Natural History Wanderings

WALK ON THE WILDSIDE  Freeport, CA Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge – Beach Lake Preserve

A FREE family-oriented day in the country with lively entertainment and up-close and personal views of many wildlife species, mark your calendar and plan to attend Walk on the Wildside on Saturday, May 21, 2011. Join Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and local partners in celebrating International Migratory Bird Day and local conservation successes. The free event is held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. near the town of Freeport, California, at the Beach Lake Picnic Area.

2011 Walk on the Wildside
Flyer with Directions
PDF 883KB

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is located just ten miles from the State capitol in Sacramento. Explore wetlands and a riparian forest on your own or with a guided tour, and discover the rich natural history right in Sacramento’s own backyard. This is a great opportunity for adults and children to experience a fun peaceful outdoor event with many activities and live ‘edu-tainment’. Children will win a prize by participating in fun activities run by the local Girl Scouts and watch live wildlife during special presentations by Wild Things, Inc. Visit exhibits, buy a snack to eat, and listen to toe-tapping music by Horse Sense.

This fun outdoor celebration highlighting local efforts in protecting and restoring native Central Valley habitats and wildlife offers a great opportunity to access normally closed wildlife areas. Be sure to enjoy the special guided tours of restored wetlands, checkout active heron rookeries on the Bufferlands, and spruce-up your garden with a native plant sale hosted by All Things Wild showcasing many local native species that are hard to find!

 Event Highlights:

• Live wild animal presentations by Wild Things, Inc.
• Live folk music by Horse Sense
• Falconry demonstration by Karl Kerster
• Children’s puppet show by Jason Adair
• Tours of wetlands and heron rookeries
• 30+ Conservation exhibitors & hands-on activities
• “Friendly Farming” Petting Yard by Elk Grove High School FFA
• Children’s activity center, games & prizes hosted by Girl Scouts
• Presentations on local plants and wildlife
• Special appearances by the Refuge “Blue Goose” Mascot & the Sac. County Park’s “Ollie Otter” Mascot
• Outdoor BBQ hosted by Elk Grove High School FFA and Rotary Club
• Event and parking are FREE!