Are You That Woman

Wildside of Explore Elk Grove

Not far from the confluence of the Sacramento, Cosumnes and Mokelumne rivers and the California Delta, Explore Elk Grove’s welcome mat greets millions of migratory birds each fall and winter. Along the Pacific Flyway, winged visitors make their way to nature preserves, parks and refuges. Breathtaking fly-ins of ducks, sandhill cranes, Canada geese, snow geese and tundra swans are the showstoppers, but wildlife viewing is a year-round attraction. Throughout the region, a wide array of feathered friends, mammals and fish are full-time residents. Parks, neighborhoods and rivers are habitat for red-tailed hawks, Swainson’s hawks, falcons, river otters, raccoons, owls, and, yes, Mexican free-tailed bats! Whether you walk, paddle or observe from your car, it’s easy to get up close and personal with nature.

Keep your binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras close. Much of Elk Grove’s wildside is easily accessible just along Franklin Boulevard. Within its borders, there are 90-plus city parks in excess of 700 acres and more than 28 miles of hiking, biking and walking trails. Get out and Explore Elk Grove!


Bufferlands – Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District
In the 1970s, the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District looked deep into their crystal ball and saw that communities needed a “buffer” from the wastewater treatment plant. To safeguard growing populations and preserve much needed open space, they purchased 2,150 acres to minimize the potential for odor and other nuisances that could impact the surrounding neighborhoods. The results were nothing short of remarkable. Hidden away along Franklin Boulevard, this important nature area provides hundreds of acres of high-quality wildlife habitat, farmland and open space in a rapidly urbanizing area of California.

Restoration of historic properties and preservation of riparian habitat make the Bufferlands a must-see for locals and visitors. The Bufferlands supports more than 230 species of birds, 25 species of native mammals and several native fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The Bufferlands is also home to more than 20 species of rare plants and animals, including several threatened and endangered species such as Swainson’s hawk, vernal pool fairy shrimp and giant garter snakes. Opportunities to see this wildlife and nature tourism gem are available through public tours and events, including the annual Walk on the Wildside festival.

Laguna Creek Trail – City of Elk Grove
With numerous access points and ample parking, this popular trail features two miles of paved, off-street trails for biking, hiking, walking, running and horseback riding. Traversing the lengths of Laguna Creek, treetops and waterways are home to song- and shorebirds. Locals and visitors share the right-of-way with feathered friends and mammals including river otters, raccoons and beaver.

Cosumnes River Preserve – California Department of Fish & Wildlife
A one-mile universally accessible trail and three-mile round-trip levee trail and boardwalk provide up-close views of sandhill cranes, shorebirds, riparian forests and wetlands. Bring your own boat for guided kayak and canoeing trips on the last free-flowing river from the Sierra Nevada to the Central Valley. Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center includes interpretive displays and covered deck great for picnicking.  All ages will love the weekly “Ducks in Scopes”, where preserve docents provide free scopes and binoculars and expert wildlife identification.  Scopes are also set for children. Check the website for dates and times.  

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge – US Fish & Wildlife Service Pacific Region
The refuge is home to more than 200 wildlife and fish species. Seasonal Pacific Flyway migrations of Greater Sandhill Cranes, shorebirds and wading birds rest and feed on mudflats, wetlands and lakes. The recently restored Blue Heron Trails is located at the Hood-Franklin Road headquarters. Open from sunrise to sunset, free of charge, the accessible paved trail includes a mile of loops around managed wetlands hosting various migrants such as hawks, shorebirds and interpretive panels. Best viewing is during the migratory season October-May. School groups are welcome. Check online for dates and details about docent-led tours.

Woodbridge Ecological Reserve – California Department of Fish & Wildlife
The wildlife international airport – squadrons of Greater Sandhill Cranes descend during nightly fly-ins September to March. More than 30 other species of birds including ducks, geese, hawks, owls, swans, avocets, coots and stilts join the evening revelry. Managed by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, parking and viewing mound are located on Woodbridge Road. The north site of the reserve, which includes the crane viewing shelter, can only be visited on a docent-led tour. Be sure to check online for dates and times as tours fill quickly.  

Galt Winter Bird Festival
Festival headquarters is the starting point for free educational presentations, wildlife shows, hands-on activities and art displays. Fees vary for group tours to Cosumnes River Preserve, Heritage Oak Winery, and Staten Island. Keynote speakers are world-renown birders and authors. Wonderfully kid-friendly!

Walk on the Wildside
This one-day festival features hands-on activities, live animal shows, entertainment and guided tours of Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and the 2,150-acre Bufferlands a unique opportunity to see a rare heron and egret rookery—one of only four in Sacramento County. Special twilight tours are offered during the summer and fall.

Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival
For more than 20 years, this three-day festival has celebrated the return of the Greater Sandhill Cranes to the Central Valley. Listed as endangered, the cranes are one the largest migrating North American cranes. Sometimes called B52s, their wingspan can reach almost seven feet wide and they can be up to four feet tall. Leaping with wings extended, their mating dance is marvelous! Guest speakers, art show, entertainment, guided tours and dozens of exhibitors!

Remember to Leave No Trace – pack it in and pack it out. Follow the brown and white binocular signs to wildlife viewing sites and festivals and online at www.CAWatchableWildlife.org

 

 

Laughter, love, local bounty highlight Woodland's Dinner on Main

When I began writing about Woodland, I did what I always do: adopted the town and its people and became an "omni-local"— all local—according to my friend Sarah. I made the place my own - as if I had always lived there. In return, my new Woodland family of friends adopted me. Home is where the heart is and mine is often in Woodland.

Last year I was asked to write about Woodland's Dinner on Main. Sadly, another commitment kept me from attending. So I was honored when, in 2018, I was invited to break bread and share the feast with nearly 600 friends. I'm a hometown girl at heart. Woodland's small town charm is easy to love. My visits often include the back roads from Sacramento to Woodland's Main Street. Away from heavy interstate traffic, skirting the Sacramento River, paralleling the Fremont Trestle and Yolo Bypass and cruising ever so quietly into town—is how I arrived on September 16th.

Festivities were still unfolding. Despite all the hard work and more to come, everyone was smiling and laughing. Beneath the setting autumn sun and starry white lights, Woodland Dinner on Main gathered alfresco. It was magical. Pictures tell the story.

California Fall Foliage Autumn Colors Arrive

Fall Foliage in California:  Places to Go, Colors to See 
Summer’s golden, sun-filled hours have shortened and the evening air is turning crisp and cool, Mother Nature takes her cue to begin a spectacular and colorful show of fall foliage in the Golden State.  Autumn’s palette of deep reds, glowing yellows and warm, earthy browns may be enjoyed in many of California’s regions.  Visitors taking a relaxing drive, hike or bicycle ride through the scenic countryside will be instantly immersed in the season’s breathtaking beauty.  Here are some of the more popular places to view fall colors in California.

Alpine County:  Aspen trees and cottonwood explode in bright yellow and golden colors in Hope Valley, Markleeville, Ebbett’s Pass and Monitor Pass.  

Big Bear Lake:  During autumn, the valley is a brilliant palette of reds, oranges, golds and browns as deciduous trees and bushes prepare for winter hibernation.  The area derives its color primarily from oaks, but also includes aspen and some maples. Fishing as well as all water sports on the lake remain open through October as do the traditional activities of mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Five-star on the YELP scale, The Aspen Grove and it's golds and yellows is the only one of its kind in the San Bernardino National Forest. 

Bishop: Travelers from Southern California in search of fall foliage will find Bishop the perfect destination.  Encompassing America’s deepest valley and two of its highest mountain ranges, the Bishop area offers a remarkable variety of fall color.  A fall color guide is available for the area and includes viewing directions for the following High Sierra foliage hot spots: Bishop Creek, Lower Rock Creek, Rock Creek, McGee Creek, Hilton Creek, Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop and Conway Summit.  Many of the canyons make a good base for campers and fishing in this area is abundant.  The chamber also post fall color updates and information on its website.
 
Grover Hot Springs State Park:  (Located south of Lake Tahoe, three miles west of Markleeville on Hot Springs Road) Aspen trees provide Grover Hot Springs with its lush, fall colors.  The vibrant leaves and the park’s 102ºF mineral spring waters combine to make the area a special treat and a favorite spot for campers and hikers. In the fall Clark’s nutcrackers, white-breasted nuthatches, and band-tailed pigeons reside in the forest.  

Mammoth Lakes: The transition from summer to winter turns Mammoth Lake’s alpine canyons and lake shores into a blaze of color.  Aspen, willow and cottonwood unfold in brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red.  Stands of old aspen add to the magnificent beauty of the area.  

Yosemite National Park: Autumn’s arrival magnifies the beauty of one of California’s most cherished parks.  The dogwood’s leaves put on a glorious show, including colors ranging from yellow to salmon, purple to Bordeaux red.  Bright orange and vivid red aspen are on display, especially in the high country.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park:  Surrounded by a network of rivers and lakes, Ahjumawi Lava State Park is an ancient, wild landscape that turns a collage of colors in the fall. Canoeists, boaters and hikers will be overwhelmed by the park’s brilliantly colored foliage as they explore the area’s waterways, pools and lava flows.  This predominantly untouched park is only accessable by boat.  Boats may be launched at Rat Farm, located three miles north of the town of McArthur on a dirt road near the end of Main Street.  

