Field Trips
Field Trips will begin in April 2023. Check back soon for 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 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.


Places We Visit
Sacramento County
- Sacramento County Regional Parks
- Cosumnes River Preserve
- Howard Ranch Trail and Rancho Seco Recreational Area
- Deer Creek Hills Preserve
- Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
- Auburn State Recreation Area
- Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
- South Fork American River Trail
Yolo County
- Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area
- UC Davis Arboretum and Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
- UC Davis Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve
- Tuleyome (directory of trails on public lands in Yolo County and several surrounding counties)
Colusa County
- Tuleyome (select Colusa County in county search bar)
- Colusa National Wildlife Refuge
- Delevan National Wildlife Refuge
Sutter County
- Sutter Buttes (guided hikes only, led by Middle Mountain Foundation)
- Sutter National Wildlife Refuge
- Bobelaine Audubon Sanctuary
Yuba County
West Placer County
Beyond the Sacramento Valley Chapter
- Bay Area Hiker (detailed information about parkland hiking routes in the nine Bay Area counties)
- East Bay Regional Park District
- California State Parks
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area