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April
Mar. 29 - 31, Fri.-Sun. Wilderness Characteristics Inventory With Needles BLM.
Join our annual Sierra Club service trip with the Needles BLM Field Office to help wilderness. This season’s task will be to document the wilderness characteristics of an area adjacent to wilderness that has not been recently studied--exact location still to be determined. We enjoyed similar work last spring just west of the Old Woman Mountains. Car camping with optional central commissary, usual exorbitant fee. Contact Vicky Hoover, vicky.hoover@sierraclub.org, or 415-977-5527. CNRCC Wilderness Committee.
Sat. April 6 - Lake Group. Highland Springs Hike.
Hike various trails. Bring water and snacks. Dogs not permitted on this trip. Class: E-4-A. Meeting place & time info given when reserving. By reservation only. Kim Riley kimriley58@gmail.com. Leader Tom McFarling.
Sun. April 7 - Mendo Group. Leonard Lake Hike.
A scenic wildflower hike around Leonard Lake, a historic resort in Reeves Canyon located off the Willits Grade. Hike is on private property and we are fortunate to have access. Views of surrounding landscape are fantastic. Bring lunch, liquids, wear layered clothing. Class: M-3-A. Carpools: Meet 10am, north end of Raley’s Parking Lot, Ukiah. Carpools from Santa Rosa meet River Rd Park & Ride 8:40. Leave 8:45 with Carol. Leader Jonah Freedman. Co-leader Yvonne Kramer. By reservation only. 463-0342 kramer@saber.net. Rain cancels.
Sat. April 13 - Solano Group. A walk at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve in Vallejo.
Our walk takes us along a historic road to the highest point on Mare Island with spectacular views towards the Carquinez Strait, San Pablo and San Francisco Bays. Nesting ospreys, perhaps great blue herons and other raptors/wildlife are sure to be seen along the way. There are also various historical features and we will do a short detour along the old Lighthouse Rd to see some of the finer wild flower areas of the Preserve. This walk is a fairly easy 3.5 mile r/t walk mostly along a gradually inclined paved road from 9:30-11:00. Class E-4-A. Take US 101, I-80 or Hwy29 to Highway 37 and take the Mare Island exit just west of Vallejo. Follow Walnut Ave south to ‘G’ St (1st stop sign) and turn left. Take the 2nd right at Nimitz and go to 15th S stop sign and turn right. Go to Railroad Ave and turn left. Follow Railroad through the South Gate to the Park kiosk where there is ample parking space. Leader Brian Collett 530 220-3121.
Participants are free to bring lunch and eat at the picnic tables and then explore other trails on Mare Island. There are also museums.
Sat-Sun. Apr. 13-14 - (Fri. Option) Juniper Flats Area Tour (San Bernardino Mts).
Come explore this beautiful area in the San Bernardino Mnts. Camp at Rock Springs Ranch (private). On Friday (optional) there is a 3 mi rt. hike to the boulder gardens. Saturday, a driving and hiking tour of the area (4-WD or high clearance vehicle recommended), including springs, waterfall, Cottonwood Spring ACEC and an oak glen area. Saturday evening campfire and dinner provided by the Friends of Juniper Flats. Sunday, a 6 mi hike to Deep Creek a proposed Wild & Scenic River. Contact Carol Wiley for reservations at: desertlily1@verizon.net or 760- 245-8734. For more details of the area contact co-leader Jenny Wilder at: JensOasis@aol.com or 760-220-0730. Mojave Group/CNRCC Desert Committee.
Sat-Sun. Apr. 13-14 - Serve and Explore in the Carrizo Plain.
This is an opportunity to visit and to assist in the Carrizo Plain National Monument. On Saturday we will assist monument staff in the removal and/or modification of fences to allow pronghorn antelope freer access to the range. Sunday is reser ved for sightseeing or hiking as the group decides. The views from the Caliente Mountains are spectacular; spring flowers may be blooming (if rainfall is suffcient); and the monument is known for the number and variety of raptors present. Contact leader for information and sign-up: Craig Deutsche, 310-477-6670, or craig.deutsche@gmail.com.
Sun. April 14 - North Group. Redwood National Park, Skunk Cabbage Trail Hike.
The trail begins in damp Sitka forest, passes by some impressive skunk cabbages, gradually rises to a coastal overlook, then descends to the beach, where we will rest and have lunch. Return by same route. No dogs. Class M9-A. Carpools: 9am NE corner Arcata Safeway parking lot; all vehicles meet 10am at trailhead. Leader: Melinda 707-668-4275 or mgroomster@gmail.com. Rain cancels.
