Already underway, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for June features many programs and activities.
As a reminder, all calendar items are subject to change.
Officials note that wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires or storm damage. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to check for closures before leaving on any recreational trip.
Various Days
Wetland Meet and Greet at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley. Meet with a wildlife naturalist from the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. This 15-minute interactive orientation may include information about Gray Lodge origins, assistance with identifying wildlife or behavior patterns, or a brief explanation of conservation management. Reservations are required but group size can vary. For more information, call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
Bat Talk and Tour. Did you know that a massive colony of migratory bats lives under the Yolo Causeway during the summer? Join Yolo Basin Foundation for a summertime Bat Talk and Tour and learn all about these amazing and beneficial mammals. Following a presentation on bat natural history, the group will carpool out to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area for a brief tour of the wetlands and rice fields. Then, get in position to watch the “flyout” of the largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats in California. The bats emerge in long ribbons as they head out to hunt for insects for the night. For more information, visit yolobasin.org.
Weekends
Guided Hikes at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough every Saturday and Sunday. Tours fill on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the tour. Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 to reserve a tour. For more information, visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar.
June 1-9
California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW). Join agencies and organizations across the state to take action to protect California from the environmental and economic impacts caused by non-native invasive species. Action Week events include habitat restoration, invasive species removal projects, community scientist surveys and field outings. A list of events can be found at wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/invasives/action-week. All events are open to the public, and some require pre-registration. Winners of this year’s Youth Art contest, Species Reporters Wanted – Wha’s the Scoop on Invasives, will be announced on social media on Sunday, June 9.
Saturday, June 8
Gray Lodge Clean-up and Field Day, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley. This event will include both habitat and maintenance projects, followed by lunch. All family members are encouraged to participate. The day will be informative and improve the quality of wildlife habitat. For more information, contact the Gray Lodge main office at (530) 846-7500 or email GLWLA@wildlife.ca.gov.
Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Join CDFW for a free, family-friendly guided tour on the second Saturday of each month to explore the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and neighboring American River. Learn about the amazing life cycle of salmon and steelhead, walk along the American River and discuss hatchery operations. Participants may see fish and other wildlife, such as migratory birds, signs of mammal activity and cool insects. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain and the maximum group size is 25 people (first-come, first-served). The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages. For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
Tuesday, June 11
Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Hunting with Kids - The Next Generation of Hunters, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. In a world that has so many competing attractions, how do we get kids excited about hunting? This webinar will discuss some practical ways to help young people foster a lifelong passion for the outdoors. This webinar is designed to show some tried and true strategies which have been used to encourage and motivate young people to enjoy hunting and talk about it with their friends so that they too will be looking forward to the next season opener. For more information and to register, visit the event registration page.
Sunday, June 16
Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) access permit applications on sale for Fall Elk Hunts. A total of 89 SHARE elk tags will be available during 60 elk hunts offered through the SHARE program. A $13.50 non-refundable application fee (plus handling fees) will be charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.
Wednesday-Thursday, June 19-20
California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, time and exact location to be determined, Mammoth Lakes. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.
Saturday, June 22
Mindfulness Tour at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Join an experienced reserve docent on a two-mile walk to open the senses on a mindfulness tour around the slough. No registration is required. The tour fills on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar.
Sunday, June 23
Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Join CDFW on June 23 for Tot Time at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center for nature-themed stories and to create a fun craft. This month is moved from the third to fourth Sunday and participants will be reading about fish and making some fun fish crafts for “Fish Are Friends, Not Food Week”! Recommended for children ages 2-7 years, with parent/guardian supervision. There is no cost for these events and registration is not required. For more information, email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
Tuesday, June 25
Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Wildlife Tracking, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This webinar is designed to help people better identify different animal tracks, mainly deer vs. elk, mountain lion vs. dog vs. coyote, and black bear and other small animals found in California. The presenter, who is certified with Tracker Certification North America, will also discuss information on animal signs, myths with tracking and the basics of how to start and practice tracking animals. Information will include legal considerations and related laws regarding wildlife harassment and ethics. For more information and to register, visit the event registration page.
