Upper Sunrise, ARP, August 12
Waiver and Sign-Up Required
After an 18-month hiatus from Friday Walks, we are happy to be able to offer them again. To gather safely, however, we need to follow some new rules.
- You must sign an Electronic Liability Waiver in advance of joining SacValley Chapter Friday Walks. Signing an Electronic Liability Waiver is a permanent change required statewide by the California Native Plant Society. Please note that signing the waiver for SacValley Chapter Friday Walks applies only to our chapter’s Friday Walks and does not cover SacValley Chapter Field Trips or any events or field trips offered by other CNPS chapters. Once you have signed the SacValley Chapter Friday Walks waiver, it is valid through the end of the current calendar year.
- For now, a limited number of participants can join each Friday Walk. The limit is currently 15 participants and one leader. During this initial restart, only four new participants can sign up for each walk. If you have signed up for a Friday Walk at any point after January 1, 2013, you are not considered a new participant.
Walks held unless there is heavy rain. Cancellation notices posted by 7PM Thursday evening if heavy rain is in the forecast.
Note the 8:15am Summer starting time.
Friday, August 12, 8:15am-10:45am, Upper Sunrise, ARP
If you’re wondering why we’re going to Upper Sunrise again, it’s normally because 60% of what we grow at the Nursery is found here! Most plants have already bloomed and many should now be holding fruit. On this visit though we will get a close-up view of a new salmon and steelhead habitat restoration project near the western end of Sailor Bar. The project will include adding new gravel for spawning beds and a new side channel on the Upper Sunrise side of the river. Check back Thursday night with an update on the progress of the new channel which might alter our route slightly.
We’ll meet at the large parking lot just about 1/3 mile east of the Upper Sunrise boat launch and restroom area. You can check the map link in the directions below. The walk will head east near the riverbank and then up to the top of the bluff near the Amphitheater area as heavy equipment might be in use in this area. From there we will wander a winding trail through a rocky area that had a good bloom of mock orange during the spring. we will continue along the trail above the river at least to the region of “Chris’ mini-meadow”. Depending upon the time we might walk further east or return closer to the bike trail. Email John Schmidt for more information or call 916-500-8456.
If this is your first Friday Walk of 2022, be sure to bring your signed 2022 Friday Walks waiver with you.
Bring water, hat, snack, sturdy shoes, and layered protection. A walking stick might be useful in some section.
Parking is $6 or use your Parks Annual Pass. Note: on the June 3rd Upper Sunrise Walk the electronic Pass dispensing machine was still locked when people arrived at the entrance kiosk. I spoke to the rangers at the Kiosk August 5 and they said the offical policy is that if the gate is open but the kiosk and electronic dispensing machine sare still locked, cars will not be ticketed for not having a pass.
Meet at the teardrop on this map or use the directions below.
Directions to Upper Sunrise from downtown:
– Travel east on Highway 50 to Sunrise Blvd exit 18
– North on Sunrise Boulevard
– After passing Gold Country Road, turn right on South Bridge Street
– Drive past American River Raft Rentals and the fenced raft parking area into the Parkway passing the Entrance Kiosk
– Even if no one is working at the Entrance Kiosk, be sure to self-register your vehicle ($6) unless you have a Parks Annual Pass.
– Turn right at the Stop sign
– Pass the rest facilities (last one if needed) and the boat launch parking area.
– Follow the road right and drive an additional 1/3 miles upstream to a long parking area on your right and a wide view of the river on you left.
– Park near the upriver end of this lot which is heavily used by fisherman during salmon and steelhead fishing season.
– There is room for about 40 vehicles at the meeting area.
There are no rest facilities at the meeting location but there is one two turns past the entrance kiosk.
To sign up for the August 12 Walk and receive the link for the Electronic Liability Waiver if needed, email John Schmidt or call 916-500-8456 for more information.
Binoculars will be useful for bird and habitat observations.
The $60 Parks Passport supports your County Parks system. More Pass information is on-line. There is also a new $30 Senior Citizen Vehicle Pass for those 62 and older. The Senior Citizen Pass must be purchased in person and only at select locations.
If you are vaccinated you do not need to wear a mask. If you are not vaccinated, masks are required. Also if you are more comfortable wearing a mask, please do.
Please try to be on time. We’ll try to start walking at 8:30am.