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News from Audubon Canyon Ranch

Bolinas Lagoon Preserve         Bouverie Preserve         Cypress Grove Research Center

March/April 2008

 

Have you noticed?... It's springtime! It would be hard to miss with signs of spring surrounding us. We hope you'll visit an Audubon Canyon Ranch preserve this season. Read on to find out how.

 

 

Come see the birds!  The Bolinas Lagoon Preserve opens to the public this weekend

preening egretsVisit the Bolinas Lagoon Preserve in West Marin now through mid summer to watch egrets and herons courting and nesting in a historical, coastal setting. A short hike uphill to a viewing platform offers a rare glimpse into the nests. Learn from volunteer nature guides as you witness the courting habits of these elegant birds. 

 

Bring a picnic and hike the 8 miles of trails. 

Donations appreciated. 

Open weekends and holidays:  10 am - 4 pm

Tuesday through Friday by appointment only

For more information and directions, click here

bouverie meadowWildflowers - baby blue eyes, hounds tongue, and red larkspur - dot the hillsides of the Bouverie Preserve with springtime color.

Come see for yourself:  sign up for an upcoming  Bouverie Preserve  Guided Nature Walk

 

Saturdays:

March 29, April 12 & 19, and May 17, 2008 

 

Contact Nancy at 707/938-4554 to register.  

 

Learn to be a Nature Photo Pro

Hichwa willet photoJoin ACR Board President Bryant Hichwa for two special classes this spring, and learn while supporting ACR programs.

 

Become skilled at the use of digital photographic equipment in the field and learn how to capture stunning wildlife images during your travels. Classes will include tutorials on key camera settings, how to best use natural lighting, how to capture wildlife in the field, close up/macro photography of spring wildflowers, and a demonstration of digiscoping. Bring your camera.

 

The Essentials of Nature Photography for the Eco-Traveler

An Introduction to Digital Cameras
Saturday, April 12th     9 am to 2 pm   Bouverie Preserve

Digital Photography for the Intermediate Photoprapher
Saturday, May 10th  9 am to 2 pm  Bolinas Lagoon Preserve

Donation:  $300 each class or $500 for both
Every dollar will be donated to Audubon Canyon Ranch, as Dr. Hichwa is contributing 100% of his fee. 

To register, contact Leslie at 415/868-9244.

 

Audubon Canyon Ranch is expecting! 

Sonoma SunshineDuring a torrential downpour in January, dedicated volunteers planted seedlings of an endangered species into the Bouverie Preserve's vernal pools as part of an ACR habitat restoration project. The majority of California vernal pools have been destroyed. They are often found on the same lands that are used for development and vineyards, which is why Bouverie Preserve's habitat restoration project is so crucial for the preservation of native plants.

 

We're proud to announce that the plant, Sonoma sunshine, a California native plant, seems to be thriving in its new home, and the first flowerheads are appearing on the plant. While it is still too early to consider the restoration a success, this is a very encouraging sign.

 

Sonoma sunshine has been state and federally listed as endangered since the early 1990s, and only one patch remains in Sonoma Valley. We hope to make that two.

 

Thanks to Audubon Canyon Ranch volunteers, who helped in seed collection, propagation and planting. We also appreciate the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Community Foundation Sonoma County for helping to fund this project.

 

phone:  415/868-9244

website:  www.egret.org 

 

 

This morning...

bud

bee

bloom
 

at Bolinas Lagoon Preserve.

photos by Wally Chin

 

 

 

Family fun: 

Scavenger hunting

 

On your next visit to ACR's Bolinas Lagoon Preserve, consider doing a family scavenger hunt!

 

Write a list of things to "find", but instead of picking or collecting, bring along notebooks and have your child draw sketches of the nature treasures he finds.   

 

 

Support ACR

 

We rely on donations from our community to fund the programs of Audubon Canyon Ranch. Please consider a contribution today. We appreciate your support!

 

 

Protect the environment: Recycle a car battery

 

In partnership with AAA of Northern California, Audubon Canyon Ranch encourages you to drop off used car batteries at no charge at any of almost 100 Northern California sites. You'll be safely disposing of toxic materials AND supporting ACR programs. 

 

 

 

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