Local residents can take advantage of programs scheduled around the state through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Guided Wetland Tours are offered 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 customized to include requested information. The minimum group size is 18 people and reservations are required. For more information, call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.

Ecological Reserve Tours at Elkhorn Slough, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Volunteers lead walks every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Binoculars and bird books are available for the public to borrow at no cost. The visitor center and main overlook are fully accessible. The day use permit fee is $4.12 per person, ages 16 and older (permits may be purchased onsite). Groups of five or more should notify staff that they are coming and groups of 10 or more can request a separate tour. For more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/lands/places-to-visit/elkhorn-slough-er.

Bats at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Participants can watch bats leave the Yolo Causeway and fly away to eat crop pests throughout the valley. Pre-register at www.yolobasin.org for one of 30 dates available from June to September. For more information, contact Corky Quirk at cquirk@yolobasin.org.