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.
Also, a reminder that all calendar items are subject to change due to the changing conditions and guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outdoor enthusiasts are asked to continue to adhere to all current safety protocols.
Weekends — Ecological Reserve Tours at Elkhorn Slough, 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. 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.
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.
Saturday, June 4
Family Nature Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Visit the Elkhorn Slough Reserve every first Saturday in summer to explore pop-up outdoor exhibits, featuring hands-on exploration stations, crafts, games and trail investigations. Each month features a different nature theme, from birds and mammals to microscopic creatures. Activities are provided in English and Spanish. Family Nature Days are free and no registration is required. For more details, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar.
California Bumble Bee Atlas Field Event, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., The Gardens at Lake Merritt, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Join a community science collaboration between CDFW and The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to find out more about California’s native bumble bees while collecting data to help conserve declining species. Volunteers will learn to catch and handle bumble bees and will practice photographing them and collecting habitat data. Use the CABBA Field Events registration form to register for the project and sign up for this free, voluntary field training event. For more information, visit www.cabumblebeeatlas.org/events.html or contact Xerces conservation biologist Leif Richardson at leif.richardson@xerces.org or CDFW scientific aid Dylan Winkler at Dylan.Winkler@wildlife.ca.gov.
June 4-12
California Invasive Species Action Week. Learn how invasive species affect California’s wildlife and their habitat. Join in a local event or watch a webinar. Find event listings and learn how you can prevent the spread of invasive species at wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/invasives/action-week.
Saturday, June 11
Advanced Hunter Education Clinic: Sausage Making A-Z, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Guerra Ranch, 1835 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay. This clinic will give hands-on experience on how to make sausage with your wild game. Registration is required. To register, visit www.register-ed.com/programs/california/162-advanced-hunter-education. For more information, email Shawn.Olague@wildlife.ca.gov or call (209) 827-0895.
Wednesday-Thursday, June 15-16
California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. both days. The meeting is to be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.
Thursday, June 16
Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Access Permit Applications on Sale for Fall Elk Hunts. Ninety-three SHARE elk tags will be available during 67 elk hunts offered through the SHARE program. An $11.75 non-refundable application fee (plus handling fees) will be charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.
Friday, June 17
California Wildlife Conservation Board Workshop, 1 p.m., Natural Resources Agency Headquarters, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P St., Sacramento. The public is welcome. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov.
Friday-Sunday, June 17-19
Teachers on the Estuary Workshop, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. This three-day workshop for middle and high school teachers explores the impacts of global climate change on estuaries and their adjacent communities along the Pacific Coast. Participants will spend three days at Elkhorn Slough learning climate change and watershed content, taking part in field experiences and learning how to incorporate these topics and stewardship actions into their classrooms and communities. Registration is required as space is limited. For more details and to register, visit www.elkhornslough.org/events/tote-workshop-2022.
Saturday, June 18
Elkhorn Slough Reserve Bioblitz, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Help scientists map California’s coastal ecosystems. As part of a statewide monitoring project called “Snapshot Cal Coast,” participants will visit the mudflats at Elkhorn Slough to document tidal organisms with the iNaturalist monitoring app. Reserve naturalists will be available to provide tools for exploration and demonstrate how to safely identify and handle wildlife. No previous knowledge of iNaturalist is necessary, but participants should be ready to spend time moving through some muddy substrate. The event is free and registration is required. For more details and to register, visit www.elkhornslough.org/events/bioblitz-220618.
Thursday, June 23
Recreational Ocean Salmon Fishing Re-Opens from Point Arena to Pigeon Point. For more information, visit the Ocean Salmon webpage at www.wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon or call either the CDFW Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429 or the National Marine Fisheries Service Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (800) 662-9825.
