APRIL OUTDOOR ADVENTURES- SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Suisun City, Calif. – "Spring is nature's way of saying let's party." -- Robin Williams.   Solano Land Trust and partners are offering a few outdoor adventures in April, so that local residents and visitors can spend time outside and enjoy the beauty and natural parks in our community, including the 28th Annual Rush Ranch Open House on Sat. April 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For important details, including each activity’s meeting location, directions and registration information, visit the activity calendar at solanolandtrust.org/events. For additional questions, call 707-432-0150 extension 212.  April opportunities include:

Sat. Apr. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at King Swett- Ranches 

Nature Hike: Wander the hills between Fairfield, Benicia and Vallejo. Participants will get a great workout and learn about the birds and other wildlife that call this area home. Residents and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of this special opportunity if they can because the King-Swett Ranches are otherwise closed. Up to 6 miles. Free.  Meet at the unmarked park-n-ride lot near Hiddenbrooke (American Canyon Rd. and McGary Rd., Vallejo.)  Pre- Registration is Recommended. 

Sat. Apr. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rush Ranch 

Bird of Prey Hike & Northern Harrier Presentation:  Learn about eagles, hawks and falcons – the
ways they fly, what they eat, where they hunt and rest, and why they migrate long distances or stay in one place all year. This is the final bird of prey hike of the season.  Larry Broderick will lead the hike where he covers birds of prey identification methods, natural history and threats, and the importance of habitat protection and restoration. Participants learn how to identify differences between species, distinctions across individuals within one species, and changes over time during one individual’s life.  In addition, participants can attend a Northern Harrier Presentation by Dr. Skalos of UC Davis.  In lieu of the $10 registration fee, Solano Land Trust is collecting donations for The Suisun Wildlife Center. Visit the activities calendar on the Solano Land Trust website to see a full wish list.  RSVP recommended.

Sat. Apr. 6, Sun. Apr. 7, Sat. Apr. 13, Sun. Apr. 14, Sat. Apr. 20, Sun. Apr. 21, Sat. Apr.27 & Sun. Apr. 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Jepson Prairie Preserve

Wildflowers & Water Critters Walk: Jepson Prairie Preserve is one of California’s best remaining examples of a vernal pool ecosystem and native grassland prairie. Dry and dormant most of the year, the prairie is transformed by winter rains into a tapestry of stunning colors, and its vernal pools host a rich diversity of rare aquatic life. Visitors can enjoy an easy guided walk which may include portions of the Preserve that are only accessible with a Jepson Prairie docent. Participants can learn about vernal pools and see the aquatic invertebrate and flowering plants that depend on them. Volunteer docents offer these two-hour tours every Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m., March 9 through May 12 (Mother's Day). No pre-registration required. Free, but donations requested.

Fri. April 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m Rockville Trails Preserve

Citizen Science Volunteer Opportunity: Please join Solano Land Trust at Rockville Trails Preserve to help monitor our population of the rare nodding harmonia, a small yellow wildflower in the tarweed family that is only found in very small patches in the coast range mountains of our region. Participants will learn about the biology of this incredible little flower while conducting an annual census to assess the health of our population. Enjoy a beautiful hike to and from the site with sweeping vistas of the surrounding areas and colorful spring wildflowers.  Get involved in science on Solano Land Trust lands. No experience necessary. Participants learn while volunteering.  For more information contact Ryan at: ryan@solanolandtrust.org  

Sat. April 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Lynch Canyon

Trail Crew Volunteer Opportunity: Help take care of Lynch Canyon’s 1,000-plus acres.  Projects include improving trails, fixing fences, weeding and more.  No experience necessary.  Participants learn while volunteering.  Free lunch and a parking pass provided.  For more information contact Jordan at: jordan@solanolandtrust.org

Sat. April 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rockville Trails Preserve

Hike for Exercise and the views!:  Join us to enjoy the vistas of Solano County while exercising and searching for wildflowers. Moderate to Strenuous, 4-6 miles, rain cancels, 9am-1pm. Pre-registration recommended.  Free. Meeting location: The “Ice House” parking lot at corner of Suisun Valley Rd. & Rockville Rd.

Fri. Apr. 19 from 10am to 12pm at Lynch Canyon

Kids’ Hike: Mad Libs! The kids will be out of school for the day, what to do??  Solano Land Trust and Solano County Parks invite families to attend the next Kids’ Hike: Find Something Green!  Lynch Canyon is turning all shades of green. The public is invited to see just how many green things they can find at Lynch Canyon. Meeting location: Lynch Canyon Parking lot at 9:45.  Wear good walking shoes and bring water and snacks.  If it is raining, mud boots are advised. RSVP recommended. Free.   *NOTE: There is a separate parking fee of $6 at Lynch Canyon, cash or check, payable to Solano County Parks. 

