Join us for one of our many guided activities!

All events can also be found on our Eventbrite page. 

 

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  • Guided Nature Walk

    Guided Nature Walk

    9:00 am-12:00 pm
    04/04/2020
    13501 Franklin Blvd. Galt, CA

    Join Cosumnes River Preserve docents on a guided hike along the River Walk Trail! This hike will take you back to the days when the Plains Miwok once inhabited the Cosumnes Rivers surrounding landscape. You’ll learn about the plants and animals they interacted with and the unique ways in which they utilized the land as a part of their everyday lives.

    The route will cover approximately 3.5 miles, but participants that do not wish to walk that far may turn around at any time. This is a great family activity for all ages! This is an outdoor setting in nature, so please dress accordingly with sturdy shoes and layers. Binoculars encouraged!

    You must register for the event below

    Meet at 9:00 am on the Visitor Center deck.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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  • River Walk Bird Survey

    River Walk Bird Survey

    6:00 am-11:00 am
    04/11/2020
    13501 Franklin Blvd. Galt, CA

    Join well-known Audubon Society member, Jim Rowoth, as he ventures out on the Cosumnes River Preserve River Walk to survey birds of all species. The walk takes you through wetlands, riparian forest, grasslands, and along the Cosumnes River.

    The walk covers 4 miles at a leisurely pace and should take approximately 4 hours, so be sure to bring a lunch and water.

    All birding levels welcome! Make sure to dress appropriately: sturdy shoes, layers, a hat, and sunblock is encouraged.

    Meet at the Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center parking area at 6:15 AM.

    13501 Franklin Boulevard, Galt CA 95632.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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  • Tall Forest Bird Survey

    Tall Forest Bird Survey

    6:30 am-1:00 pm
    04/18/2020

    The Tall Forest is a substantial block of valley oak-dominated woodland strongly resembling the pre-Anglo Central Valley riparian forests, a habitat now almost obliterated from California. The big trees overtop a varied, dense understory, and California grape and poison oak climb into the canopy in many places. The complex vegetative structure permits a rich variety of birds to reside permanently or seasonally there.

    Come join John Trochet, leader of this survey for more than two decades now, as we follow the birdlife of the preserve’s plum parcel through the seasons and across the years.

    This is a survey on foot lasting 5-6 hours, sometimes longer when the birding is exceptional.

    Because we start early, we have a good chance to see mammals as well, such as beaver, river otter, striped skunk, raccoon, coyote, squirrels and deer, plus ectothermic vertebrates on occasion. A good variety of local butterflies and odonates is found in season. In places the trails are nothing more than animal traces, and we push through blackberry thickets, clamber over down logs and bend under low limbs or grape tangles to make our way through. This is not a trip for folks in shorts nor for small children (not recommended for children less than 10 years of age). Footwear requirements vary with the season. Mud is usual between November and April, sometimes later, and standing or moving water is possible in this same time frame. At this time of year at least, rubber knee boots are strongly suggested. Ticks are often common in spring and early summer. Stickers (especially beggars tick and cocklebur) are features of late summer and autumn. Rubber knee boots mitigate against these, too. Mosquitoes may be abroad on any modestly warm day of the year. One needs to be prepared for these things. Because this is the only regularly scheduled opportunity for the public to see this area, we do not insist that participants be birders. Anyone with any natural history interest is welcome. But bear in mind that it is a bird survey if your interest lies elsewhere.

    Especially during the rainy season, river conditions may change quickly and dramatically. During minor flood events, rubber knee boots may be insufficient to conduct the survey. I do allow others to join me when hip boots are required. At this season one should check this website or the Central Valley Birds listserv (where the leader can post late notice himself) the day before the survey to find out if hip boots are required. Seeing this place in flood is a special experience, too, though the woodland birding during flood events is generally poor. The surveys in June and July are not recommended as they start very early (tough for most people to get up for), are typically hot and the birds at that season few and quiet.

