NATURE OUTINGS
Spring/Summer 2008

ANCIENT ORIGINS OF
COLD CANYON PLANTS
Saturday, March 8th 9 - Noon

Did you know that the Western redbud has close relatives in Europe and eastern Asia? Or that the California pipevine is a tropical plant? The Stebbins Reserve is home to more than 290 species of plants, each with its own unique history spanning millions of years. Guide Dylan Burge, a graduate student in Botany at Duke University (UC Davis 2004) will highlight the origins of the different plants found in the Reserve.

Guide: Dylan Burge

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

Join Stephen McCord as he looks at the journey of a raindrop that falls at the Reserve. Many aspects of the local and regional watershed are examined, including water flow, quality, and storage. The hike will be a short trip up the Homestead trail to Cold Creek, and then a 2-mile (round trip) hike up to an overlook with views of the Reserve, the Dam and Lake Berryessa.

Guide: Stephen McCord

BOBCAT RANCH
A Look at Restoration in Practice
Saturday, March 22nd 8:30 - 12:30pm
(Bobcat Ranch)

To the north-east of Stebbins Cold Canyon is the 6,800-acre Bobcat Ranch. Audubon California recently purchased the land for conservation and restoration. This is an opportunity to explore its expansive views of rolling hills, blue oak forests, and riparian corridors. The outing will focus on stewardship practices, natural habitats, and wildlife found on the ranch. Look for two additional Bobcat outings listed in this schedule. The group will meet at Steady Eddy’s in Winters @ 8:30am. Directions to follow.

Guide: Vance Russell

PLANT COMMUNITIES
Sunday, March 30th 9 - Noon

Esteemed local Professor Michael Barbour looks at the patterns of vegetation on the landscapes at Stebbins Cold Canyon. He will highlight the major vegetation and community types (riparian, grassland, chaparral and woodland). Michael has a great aptitude for making information accessible and easy to understand.

Guide: Michael Barbour

HEALING PLANTS
Saturday, April 5th 9 - Noon

Come explore nature’s pharmacy as we take a leisurely stroll and learn about the natural remedies in the healing plants that grow in Stebbins Cold Canyon.

Guide: Kami McBride

WILDFLOWERS & TICKS
Beauty and the Beast
Sunday, April 6th 9 - Noon

Imagine this: You’re walking up the trail admiring the vibrant colors of the wildflowers, when suddenly you notice a tick crawling up your arm. To most people, this combination is like joining beauty with the beast. On this outing, the guides lead a leisurely hike along the trail, highlighting the diversity of wildflowers while attempting to dispel the stigma attached to ticks.

Guides: Barbara Byrne, Emily Evans and Nate Nieto

THE SONG OF BIRDS
A Journal Approach
Saturday, April 12th 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, local Audubon chapter president, as she helps the listener tune into the song of birds. Bring paper or a journal and something to write with. All levels welcome.

Guide: Alison Kent

THE POETRY OF NATURE
Sunday, April 13th 9 - Noon

The cool water slips down the creek by a meadow of blue wildflowers, as the ravens soar on the warm thermal air. Nature has always inspired people to acknowledge their feelings through poetry. Join Iraj Deilami as he presents the poetry of Rumi and other nature poets. The images of the words will blend with the beauty of Cold Canyon in the spring. Participants will have the opportunity to record their own feelings, so bring along something to jot down your thoughts.

Guide: Iraj Deilami

Climate change is at the forefront of current discussion. Join Eldridge and Judy Moores as they explore the geology of Bobcat Ranch. They will reflect on existing climate when the rocks were deposited, the possible climatic impact of the deposition of similar rocks worldwide, and geologic signs that indicate climate change. Group will meet at Steady Eddy’s @ 1:00pm. Directions to follow.

Guides: Eldridge and Judy Moores

Join Park Rangers from Lake Berryessa as they walk the Homestead trail, sharing the natural history of the region’s reptiles and amphibians. Photos, interactive activities, and perhaps some live reptiles and amphibians (if you have sharp eyes) will be part of this outing.

Guides: Mike McGraw and Jackson Collier

Guides: The Cahills and Jeff Falyn

The group will take a leisurely walk to a quiet spot within Bobcat Ranch. The color, shadow, and sweeping scenery there are inspiring. No painting experience necessary, just a willingness to experiment with paints and openness to the surrounding beauty. This outing is available to all skill levels. Materials included. Group will meet at Steady Eddy’s in Winters @ 8:30am. Directions to follow.

Guides: Barbara Byrne & Stacie H. Frerichs

Many of the native plants and wildflowers of Stebbins Cold Canyon can also grow beautifully in home gardens and landscapes. Join Ryan Deering, former plant propagation specialist for the UC Davis Arboretum, on a stroll through the canyon as he highlights the familiar and unusual plants of the reserve with a special emphasis on their potential use in your garden.

Guide: Ryan Deering

If you like to tell stories - or if you just like to listen - this outing is for you. This is your chance to hike the canyon and see it in a different light - under the FULL MOON. The hike is approx. 2 ½ miles RT. Bring a story!

Guide: The Group

It’s amazing what a group of people can do in a short amount of time!. The Preserve the Reserve group gathers a few times a year to help restore the natural communities of the reserve. On this outing, we’ll assist native vegetation by removing invasive weeds like Italian and Yellow Starthistle

Guides: The Reserve Land Stewards

Explore Lake Solano by gliding low across its waters. This is a wonderful opportunity to step off the land and experience the habitats of the region from a different perspective. Kayak instructors will familiarize you with basic paddle strokes and boat control. No experience necessary. All equipment and gear has been provided by UCD Outdoor Adventures. Bring a lunch.

Guides: Jeff Falyn & Chris Alford

Beyond Stebbins Cold Canyon, there are 34 Reserves in UC’s Natural Reserve System; most require special permission to access. This is an opportunity to visit Sagehen Creek Field Station, a spectacular area of high-altitude wetlands and forests near Truckee in the Sierra Nevada. There will be an introduction to the Reserve, a natural history presentation, a discussion of healthy forests, and hiking. Participants are responsible for all travel and food. Sleeping accommodations (for Saturday only) have been made at the reserve for a $10-$20 fee. E-mail jfalyn@ucdavis.edu with additional questions.

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:
6-10

For ages:
1-4