Join us for one of our many guided activities!

All events can also be found on our Eventbrite page. 

 

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  • Guided Photography Walk

    Guided Photography Walk

    8:00 am-11:00 am
    06/10/2023

    Come to Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) for a two-hour guided walk focusing on photographing the Preserve. The first hour will be spent on creatively “seeing” Preserve photo opportunities, including using light, shape, texture, and color to artistically capture the Preserve. Topics include: direction of light, color vs monochrome, horizontal vs vertical, use of leading lines, and depth of field in compositions. Camera functionality to be discussed include the use of histogram to confirm proper exposure and using an aperture to change the depth of field focus. Due to the wide variety of cameras, CRP guides cannot be expected to know how to make changes to camera settings, so participants should be familiar with their cameras and/or bring their camera manuals. Tripods are encouraged, especially for the morning, low-light conditions.

    The second hour will be spent photographing the Preserve’s wintering waterfowl and include a discussion of the best camera settings for capturing moving and flying birds, using depth of field to reduce visual distractions and the exposure complexities of photographing birds with both light and dark plumage.

    Please dress accordingly with sturdy shoes and layers. Gloves will be very helpful as cameras and tripods get cold. There is no potable water and participants must bring their own water.

    There is a limit of 10 participants – meet at 8:00 AM on the Visitor Center deck.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • Habitat Restoration Workday

    Habitat Restoration Workday

    9:00 am-3:00 pm
    06/10/2023

    The Habitat Restoration Team (HRT) is an opportunity like no other! It is open to anyone 18 or older who wishes to be truly involved with environmental stewardship at the Cosumnes River Preserve.

    HRT assists Preserve Staff with focused conservation projects that allow members to experience more of the Preserve and contribute to its success. HRT members may take advantage of specialized trainings, workshops, and events that are designed to help volunteers become more effective environmental stewards.

    Please contact the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator for more details – info@cosumnes.org

  • Guided Natural and Cultural History Walk at the Cosumnes River Preserve

    Guided Natural and Cultural History Walk at the Cosumnes River Preserve

    9:00 am-12:00 pm
    06/10/2023

    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 River’s 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. There is not potable water, so please bring all the water you’ll need for the hike. Binoculars encouraged!

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

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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  • Tall Forest Bird Survey

    Tall Forest Bird Survey

    5:00 am-12:00 pm
    06/17/2023

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • Guided Paddle along the Cosumne River

    Guided Paddle along the Cosumne River

    8:00 am-11:00 am
    06/17/2023
    13501 Franklin Blvd. Galt, CA

    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.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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  • Habitat Restoration Workday

    Habitat Restoration Workday

    9:00 am-3:00 pm
    06/24/2023

    The Habitat Restoration Team (HRT) is an opportunity like no other! It is open to anyone 18 or older who wishes to be truly involved with environmental stewardship at the Cosumnes River Preserve.

    HRT assists Preserve Staff with focused conservation projects that allow members to experience more of the Preserve and contribute to its success. HRT members may take advantage of specialized trainings, workshops, and events that are designed to help volunteers become more effective environmental stewards.

    Please contact the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator for more details – info@cosumnes.org

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July
July


Tall Forest Bird Survey
Apr
20

Tall Forest Bird Survey