Join us for one of our many guided activities!

All events can also be found on our Eventbrite page. 

 

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  • Guided Vernal Pool Walk along the Howard Ranch Trail

    Guided Vernal Pool Walk along the Howard Ranch Trail

    9:00 am-1:00 pm
    05/04/2024
    14960 Twin Cities Rd, Herald, CA 95638

    Come join us on a 4-mile walk along vernal pools at Rancho Seco Recreation Area with an optional extra 3-mile loop. Cosumnes River Preserve docents will lead the way on a trail through vernal pools, which are part of a mitigation site for SMUD. Docents will be able to share the history of the property with you and also help in identifying the flora and fauna observed during the hike. Participants of this hike may also encounter a landscape blanketed with wildflowers. Wildlife can be spotted along the trail, in the sky, and also in the vernal pools. This hike is a sight to see and highly recommended. This walk will cover a fairly flat elevation trail, which consists of a rocky uneven path. The trail does not offer much cover and will leave participants out in the elements. Please come prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and layered clothing. The hike is open to all ages, but all participants should be of good enough physical ability to walk 5 miles. Hikes will meet at the Howard Ranch Trail Head at 8:30 a.m. and will depart promptly at 9:00 a.m. Parking at Rancho Seco is $12 per vehicle and the hike is free of charge.

    All participants need to register on Eventbrite so that we can ensure that we have enough guides for each walk. Participants who register will be notified of any cancellations.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • Natural and Cultural History Walk at Cosumnes River Preserve

    Natural and Cultural History Walk at Cosumnes River Preserve

    9:00 am-12:00 pm
    05/04/2024
    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 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 no 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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  • World Migratory Bird Day

    World Migratory Bird Day

    8:00 am-1:00 pm
    05/11/2024
    13501 Franklin Blvd. Galt, CA

    Join us at the Cosumnes River Preserve for World Migratory Bird Day!

    This year we will be hosting a series of activities including a bird walk, a nature journaling workshop, a kid’s craft, and a bilingual insect walk. Below are specific details for the upcoming activities!

    10 – 1 PM – Kids Crafts: Lefts get crafty on World Migratory Bird Day. Join Preserve staff and volunteers from 10 – 2 on the Visitor Center Deck to learn about the importance of insects along the Pacific Flyway. Not only will you get to take home your craft you will also get the opportunity to learn about why the environment needs insects.

    8-10 AM – Guided Bird Walk: Join Cosumnes River Preserve docents on a guided bird outing along the River Walk Trail! You will learn about various migrating birds and how they use the Cosumnes River Preserve as their home or stopover grounds. The route will cover approximately 3.5 miles, but participants who do not wish to walk that far may turn around at any time. This is a great family activity for all ages in an outdoor setting.

    10-12:30 PM – Natural Journaling Workshop – World Migratory Bird Day: Come join us for a fun and creative natural journaling workshop in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day! We will be gathering at the beautiful Cosumnes River Preserve to observe and sketch the stunning migratory birds that visit the area. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this workshop is perfect for nature enthusiasts of all levels. Let’s connect with nature and capture the beauty of these incredible birds together. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn and create in the great outdoors!

    9 – 11 AM – Bilingual – Let’s Talk Insects for World Migratory Bird Day: Come join us at the Cosumnes River Preserve for a fun and educational event all about insects! Learn about the important role insects play in the ecosystem and how they impact migratory birds. This event is perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore the world of insects and their connection to migratory birds. See you there!

    Please Register – https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cosumnes-river-preserve-10868733267

  • Guided Vernal Pool Walk along the Howard Ranch Trail

    Guided Vernal Pool Walk along the Howard Ranch Trail

    9:00 am-1:00 pm
    05/11/2024
    14960 Twin Cities Rd, Herald, CA 95638

    Come join us on a 4-mile walk along vernal pools at Rancho Seco Recreation Area with an optional extra 3-mile loop. Cosumnes River Preserve docents will lead the way on a trail through vernal pools, which are part of a mitigation site for SMUD. Docents will be able to share the history of the property with you and also help in identifying the flora and fauna observed during the hike. Participants of this hike may also encounter a landscape blanketed with wildflowers. Wildlife can be spotted along the trail, in the sky, and also in the vernal pools. This hike is a sight to see and highly recommended. This walk will cover a fairly flat elevation trail, which consists of a rocky uneven path. The trail does not offer much cover and will leave participants out in the elements. Please come prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and layered clothing. The hike is open to all ages, but all participants should be of good enough physical ability to walk 5 miles. Hikes will meet at the Howard Ranch Trail Head at 8:30 a.m. and will depart promptly at 9:00 a.m. Parking at Rancho Seco is $12 per vehicle and the hike is free of charge.

    All participants need to register on Eventbrite so that we can ensure that we have enough guides for each walk. Participants who register will be notified of any cancellations.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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  • Guided Vernal Pool Walk along the Howard Ranch Trail

    Guided Vernal Pool Walk along the Howard Ranch Trail

    9:00 am-1:00 pm
    05/18/2024

    Come join us on a 4-mile walk along vernal pools at Rancho Seco Recreation Area with an optional extra 3-mile loop. Cosumnes River Preserve docents will lead the way on a trail through vernal pools, which are part of a mitigation site for SMUD. Docents will be able to share the history of the property with you and also help in identifying the flora and fauna observed during the hike. Participants of this hike may also encounter a landscape blanketed with wildflowers. Wildlife can be spotted along the trail, in the sky, and also in the vernal pools. This hike is a sight to see and highly recommended. This walk will cover a fairly flat elevation trail, which consists of a rocky uneven path. The trail does not offer much cover and will leave participants out in the elements. Please come prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and layered clothing. The hike is open to all ages, but all participants should be of good enough physical ability to walk 5 miles. Hikes will meet at the Howard Ranch Trail Head at 8:30 a.m. and will depart promptly at 9:00 a.m. Parking at Rancho Seco is $12 per vehicle and the hike is free of charge.

    All participants need to register on Eventbrite so that we can ensure that we have enough guides for each walk. Participants who register will be notified of any cancellations.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • Guided Paddle along the Cosumnes River

    Guided Paddle along the Cosumnes River

    9:00 am-12:00 pm
    05/18/2024
    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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  • Tall Forest Bird Survey

    Tall Forest Bird Survey

    5:00 am-12:00 pm
    05/19/2024
    7300 Desmond Road, Galt, CA 95632

    Tall Forest Bird Survey

    Summary: Explore the Tall Forests complex vegetative structure, which permits a rich variety of birds to reside permanently or seasonally.

    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 (Corner of Bruceville Road and Desmond Road)

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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June
June


Tall Forest Bird Survey
Apr
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Tall Forest Bird Survey