NATURE OUTINGS
Spring/Summer 2009

THE FLOW OF WATER
Sunday, March 15th 9 - Noon

Join Stephen McCord as he looks at the journey of a raindrop that falls on the Reserve. Many aspects of the local and regional watershed are examined, including how water flows, its quality, and many uses. The hike will be a short distance along the Homestead trail to Cold Creek and then a 2-mile (RT) hike up to an overlook with panoramic views of the Reserve, the Dam and Lake Berryessa.

Guide: Stephen McCord

BOBCAT RANCH
A Look at Restoration in Practice
Saturday, March 21st 8:30 - 12:30 pm
(Bobcat Ranch)

To the north-east of Stebbins Cold Canyon is the 6,800-acre Bobcat Ranch. Last year, Audubon California purchased the land for conservation, restoration, and maintenance as an active cattle ranch. This is a unique opportunity to experience the scenic views, rolling hills and blue oak forests of the area. The focus of the outing will be on Audubon’s work to restore the land, what research is taking place and the natural habitats and wildlife inhabiting this region. The hike is moderate. The group will meet at Steady Eddy’s in Winters @ 8:30am.

Guide: Alex Palmerlee

NATURE & CULTURE
Saturday, March 28th 9 - Noon

How do humans fit into nature? How does the culture we’ve created effect the continuation of our species? On this outing, two of the instructors from the Nature & Culture program at UC Davis share insights and draw out discussion on the important relationship between nature and culture. The hike will be at a gradual pace along the Homestead trail.

Guides: Jeffrey Clary & Laurie Glover

WILDFLOWERS
The colors of early spring
Saturday, April 4th 9 - Noon

Each month new wildflowers bloom for a brief period and then fade away until the following year. This year, with the continuing drought, the wildflowers might rush their normal blooming period and some might not bloom at all. Join Barbara Byrne as she walks the Homestead trail looking for which flowers brave the dry winter and pop up in early April.

Guide: Barbara Byrne

THE SONG OF BIRDS
A Journal Approach
Sunday, April 5th 9 - Noon

Birds call and sing. People listen. But what is the significance of the calls and songs? And what memory or image do the bird calls stimulate in the listener? Join Alison Kent, Audubon local chapter president, as she offers activities that help the listener tune into the song of birds. Bring paper or a journal and something to write with. All levels welcome.

Guide: Alison Kent

MUSIC IN THE CANYON
Saturday, April 18th 4 - 7 pm

If you like music and nature you’ll love this outing. Local musicians play and sing impromptu songs inspired by the natural beauty of Stebbins Cold Canyon. The group will hike toward the Homestead and take several breaks along the way to play music. Everyone is welcome to sit and listen or to join in and play/sing.

Guide: Keith Cary

WATERCOLORS & THE OUTDOORS
Sunday, April 26th 9 - Noon

Participants will explore how to use watercolors to capture the colors and moods of natural scenery. No experience necessary, just a willingness to experiment with paints and an openness to the surrounding beauty. All painting materials, as well as tea & scones, will be provided. Participants should bring a blanket, sun protection, and a teacup.

Guides: Barbara Byrne & Stacie H. Frerichs

NOCTURNAL HAPPENINGS
Saturday, May 2nd 6:30 - 8:30 pm

What sort of things go “bump in the night” at Stebbins Cold Canyon? On this outing, you’ll explore the nocturnal world of the plants and animals at the reserve. The walk will include a number of experiential activities to help both children (ages 8 thru 12) and adults connect to what takes place in the canyon at night.

Guide: Mike McGraw - Park Ranger Lake Berryessa

A SENSORY EXPERIENCE
Sunday, May 3rd 9 - Noon

There are so many discoveries to be made at reserve. There are so many ways to perceive one’s surroundings. On this outing, sensory activities are utilized during the walk to highlight one sense over another. For example, the group might walk in silence for a while heightening the sense of sound. A sense of sound, touch, smell, and sight will be explored in relation to the endless discoveries at the reserve.