Sun. April 14 - Lake Group. Highland Springs Wildflower Stroll.
Enjoy a leisurely 2 hour stroll exploring and identifying the wonderful spring wildflowers at Highland Springs Recreation Area. Class: E-2-A. Meet 10am. Dogs not permitted on this trip. By reservation only. Meeting place, info Kim Riley, kimriley58@gmail.com. Leader Steve Devoto.
Tues. April 16 - Solano Group. Day Hike in Stebbins Reserve.
This 6 mile loop takes us along a creek to a homestead site and up 1400 feet to a rocky ridge overlooking Lake Berryessa. Good tread on shoes or boots is needed. Bring lunch and water. Class M-6-B. It crosses UC Davis Reserve and BLM. property. Meet at the trailhead below Monticello Dam. For specifics on time and trailhead, contact Leader: Jean Crossley, 530-400-0741 or jcrossley1@peoplepc.com.
Sat., April 20 - Lake Group. Thompson Canyon Trail.
Located on BLM’s Bear Creek Unit along Hwy 16 we pass wildflowers, green meadows and beautiful Blue Oak woodlands. We will ford Bear Creek, hike up Thompson Canyon to the Road Kill Café and have lunch. After lunch we will hike along Brophy Canyon Trail to Three Ponds trail, then back down to Bear Creek to complete a seven-mile loop, where we will cross Bear Creek again. Be prepared to ford Bear Creek in shorts or hike in wet pants. Bring river shoes or tennis shoes - we’ll cache them at the ford. Class: M-8-A. Carpools: Meet 8:30am Lower Lake Coffee Co. Main Street Lower Lake. Leader Tom McFarling 994-5490 tmcfarling@callatg.com.
Sat. April 20 – Sonoma Group. Earth Day Walk at Rodney Strong Vineyards.
Join us on a beautiful walk with winegrower Ryan Decker as we explore the Russian River and learn about the sustainable farming practices of Rodney Strong Vineyards, including a “Bug Bonanza” seminar on microcritters, as well as a wine tasting from the sustainably farmed, family owned vineyards that make these wines famous throughout Sonoma County. Age 21 & over for wine tasting. Class E-2-A. Meet 10am at Winery Visitors Center, 11455 Old Redwood Hwy, Healdsburg. Leader Tiffany MacNeil (707) 696-3387 asmtif@sonic.net.
Sun. April 21 - Mendo Group. Ridgewood Ranch Hike to White Deer Lake.
Ridgewood Ranch allows public access to this beautiful area with a conservancy manager. We will hike through wildflower meadows and oak woodlands to the lake. Wear good hiking boots, bring lunch and plenty of water. Class M6-A. Carpools: 9:30 CVS Pharmacy, Orchard Shopping Center off Perkins or trailhead 10am conservancy shed which is opposite the entrance to the RV Park 1/2 mile down winding ranch road from entrance off Hwy 101. The left turn off Hwy 101 North to the ranch is 16.7 miles north of the Gobbi St onramp in Ukiah. By reservation only. Jonah Freedman (707) 467-1877 jonahfreedman@sbcglobal.net. Rain cancels. Carpools from Santa Rosa RSVP Carol Vellutini 546-6308 carolvsr@sonic.net. Meet River Rd Park & Ride 8am leave shortly after.
Sat. April 27 Sonoma Group. Tomales Bay State Park, Johnstone-Jepson Trails Hike.
A moderately strenuous hike from the trailhead, past several beaches, up a ridge through a lush pine forest to Hearts Desire Beach. Pebble Beach will be our lunch stop, and then we return to trailhead. Bring layered clothes for coastal weather, lunch, liquids, sunscreen and good hiking boots. Parts of the trail may be mucky. Class: M-8-A. Carpools: Meet 9:30am Coddingtown parking lot in front of the library. Call/email to meet in Petaluma at Hwy 101/Hwy116 park-n-ride. By reservation only. Leader Carl Inglin chinglin@sonic.net or 707-538-8271.
May
Sat-Sun. May 4-5 - Birds, Fences, History in the Carrizo.
This is an opportunity to visit and to assist an outstanding and relatively unknown national monument. On Saturday we will assist monument staff in the removal of fence wires to allow pronghorn antelope freer access to the range. Sunday is reserved for sightseeing. The views from the Caliente Mountains are spectacular; spring flowers may still be blooming; and the monument is known for the number and variety of raptors present. Contact leader Craig Deutsche, 310477-6670, or craig.deutsche@gmail.com.
Sun. May 5 - Mendo Group. Hopland Research Center Tour.
