By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Wildlife Educational Programs Slated Around State
CDFW graphic.png

June 1 through 9 is being observed as California Invasive Species Action Week. The goals of the California Invasive Species Action Week are to increase public awareness of invasive species issues and promote public participation in the fight against California’s invasive species and their impacts on natural resources.

Informational and volunteer events are scheduled statewide, including weed removal and habitat restoration, webinars and tours. See the map and schedule of events at wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/invasives/action-week.

Also, residents can take advantage of programs scheduled around the state through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Guided Wetland Tours are offered at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley. A wildlife naturalist will lead any group, school or organization on a half-mile route through the diverse wetlands of the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. General information includes wildlife identification, behavior patterns and conservation efforts. The experience can be customized to include requested information. The minimum group size is 18 people and reservations are required. For more information, call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.

Ecological Reserve Tours at Elkhorn Slough, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Volunteers lead walks every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Binoculars and bird books are available for the public to borrow at no cost. The visitor center and main overlook are fully accessible. The day use permit fee is $4.12 per person, ages 16 and older (permits may be purchased onsite). Groups of five or more should notify staff that they are coming and groups of 10 or more can request a separate tour. For more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/lands/places-to-visit/elkhorn-slough-er.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area will hold its annual clean-up day on Saturday, June 22 in Davis from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will meet at 7:30 am at the wildlife area check station. Volunteers will help prepare the area for the upcoming waterfowl hunting season. Activities typically involve cleaning and brushing up hunting blinds, improving signage and field markers. Participants should bring gloves, work boots and sunscreen. Water and insect repellent will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area manager at (530) 757-2431.

Bats at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Participants can watch bats leave the Yolo Causeway and fly away to eat crop pests throughout the valley. Pre-register at www.yolobasin.org for one of 30 dates available from June to September. For more information, contact Corky Quirk at cquirk@yolobasin.org.