Plumas County: Visitors may savor Awesome Autumn foliage in Plumas County by taking a self-guided driving, biking or hiking tour along Highway 70.  Several of the county’s most beautiful viewing locations are described in the following paragraphs. Fall color upadates are available on the Plumas County website's Leaf Peeper reports. Look for a free copy of the Plumas County Fall Color Guide, a  map that outlines the best routes in the county, illustrates common species and explains why leaves change color. The guide is available at visitor information centers throughout Plumas County.   
• Bucks Lake Road:  A soothing drive along Bucks Lake Road showcases one of the largest groves of dogwood in the county and an incredible vista of the valley below.  The road also features several pristine meadows covered with aspen and creek willow.
• Indian Creek/Indian Valley:  One of California’s premiere pastoral drives begins where Highway 70 and Highway 89 intersect, heading towards Greenville and Lake Almanor.  One side of the road is covered with masses of golden oak, chokecherry and dogwood.  On the other side, the banks of a clear mountain stream are lined with amber willow and flaming red Indian rhubarb.  Broad bands of oak and quaking aspen also descend the nearby ravines resembling giant, saffron waterfalls.
• Lake Almanor:  The lake, with Mt. Lassen looming in the background, is always a scenic masterpiece.  Autumn offers miles of reddened dogwood along Highway 36, and thickets of glowing birch and aspen along Juniper Lake Road and Warner Valley Road to Drakesbad.  Stunning, crimson dogwood is also visible north of Chester in the Benner Creek area.
• Frenchman Lake:  Fall colors illuminate the area’s unique geological formations, lava rock and stunning lake.  Indian rhubarb, dogwood and chokeberry paint the area a vibrant red.  Quaking aspen and oak cover the surrounding hillside in a blanket of yellow, making the area a treasure for those in search of fabulous fall color.
• Quincy/La Porte Road:  Entering the town of Quincy, travelers will see a montage of oak, maple and poplar sprinkled among the homes, resting against an eastern Sierra background.  The entire drive into La Porte winds through canyons crosses the Middle Fork of the Feather River and is a spectacular color excursion. 
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park:  (Located northeast of Redding, six miles north of Hwy. 299, on Hwy. 89 near Burney) The falls at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park provide a spectacular backdrop for the changing of the area’s oak leaves.  While surrounded by a forest of multi-colored foliage, visitors may watch as 100 million gallons of water flow over the park’s 129-foot-high waterfall.  

Castle Crags State Park: (Located six miles south of Dunsmuir along I-5) The towering, granite spires of Castle Crags are made more majestic by the colorful scenery of fall foliage.  The park’s 28 miles of hiking trails provide the perfect venue for those desiring to explore the glory of autumn’s changing leaves.  

Sonoma Valley:  When in search of fall color, don’t miss California State Scenic Highway 12 through Sonoma Valley.  Gold rolling hills and magenta-splashed vineyards are a palette of color.  The tiny “Valley of the Moon” stretches over more than 17 miles of back roads, offering endless opportunities for scenic views.

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park:  Located four miles north of St. Helena on Highway 29, ten miles of hiking trails guide visitors along steep hillsides for spectacular views of California’s trademark redwood groves.  An official “watchable wildlife” site, trails pass by second-growth redwoods and through chaparral woodlands favored by California quail, western scrub-jays, woodpeckers, and coyotes.  A horseback riding concession operates during summer and fall. 

Grass Valley/Nevada City: This quaint area is known for some of the best fall color in the West.  Giant sugar maple and liquidambar trees warm Victorian homes and historic districts with their brilliant hues.  Premium fall foliage is scattered throughout both towns.  Grass Valley offers a gorgeous hilltop vista.  Nevada City’s colors are more centrally located and may be easily enjoyed on foot or bicycle.  Two of the region’s most popular sites are Nevada Street in Nevada City and the enormous maple tree at the corner of Neal and School streets in Grass Valley.  

Calaveras Big Trees State Park:  (Located four miles northeast of Arnold on Highway 4) The dogwood trees are a continuous visual pleasure with their beautiful white flowers in the spring, burning red leaves in the fall and stark silhouette during the winter.  This mixed conifer forest bisected by the Stanislaus River also has diverse but somewhat elusive wildlife. A special feature of the park are its two universally accessible trails.  

Henry W. Coe State Park:  Located about 40 minutes from Morgan Hill, this rugged wilderness park’s grassy woodlands and chaparral are broken by the canyons and ridges of the Diablo mountain range.  During the fall, the north-facing slopes are a kaleidoscope of warm and cool colors, with large, yellow maple leaves, bright green bay leaves and live oak leaves with various yellow and red shades.  The wilderness park is accessed by horse and foot trails only.  

Note: As weather and elevation greatly affect fall color, it is suggested that visitors call ahead for additional information.

 

If my Subaru can't get me there, that's a good reason not to go!