Join us for Science Day at UC Hopland Research & Extension Center. Our tour guide, wildlife biologist & HREC superintendent Robert Keiffer, will speak about past and current research projects, wildlife, native plants, trees (especially oaks), and maybe if we are lucky, even snakes. We will tour in carpools, on well-kept graded roads, from site-to-site while enjoying the fantastic ridge-line views and wildflowers. At each site we walk short distances for talks from Mr. Kieffer. Bring an inquiring spirit, lunch, plenty of water, wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and hiking boots. At the end of the day, tour the brand new Rod Shippey meeting center, an incredibly green building that is acorn woodpecker friendly. Carpools: Meet 8:30am CVS Pharmacy in Orchard Shopping Center off Perkins or 9am HREC office parking lot on University Dr Hopland. By reservation only. Leader Jonah Freedman 467-1877 jonahfreedman@sbcglobal.net.
Santa Rosa carpools RSVP Carol 546-6308 carolvsr@sonic.net.
Sun. May 5 - Lake Group. Oat Hill Mine Hike.
An easy hike along the east end of the Oat Hill Mine Road to visit mercury mine sites. Bring lunch and water. Class E-4-A. Meet: 9am Perry’s Deli west end of Middletown to carpool to trailhead. By reservation only. Leader Steve Devoto sdevoto@mchsi.com. Rain cancels.
Sat. May 11 - A walk at Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve in Vallejo.
Our walk takes us along a historic road to the highest point on Mare Island with spectacular views towards the Carquinez Strait, San Pablo and San Francisco Bays. Fledgling ospreys, perhaps great blue herons and other raptors/wildlife are ver y likely this time of year. There are also various historical features to be seen and we will do a short detour along the old Lighthouse Rd to see some of the finer wild flower areas of the Preserve. This walk is a fairly easy 3.5 mile r/t walk mostly along a gradually inclined paved road from 9:30-11:00. Class E-4-A. Take US 101, I-80 or Hwy29 to Highway 37 and take the Mare Island exit just west of Vallejo. Follow Walnut Ave south to ‘G’ St (1st stop sign) and turn left. Take the 2nd right at Nimitz and go to 15th S stop sign and turn right. Go to Railroad Ave and turn left. Follow Railroad through the South Gate to the Park kiosk where there is ample parking space. Leader Brian Collett 530-220-3121.
Participants are free to bring lunch and eat at the picnic tables and then explore other trails on Mare Island. There are also museums.
Sat. May 19 - Lake Group. Mt St Helena Summit Hike.
There will be views of Napa Valley and possibly Mt. Diablo from the summit. Bring lunch, water and sturdy shoes. Class: H-10-C Carpools: Meet 7:30am. Perrys’ Deli south of Middletown or 8am Robert Louis Stevenson parking lot. By reservation only. Leader Steve Devoto sdevoto@mchsi.com.
Thurs. May 23 - North Group. Redwood National Park, Lyons Ranch Hike.
From the trailhead, we take an old ranch road to historic Long Ridge Sheep Shed, continuing in a loop to meet the main trail a half mile from its termination at The Home Place. Here we’ll have lunch and explore the site before returning on the Lyons Ranch Trail. Bring water, food, and prepare for wind and sun. No dogs. Class M5-A. Carpools: 9am NE corner Arcata Safeway parking lot. All Vehicles: Meet 9:45am near front of Kuchel Visitor Center. Leader: Melinda 707-668-4275 or mgroomster@gmail.com. Rain cancels.
Sat. May 25 - Lake Group. Snow Mountain Summit Hike.
We will drive to Summit Springs and then follow a trail to the east summit of Snow Mountain. Great views of Mt Lassen, Mt St Helena and possible Mt Shasta and Mt Diablo. Bring lunch, water and sturdy shoes. Class: H-10C Carpools: Meet 8am Upper Lake Ranger station on Elk Mountain Rd. By reservation only. Leader Steve Devoto sdevoto@mchsi.com.
Sat-Mon. May 25-27 - Black Rock Rendezvous on Memorial Day Weekend.
This trip is a great way to experience the Black Rock for the first time. This is a well-attended event, with lots of activities to choose from, including speakers, guided tours, kid’s activities, visits to hot springs, a potluck dinner, raffles, and more. Trailers and RV’s OK but no hook-ups. Dry camping only. Sign up will start on 5/16. For more information call David Book at 775-843-6443.
Later
Fri-Thurs. June 21-27 - Coyote Gulch Backpack.
