Field Trips

Field trips are resuming for 2023 and are free to all. Anyone is welcome. Most of us who participate are hobbyists. We try to plan at least one field trip per month from April through August. We visit many different types of biomes to see as many different types of plants, animals and insects as possible. The trips are mainly just very short hikes to see as much as we can in 3-4 hours time. Each trip will have an individual description of the terrain and what to expect. Hope to see you on a trip soon.

To find out when the next trip will be scheduled, you can check this page, or contact Paul Watts @ FieldTrips@sacvalleycnps.org to be added to the Field Trips email list. Once your email address is included on the list, you will receive updates about upcoming trips.

Below are some great places to explore on your own within our chapter and beyond.

Upcoming Field Trips

Field Trip #2 Howard Ranch

The date of the next trip will be Sunday April 30th at 10am. This field trip will be at Howard Ranch which is located at the Rancho Seco Recreational Area, 14960 Twin Cities Road Herald, CA. The cost for a day pass is $12. The area is considered vernal pool habitat. The trail is a little rocky with mild elevation gain. It is very probable we will have to make our way through cows as they are grazing. This field trip again will be limited to 20 participants. If interested please send an email to Paul Watts @ FieldTrips@sacvalleycnps.org.

Field Trip #1 Jepson Prairie

The Jepson Prairie field trip has reached the maximum amount of participants. The Solano Land Trust does have a 10:00am public tour available.

When:  Sunday, April 16, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Where: Jepson Prairie  Directions here

This is a docent-led hike which is limited by the Solano Land Trust to 20 attendees. Jepson Prairie has relatively flat terrain and few trees. It is unique because of the vernal pools. We hope to be able to see some Fairy shrimp in the pools. The last quarter mile of road to the parking lot is on a dirt road which crosses over bumpy railroad tracks. You should bring a hat, sturdy hiking shoes, sun screen, water and possibly mosquito repellent. If you are interested in attending, please contact me so I can put you on the list and send details about carpooling. Paul Watts @ FieldTrips@sacvalleycnps.org.

The El Dorado Chapter of CNPS has an extensive field trip schedule for April at the Pine Hill Preserve. Please check out their website here.