTARY CLUB AND GVRD — Dan Foley Park, Lake Chabot For ages 5-12, 8:00am-11:00am at Dan Foley Park, Lake Chabot. You MUST PRE-REGISTER at our Main Office 395 Amador St. or online at www.gvrd.org. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Clinical training stations for kids to learn how to fish will be from 8:00-9:30am. Training must be completed before you fish, no exceptions. This event is for children only. After the nets are pulled at 11:00am, we have a BBQ for the participants and their families. Its a great day to fish and have fun in our community. Be sure to pre-register before the event as we can only take the first 100 participants. For more information, contact Ceola Corella, 648-5317 or by email. Registration is required. Location: 1498 N Camino Alto Vallejo

	Coyote Club Saturday, APR 12, 2014 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.

	Hike at King-Swett Ranches Saturday, APR 12, 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, APR 12, 2014 9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon Open Space Park Help us take care of Lynch Canyon's 1,000 plus acres. Projects include improving trails, fixing fences, weeding, and the like. 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 parking lot. RSVP to Ken Poerner at 707-580-6277 or email so he can bring enough tools. Leader: Ken Poerner Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo DIRECTIONS: From I-80 East, take the Hiddenbrooke Parkway exit and follow the Lynch Canyon signs. From I-80 West, take the Red Top Road exit and follow the Lynch Canyon signs.

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, APR 12, 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

	Fishing Derby Sunday, APR 13, 2014 8:00 AM ROTARY CLUB AND GVRD — Dan Foley Park, Lake Chabot For ages 5-15, 8:00am-11:00am at Dan Foley Park, Lake Chabot. You MUST PRE-REGISTER at our Main Office 395 Amador St. or online at www.gvrd.org. We will take the first 100 participants. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We only have a few loaner poles to loan out, so we ask that you please bring your own rods and reels. A free BBQ will begin at 11AM. For more information, contact Ceola Corella, 648-5317 or by email. Registration is required. Location: 1498 N Camino Alto Vallejo DIRECTIONS: Meet at the Boat Ramp.

	Lynch Nature Hike Monday, APR 14, 2014 9:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Lynch Canyon WHAT TO BRING: $5 for parking, plenty of water and snacks, closed-toe shoes that grip well, trekking poles if you find them helpful, protection from sun, wind, fog, and binoculars and camera if you wish. WHAT NOT TO BRING: Pets, flip-flops, anything involving a flame or smoke. WHAT TO BE PREPARED FOR: Pollen, insects, hills, perhaps a little mud. Meet your guide in the parking lot when the gate opens at 9:00 a.m. Leader: Linda Parking Fee: $5 Location: 3100 Lynch Road Vallejo DIRECTIONS: From I-80 East, take the Hiddenbrooke Parkway exit and follow the Lynch Canyon signs. From I-80 West, take the Red Top Road exit and follow the Lynch Canyon signs.

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, APR 18, 2014 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 $.40/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, APR 18, 2014 8:30 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST — Solano Land Trust Properties 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 Registration is required. DIRECTIONS: Provided upon RSVP.

	Rockville Hills Regional Park Trail Crew Saturday, APR 19, 2014 9:00 AM CITY OF FAIRFIELD — Rockville Hills Regional Park The Rockville Trail Crew volunteer work days are scheduled for the third Saturday of every month from 9-12noon, rain or shine! Trail Crew volunteers provide technical assistance with trail maintenance and construction activities on the trails. Trail Crew volunteer duties consist of clearing rocks, trees, brush and other debris from proposed trail routes; build/repair walk ways, bridges or other structures; grade/fill existing trail paths to ensure user safety; and attend all required meetings and training sessions. Volunteers should bring water, gloves and a tool if available. Volunteers should wear layered clothing and sturdy shoes. A snack and beverage provided for volunteers. Meet at the parking area. If you are not a regular volunteer, please RSVP to Ranger Teri, (707) 249-3613, or by email. Location: 2149 Rockville Rd Fairfield

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, APR 19, 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

	Native American Walk Saturday, APR 19, 2014 9:30 AM SUISUN MARSH NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION — Rockville Hills Park The Suisun Marsh Natural History Association will be holding a 2-hour field trip--Native American Walk - Suisun Indians of the Patwin Nation--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. Registration is limited to 25, so enroll today! For more information or to register, call the Wildlife Center at: (707) 429-4295 (HAWK) 9am – 6pm, Mon.- Sun. 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 Parking Fee: $3 Registration is required. Location: 2140 Rockville Road Fairfield

	Horse Day at McIntyre Ranch Saturday, APR 19, 2014 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, APR 19, 2014 10:00 AM SOLANO LAND TRUST AND RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Rush Ranch Get the Rush is a series of fun and free activities for the whole family, offered on the third Saturday of every month at Rush Ranch. All ages and mobility levels are welcome! This event is 100% volunteer-run and activities vary month-to-month. Volunteer-run activities may include a guided walk alongside tidal marsh and through upland grasses (timing varies), a traditional blacksmith shop in action (10am-1pm), an interpretive display of Native American tools and decorations (10am-1pm), and horse-drawn wagon rides that are wheelchair accessible (11am-1pm). 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.

	Friday Bird Walk Friday, APR 25, 2014 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 $.40/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.

	Earth Day Restoration & Cleanup Saturday, APR 26, 2014 9:00 AM CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY - WILLIS LINN JEPSON CHAPTER — Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic Garden 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - plant and tend the Botanic Garden. All ages and skills are welcome. We will have a range of activities to choose from. Come dressed to get dirty, bring a hat, sun screen and gloves. 12:30 p.m. – Lunch will be provided, and snacks from the Benicia State Parks Association – Garden Program. Register by emailing volunteer@bsragarden.org. Registration is recommended so we can plan for sufficient activities and lunches. Or just show up ready to help. Meet at the Botanic Garden in the Benicia State Recreation Area off Interstate 780 between Benicia and Vallejo (Exit at Columbus Parkway). Free parking for volunteers (fees waived by California State Parks). Please car-pool as parking is somewhat limited. For more information contact Dan at 707 980 4416, or by email Location: Benicia DIRECTIONS: Benicia State Recreation Area off Interstate 780 between Benicia and Vallejo (Exit at Columbus Parkway)

	Garden Volunteer Day Saturday, APR 26, 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

	24th Annual Rush Ranch Open House Saturday, APR 26, 2014 10:00 AM RUSH RANCH EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL — Rush Ranch Rush Ranch's open house is bursting with free fun for the whole family! Enjoy live music, horse drawn wagon rides, live demonstrations and exhibits, an art show and auction, local craftspeople, art activities, scientist-led hikes into the marsh, and much more. This once a year event is not-to-be-missed! Food will be available. 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.