Guides: Debra LoGuercio & Jeff Falyn

NATIVE PLANTS
How they survive
Saturday, May 9th 9 - Noon

The native plants of Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve are survivors. During the long, dry summers of northern California, when rain fails to fall for as long as five months, the plants of the region must make use of unique adaptations in order to save water and survive until the rains return. Come learn about the early summer wildflowers of Stebbins Cold Canyon, and get the low-down on some of the remarkable water-saving adaptations of our native plants.

Guide: Dylan Burge

YOGA WITH THE ELEMENTS
Wild Organic Movement | The Yogic Arts Experience
Saturday, May 3rd 10 - 2 pm

Certified Yogic Arts instructor Kamala Heather Wong-Xoquic welcomes Spring with a walking yoga class at Stebbins Cold Canyon dedicated to the Four Elements: Air, Fire, Earth and Water. The class will begin with chanting and breathing exercises (to oxygenate & energize) infusing the group with air and fire energy. Walking will be done with specific yoga postures: Warrior Salutation as grounding to the Earth and Standing poses which flow like water. Please do not eat before class. If you need nourishment, bring a light protein snack for an hour into the outing. Also, bring PLENTY of water. All levels welcome.

Yoga Guide: Kamala Heather Wong-Xoquic

BIG SUR OVERNIGHT
Big Creek Reserve
May 23 - 25th

Besides Stebbins Cold Canyon, there are 35 Reserves in the UC’s Natural Reserve system. Most require special permission to access. This is an opportunity to visit Big Creek Reserve, in Big Sur. Part of the reserve encompasses several miles of rugged ridges, which flank the Pacific Ocean and descend to a rocky shoreline. There will be an introduction to the Reserve, a natural history presentation and plenty of hiking and exploration. Note: The hiking will be moderate. Participants are responsible for all travel and food. Sleeping accommodations (for Saturday & Sunday) have been made at the Reserve for a $40 fee per person. There is also camping available. E-mail jfalyn@ucdavis.edu with additional questions.

Guides: Shorty Boucher & Jeff Falyn

BUGS IN THE NIGHT
Saturday, May 30th 7 - 9:30 pm

There are countless insects inhabiting Stebbins Cold Canyon. But we see relatively few. On this outing, UC Davis Professor Phil Ward helps the group learn a little more about the insects at the reserve. A black light and white screen is set up to attract a diverse range of insects for an up close and personal look at the bugs in the night.

Guide: Phil Ward

BY THE BANKS OF PUTAH CREEK
Saturday, June 6th 9 - 1 pm

Tom and Ginny Cahill, landowners north/east of Stebbins Cold Canyon, have made their land available to explore a private and remote section of Putah Creek. The group will access the spot via the south side of the creek. The hike is one mile in with an optional longer hike paralleling the creek. This is an excellent opportunity to watch as the cool waters of Putah Creek go flowing by. Bring a lunch and water.

Guides: The Cahills

STAR GAZING
Tour of the Night Sky
Saturday night, June 13th 8 - 11 PM

After a 1¼ mile hike, settle into a meadow and gaze toward the stars. Members of the UC Davis Astronomy Club point out planets, deep sky objects, constellations and share stories on the mythology of the night sky. This outing fills up quickly so RSVP early. Wear appropriate clothing for evening; binoculars are optional.

Guide(s): UC Davis Astronomy Club

LOOP TRAIL
Summer Solstice at Sunrise
Sunday, June 21st 5:30 am - 10 am

Hike the loop trail as the sun climbs into the sky after the shortest night of the year. This early morning hike is a celebration of change, e.g., getting out of bed to see the sun rise. The loop trail is 5 miles of ups and downs with a 1200’ elevation gain. Many steps are interspersed with breathtaking views. Bring: sturdy shoes, at least a liter of water, sunscreen and a snack.

Guides: Mike McGraw (Lead Interpretive Park Ranger, Lake Berryessa) & Jeff Falyn

For ages:
4-8

Saturday, 5/2
10 - Noon