Field Trips

Field Trips began again in April 2023. Check back soon for more updates.

The Sacramento Valley Chapter periodically organizes field trips to view plants in locations further away from Sacramento. Field trips are often held either in the Sierras or along the western edge of the Sacramento Valley.

Where and When

Field trips have resumed 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.

Upcoming Field Trips

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.

If there are no field trips shown on the event list (on the right side of this page) none are currently scheduled.

Explore On Your Own

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

Howard Ranch

Howard Ranch 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 you will have to make your way through cows as they are grazing. When we schedule this field trip again we will limited it to 20 participants. If interested please send an email to Paul Watts @ FieldTrips@sacvalleycnps.org.

Jepson Prairie

The Solano Land Trust has a 10:00am public tour available.

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. You may 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 future filed trips, 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

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