Sat. Apr. 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Rockville Trails Preserve 

Yoga Hike:  Barbara Fredericks will lead this family friendly hike with some warm up stretches and then will proceed on the trail.  On yoga hikes, participants practice standing poses to support the body before, during and after the hikes.  Participants can enjoy the sun on their face and the wind in their hair while they do yoga. RSVP recommended. Meeting location: The “Ice House” parking lot at corner of Suisun Valley Rd. & Rockville Rd. Free.

Sat. Apr.20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rush Ranch

Get the Rush! at Rush Ranch: On the third Saturday of every month, volunteers offer family-friendly activities at Rush Ranch.  Timing and activities vary month to month. In March, kids and adults can travel back in time by entering a traditional blacksmith shop, and learn why Rush Ranch is nationally famous by participating in tidal marsh activities.  At 11:00, docents will lead families on an interpretive hike along the marsh where participants can make observations of birds, climate change, and learn about the history of the land.  Visitors can also explore exhibits, wander trails on their own, and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy.  Free.

Sat. Apr. 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. along Grizzly Island Road, Suisun City

Earth Day Volunteer Opportunity: Solano Land Trust and Solano County Parks invite the public to celebrate Earth Day weekend by volunteering to remove litter along Grizzly Island Rd. This is the main road that serves as a scenic drive leading visitors into Suisun marsh, and to destinations like Belden’s Landing and Rush Ranch Open Space. Removing litter along this road is especially important, as trash can be dangerous to the fragile health of the marsh and to the critters that live there. Meet at the Rush Ranch parking lot.  Snacks and water will be provided. After the cleanup, you and your family are invited to check out Get the Rush! activities just down the road at Rush Ranch! For more information, contact volunteer@solanolandtrust.org,  

                Sat. Apr. 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. along McGary Rd., Fairfield

Earth Day Volunteer Opportunity: Solano Land Trust and Solano County Parks invite you and your family to celebrate Earth Day weekend by volunteering to remove litter along McGary Rd. towards Lynch Canyon.  This is the main road that serves as a scenic drive leading visitors into Lynch Canyon Open Space.  Removing litter along this road is especially important.  Adult Volunteers are recommended for this particular site, due to safety issues along the main road.  For more information, contact volunteer@solanolandtrust.org,  

Mon. Apr. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. Rockville Trails Preserve 

Earth Day Hike! : Join us and celebrate Earth Day by enjoying the vistas of Solano County while exercising and searching for wildflowers. Moderate to Strenuous, 4-6 miles, rain cancels, 9am-1pm. Pre-registration recommended. Free. Meeting location: The “Ice House” parking lot at corner of Suisun Valley Rd. & Rockville Rd.

Sat. Apr. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rush Ranch

29th Annual Rush Ranch Open House: Feast on burgers and hot dogs hot off the grill; shop for jewelry, art, crafts, and other unique items; enjoy live music; admire live animals on display including bats, birds of prey, horses, cows and sheep; experiment with engaging science and engineering activities; play games; watch live demonstrations and more. The festival is free. All purchases of food, art and raffle tickets benefit the Rush Ranch Educational Council, an all-volunteer organization that provides educational programs and public outreach for the ranch. 

Sat. Apr.27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lynch Canyon

Nature Hike:  This hike will take visitors westward along Middle Valley Trail leading to Prairie Ridge.  Expect about a 5 mile hike at a moderate, but even pace over uneven ground.  Muddy spots will have cattle prints.  There are steep climbs over several hills with the longest at Prairie Ridge.  It’s worth it to see the view of the northern San Francisco Bay and Vallejo.  Hike leaves promptly at 9:15 from the parking lot; expect to be back by noon.  Docent guides will be discussing plant communities, landforms, and birds at Lynch Canyon pointing out highlights as we go.  Bring boots, appropriate clothing, water and a snack. Call for more information.  RSVP requested.  COST: The hike is free, but parking is $6.00 at Lynch Canyon

Ongoing at Lynch Canyon and Rockville Trails Preserve

Guided rides on your horse: Tours of Rockville Trails Preserve and Lynch Canyon are offered for experienced trail riders with fit horses that are both trail- and road-trained.   Horses not provided.  Contact Mindi at splish@sbcglobal.net or Christine at cnken13@juno.com. Parking is $6 at Lynch Canyon. The guided rides are free. Space is limited.

Ongoing at Rush Ranch

Horse Feeding Volunteer Opportunity: Get trained to feed the horses at Rush Ranch weekly throughout the year. Contact Tom at tmuehleise@aol.com.

Explore on your own

Lynch Canyon is open Fridays through Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to picnic, fly a kite, see cows and wildlife, and explore the hills on foot, mountain bike or horse. Parking is $6. Rush Ranch is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for visitors to picnic, explore exhibits, see horses and cows, and walk alongside the tidal marsh or hike up hills. Parking is free. Both locations offer 360 degree views of Solano County and the Bay Area.

Solano Land Trust protects land to ensure a healthy environment, keep ranching and farming families on their properties, and inspire a love of the land. For more information about Solano Land Trust, its upcoming events and to make a donation, visit solanolandtrust.org.