Natural History Wanderings

Join the docents and staff of Solano Land Trust to explore the outdoors and experience the beauty of Solano County! For information on meeting locations, directions, and registration, visit the events page at solanolandtrust.org/events. For additional questions, call Di Holokahi at 707-420-1041. January opportunities include:

Sat. January 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Vallejo Swett Ranch
Nature Hike: Come explore the hills between Fairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo. Solano Land Trust docents will share insights about the birds, butterflies, and other wildlife that call the Swett Ranches home, and you will get a vigorous workout! Space is limited. Hike level: Moderate to moderately strenuous. Registration Required.

Fri. January 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Blue Rock Springs Park
Community Science Volunteer Opportunity: Join Solano Land Trust for a volunteer opportunity at Blue Rock Springs Park. We will be continuing the trail rehabilitation erosion prevention efforts started at the BART/SLT joint workday in November by planting some native wildflowers and shrubs in the hills behind the park (which are part of Solano Land Trust’s Vallejo Swett property). These native plants will provide habitat for pollinators and birds. Volunteers should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water bottles. SLT will provide gloves, but volunteers are always welcome to bring their own to ensure their fit and style preferences are met. We will meet at Blue Rock Springs Park at 9:30 am and walk to the trailhead. We will work until 12:30, and folks may want to bring picnic lunches to enjoy at the beautiful park. Registration Required.

Sat. January 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park 
Nature Hike: Explore the hills between Suisun Valley and Green Valley and see sweeping views of Solano County and beyond. The park’s scenic blue and live oaks, native wildflowers, and fascinating geology make this a uniquely compelling hike. Moderately strenuous, 4-6 miles. Cancels for rain or extreme weather. Please meet at the main gate located at 2061 Rockville Rd. Fairfield, CA 94534. Registration Required.

Sat. January 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lynch Canyon Open Space Trail Crew Volunteer Opportunity: Join Solano Land Trust Trail Crew every second Saturday of the month in partnership with Solano County Parks to work on trails and projects at Lynch Canyon Open Space! 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. Please note there is a parking fee of $6 at Lynch Canyon (cash or check). Registration Required.

Fri. January 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park 
Community Science Volunteer Opportunity: Join Solano Land Trust staff member Olivia Freitas with planting at Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park. Please bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and gloves if you have them. These activities may involve some bending. We invite you to bring a picnic lunch if you’d like and enjoy the new picnic tables at the park! Please meet at the main gate located at 2061 Rockville Rd. Fairfield, CA 94534. Registration Required.

Sat. January 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rush Ranch
Get the Rush! at Rush Ranch: Get the Rush is a series of fun, free activities for the whole family, offered on the third Saturday of each month at Rush Ranch. Guests can try blacksmithing at the forge, explore pop-up shops and exciting exhibit tables, and take guided hikes through the marsh. All ages and mobility levels are welcome! The Marsh Walk begins at 10:30 am. Park is open until sunset. Registration for the Marsh Walk is required.  

Sat. January 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lynch Canyon Open Space
Bird of Prey Hike: Bird of Prey Hikes are back for 2024! Join Larry Broderick at Lynch Canyon Open Space from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the fourth Bird of Prey Hike of the season. This is a special opportunity to discover, observe, and learn about eagles, hawks, and other raptors. The hike will offer raptor identification tips and views of birds of prey, many of whom have migrated to Lynch Canyon for the winter. Previous sightings include golden eagles, bald eagles, rough-legged hawks, Cooper’s hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, ferruginous hawks, peregrine falcons, prairie falcons, and other more common birds of prey.

All ages are welcome, but participants must be prepared for a moderately paced hike covering about four miles, possibly off-trail in places, up and down rugged, steep, and sometimes slippery hills, and passing free-range cattle along the way. Please note there is a hike fee of $10 and a separate parking fee at Lynch Canyon of $6 (cash or check). Registration Required.

Sat. January 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rush Ranch
Trail Crew Volunteer Opportunity: Come join us as we kick off the new year with a tool maintenance party at Rush Ranch! Get to know Solano Land Trust staff members and many other wonderful volunteers. It’s a great place to meet cool people who care about land in Solano County and be part of the legacy of maintaining trails for public access. Participants will park in the main parking lot area and meet by the tool shed at Rush Ranch. Registration Required.

Sat. January 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lynch Canyon Open Space 
Nature Hike: This hike will take visitors westward along Middle Valley Trail leading to Prairie Ridge. Expect a five-mile hike at a moderate but even pace over uneven ground. There are steep climbs over several hills with the longest at Prairie Ridge, but the views are worth it! Please note there is a parking fee of $6 at Lynch Canyon (cash or check). Registration Required.