This trip heads into some of the best of red rock in Utah, with shear high-walled canyons and cathedral-like camping areas. Meet around noon at the Escalante visitor center where we will obtain our permits. Hike 4-5 miles a day, possible lay-over day. Most of hike is fairly easy, but requires wading back and forth across the creek. This is definitely the summer warm season, but I have generally found it quite pleasant in the canyon this time of year. Limit 12. David Hardy, 702 875-4826, hardyhikers@embarqmail.com. S Nevada Group/CNRCC Desert Committee.
Tues-Fri. June 25-28 - Yolla Bolly Backpacking Trip.
We will set up a base camp after backpacking 5 miles into the Yolla Bolly Wilderness in the Mendocino National Forest, located east of Covelo. We will stay at the same site for 3 nights, using the 2 middle days to take day hikes, or hang around camp. There is a good water source and shady campsites with a variety of trails to explore. Bring all your own meals for 4 days and 3 nights, including lunch for the 1st and 4th days. Bear canister is optional as is rain gear. Must have a way to purify or filter your water, a stove, and good hiking boots. Must be an intermediate backpacker and have backpacked within the last 2 years. Class: M-5-B. Meet 8am Hwy 101 intersection with Covelo Road, 10 miles north of Willits on Tues. June 25. Pullout is on east side of Hwy 101. If needed, we will leave a car at the ranger station in Covelo. Limit 10. By reservation only. Leader Val Nordeman, 707 477-4199 nordeman@willitsonline.com.
Mon-Fri. July 29 - Aug 2. Mendo Group. Backpack Yolla Bolly.
Let’s hike a 30-35 mile loop into the heart of the Yolla Bolly averaging 7 miles each day and stopping each night at a different, beautiful spring. We can explore different trails, even change the route if the group chooses to. We may take a layover day on the third day to day hike or hang out in camp. Bring all your own food for 5 days and 4 nights. Must have water purification and backpacking stove. Bear canisters optional. Must carry 3 quarts of water. This is a dry area and a dry time of year. Need to be an intermediate backpacker and havebackpacked within the last 2 years. Good boots are a must, walking sticks are helpful. Class: S-35-B. Meet 8 am Monday July 29, Covelo turnoff from Highway 101, 10 miles north of Willits. We may leave a car at the Covelo ranger station and carpool to the trailhead. By reservation only. Leader Val Nordeman cell phone 707-477-4199, nordeman@willitsonline.com. Leader in training Brenda.
Non-Sierra Club Activities
The following activities are not sponsored nor administered by the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club has no information about the planning of these activities and makes no representations or warranties about the quality, safety, supervision or management of such activities. They are published because they may be of interest to the readers of this publication.
Saturday Saunters for Santa Rosa Area.
Every Saturday. Meets 9am and usually ends around 11:30. These walks are moderate. Fun way to exercise with friends. For info call Bob Martin 707-539-6300.
Sonoma County Regional Parks Trail Work Days.
On the day of the project you can call 707-548-4424 for an update or if you get lost coming to the park. Your support and dedication to our County's trails really makes a big difference. To RSVP for any of these projects please contact John at 707-565-3356 or ParksVolunteer@sonoma-county.org.
Sat. April 6 - A Cemetery Meander.
Meet 9am Burbank Experimental Farm cottage Sebastopol for coffee and pastries. Guides will then lead groups for the Meander. Emphasis will be on stories of past resident’s lives. Tours will repeat 1st Saturday May-August. Reservations 829-1757; donation $10.
Mon. April 22 Earth Day Nattkemper Trail Days.
Volunteers will work on the Nattkemper Trail 9-2:30. Bring lunch, water & gloves. Wear sturdy shoes & long pants. Carpools meet 8:45am Adobe Canyon Rd. By reservation only. Leader Elisa elisastancil@gmail.com. Rain cancels.
Sat. Apr. 27 South Fork Trinity River Wildflower Hike.
This is a popular hike for wildflower viewing, and while there is little elevation gain, the trail is narrow and steep in places Carpools: Meet 9:00am Willow Creek Post Office parking lot. Trailhead end of South Fork Road, 11 miles from Hwy. 299. By reservation only Rick Tolley 707-498-5528 rtolley@humboldt1.net for painters and photographers or Emelia Berol, ema.berol@yahoo.com.
Volunteer Days Riverkeeper Stewardship Park in Guerneville.
Every Wed 8:30-11:30am, for all or part of the time. Park is located on the north bank of Russian River directly upstream Guerneville pedestrian bridge. Access entrance from the driveway in front of Sonoma Nesting Co (16132 Main Street, just east of Armstrong Woods Rd. At bottom of driveway look for blue & white “Russian Riverkeeper Stewardship Park” sign. Bring drinking water & wear sturdy footwear. Light refreshments provided. Info Victoria Wikle 865-2474 or VictoriaWikle@usa.net.
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