Get outside and enjoy some activities this summer, as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a number of programs around the state.
As a reminder, all calendar items are subject to change based on conditions and guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents are asked to continue to adhere to all current safety protocols.
Also, some state wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires or wildfire damage. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to check for closures before leaving on any recreational trip.
Various Days
Guided Wetland Tours by Reservation 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 catered to include requested information. Each tour is limited to 15 people. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, which may include masking and/or physical distancing. Come prepared and be respectful of other visitors. For more information, call (530) 846-7505 or email Lori.Dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
Bat Talk and Walk Programs, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 45211 County Road 32B, Davis. Yolo Basin Foundation is offering a variety of educational programs about the colony of bats that live in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Events and programs run July through September. Build a bat house for your backyard, bring your little ones for a morning of crafts, storytelling and bats, or enjoy a family-friendly evening Bat Walk. For more information, visit www.yolobasin.org/bats2022.
Nature Bowl 2022: Family Challenge. Nature is calling all California families this summer to enjoy some outdoor fun – in your backyard, neighborhood and/or local nature area. Hosted by CDFW’s North Central Region, the Nature Bowl 2022: Family Challenge is a fun and educational way to explore the natural world around you by completing two scavenger hunts, one provided and the other created by your family. The contest is open all summer with the final deadline for entries on Aug. 31, 2022. To sign up and receive your challenge packet, contact Genelle Treaster at Genelle.Treaster@wildlife.ca.gov.
Ecological Reserve Tours at Elkhorn Slough, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and at 11 a.m. Wednesday through Friday for the summer. Capacity is limited due to physical distancing requirements, and individuals must sign up on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 to reserve a tour. For more information, visit www.elkhornslough.org/esnerr/tours.
Monday, July 11 — Director’s Recreational Abalone Advisory Committee (RAAC) Meeting, 1 to 4 p.m., virtual Microsoft TEAMs meeting. CDFW will be presenting the latest draft of the red abalone Fishery Management Plan (FMP) Management Strategy (MS) to the RAAC and the public to seek additional input. This draft MS was presented to the Fish and Game Commission’s Marine Resources Committee in March 2022. Those that are interested in the future management of the northern California recreational red abalone fishery are encouraged to attend and learn about the proposed MS for the draft FMP that will guide the fishery whenever it is reopened. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/invertebrates/raac.
Thursday, July 14 — California Fish and Game Commission Marine Resources Committee Meeting, 9:30 a.m., North Coast Regional Waterboards Office, DCJ Room, 5550 Skylane Blvd., Santa Rosa. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, please visit fgc.ca.gov.
Friday, July 15 - Sunday, July 17 — Global Learning to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Elementary School Teacher Workshop, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. This is a free workshop for K-12 formal and informal educators focused on environmental monitoring. The GLOBE program brings students, teachers and scientists across the world together to investigate the natural world. Participants will receive new lesson plan ideas, investigative tools and access to the GLOBE database. Teachers can register online at www.elkhornslough.org/events/globe-teacher-workshop-0722 or contact Ariel Hunter at Ariel.Hunter@wildlife.ca.gov or (831) 728-2822.
Friday, July 22 — Recreational Ocean Salmon Fishing Re-Opens from the 40°10’ Line to Point Arena. For more information, visit the ocean salmon webpage at wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon or call the CDFW Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429 or the National Marine Fisheries Service Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (800) 662-9825.
Saturday, July 23 — Garden Stewardship Day at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 10 a.m. to noon, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Learn about native plant gardening and help the reserve maintain its new demonstration gardens. Participants will learn about native plant gardening and then spend time working in the gardens. Work changes with the season and may involve weeding, planting or collecting native seeds. All ages and abilities are welcome, but those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more details and to register for email reminders, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar.
Sunday, July 24 — Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Access Permit Application Deadline for Elk Hunting Opportunities. An $11.75 non-refundable application fee (plus handling fees) is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.