    The Tall Forest is a wonderful place. We urge all who are able to visit at least once.

    Tour will depart from the Farm Center gate at 6:30 a.m. (Corner of Bruceville Road and Desmond Road)

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • Guided Paddle Along the Cosumnes River

    Guided Paddle Along the Cosumnes River

    8:00 am-12:00 pm
    04/18/2020

    Join experienced naturalists for a leisurely paddle up the Cosumnes River and its peaceful sloughs.  We’ll likely see forest birds, raptors, egrets, herons, cormorants, and maybe deer, a beaver and/or an otter.  We’ll talk about the flora and fauna found in this riparian corridor, and about the first people to live here, the Plains Miwoks.

    Bring your own boat (canoe, kayak, SUP), paddle, and PFD.

    We will meet at the Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center Parking lot.

    Please be there and have your boat unloaded and ready to put in by 8:30 a.m. at the latest, because we will depart from the parking lot at 8:30.  We’ll be back at the parking lot around noon.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • Vernal Pool and Wildflowers Guided Hike

    Vernal Pool and Wildflowers Guided Hike

    8:30 am-1:00 pm
    04/18/2020

    Join Cosumnes River Preserve docents on a guided vernal pool and wildflower hike along Rancho Seco’s Howard Ranch Trail!

    This significant landscape is important because of the rare and unique landscape of vernal pools, which occur only in California’s Mediterranean climate. These pools support flora and fauna that exist no where else in the world.

    The guided hike takes you 2 miles into the nature area, stopping along the way to learn about the vernal pools and wildflowers scattered along the grassland. At this point, you can turn around to have completed a 4-mile total hike, or you can continue on with the docents to complete an additional 3 miles, totally in 7 miles once you return to your car.

    Trail takes about 3.5-4 miles.

    The majority of this trail is exposed to sunlight, so please dress accordingly and a sun hat and sunblock is encouraged.

    Meet at the Rancho Seco Recrational Area trailhead located at 14960 Twin Cities Road, Herald, CA 95638.

    PLEASE be aware that there is a $12 charge per vehicle and you must RSVP at the link below.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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  • Guided Photography Walk

    Guided Photography Walk

    8:00 am-11:00 am
    04/25/2020

    With their cameras in hand, Volunteer Naturalists will await your arrival at the Cosumnes River Preserve’s Visitor Center.  These guided photo walks give visitors the chance to walk along the Cosumnes River Preserve’s Wetlands Walk, a 1+ mile loop trail that takes you through wetlands and riparian forest.

    Expert advice from your guide will enable you to take the finest pictures of the flora and fauna that surrounds you.

    Meet at the Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center.   Be sure to bring your camera along!

     Tour departs the Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • Vernal Pool and Wildflowers Guided Hike

    Vernal Pool and Wildflowers Guided Hike

    8:30 am-1:00 pm
    04/25/2020

    Join Cosumnes River Preserve docents on a guided vernal pool and wildflower hike along Rancho Seco’s Howard Ranch Trail!

    This significant landscape is important because of the rare and unique landscape of vernal pools, which occur only in California’s Mediterranean climate. These pools support flora and fauna that exist no where else in the world.

    The guided hike takes you 2 miles into the nature area, stopping along the way to learn about the vernal pools and wildflowers scattered along the grassland. At this point, you can turn around to have completed a 4-mile total hike, or you can continue on with the docents to complete an additional 3 miles, totally in 7 miles once you return to your car.

    Trail takes about 3.5-4 miles.

    The majority of this trail is exposed to sunlight, so please dress accordingly and a sun hat and sunblock is encouraged.

    Meet at the Rancho Seco Recrational Area trailhead located at 14960 Twin Cities Road, Herald, CA 95638.

    PLEASE be aware that there is a $12 charge per vehicle and you must RSVP at the link below.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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May
May
May


Tall Forest Bird Survey
Apr
20

Tall Forest Bird Survey