When: Saturday morning 8:30 – 12:00
January 1, 13, 20
February 3, 10, 17
March 3, 10
April 7, 14
May 5, 12
Fee: Free to River Parkway Trust Members and children under 6, all others $2.00.
Join our Nature Guides for an easy Saturday morning walk along the San Joaquin River. Enjoy the view, the serenity, and learn about the local plants and animals that thrive in the river bottom. Each walk is approximately 2-3 miles on unpaved and sometimes uneven terrain. Meet at the River Center on Old Friant Road. To register call 433-3190 ext 3#.
For more information visit www.riverparkway.org and click on Education/Recreation then Nature Walks.
River Workdays
When: The first Saturday of every month
Fee: None
River Stewards are volunteers who are instrumental in maintaining the San Joaquin River Parkway. River Stewards are the driving force of the River Parkway Trust’s Lands Stewardship programs, which include habitat restoration, removal of invasive exotic plants, trail maintenance, and river cleanup events. Training is provided for each project. The workdays typically last from 8:00am to 12 noon. To participate call 248-8480 ext 105 or write to sweaver@riverparkway.org.
For more information visit www.riverparkway.org and click on Conservation then Stewards.
When: 8:00am to 12 noon
Saturday, January 20
Saturday, February 3
Saturday, February 17
Fee: $40.00
Every winter a population of majestic Bald Eagles escapes the severe cold and food shortages of northern Canada for the winter paradise of Millerton Lake. What makes Millerton Lake a paradise? Join Canoe Guides from the River Parkway Trust on a cold weather adventure and find out. Ages 10 and up welcome, trips limited to 14 participants. Use the registration form on this website or call 433-3190 ext 3#.
Ducks, Elk, and Wetlands When: Saturday, February 10
Time: 9am-3pm
Fee: $20.00 ages 10 and up, 9 and under free. Maximum $50.00 per family
Wetlands are places teeming with life, and the Grassland Ecological Area is no exception. Representatives from the CA Department of Fish & Game and the US Fish and Wildlife Service will guide you through the Los Banos Wildlife Area and the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge. Learn about the management of waterfowl habitat on the State’s oldest wildlife area and the
importance it plays to all wildlife. You will also get a chance to see the majestic Tule Elk and learn about their amazing recovery from almost extinction! Use the registration form on this website or call 433-3190 ext 3#.
Gorge-ous Day of Hiking When: Saturday, March 3
9am – 4pm
Fee: $10.00
Are you feeling adventurous and up for a long hike? Join Naturalist Shirley Spencer to hike the 14 miles downstream from the San Joaquin River Gorge to Sky Harbor. This hike is strenuous and is suitable only for those in good physical condition. The rewards are spectacular views and a wealth of information about the riparian environment through the foothills. Ages 12 and up welcome. Use the registration form on this website or call 433-3190 ext. 3#.
Hite Cove Wildflower Walk When: Saturday, March 17
8:30am – 5pm
Fee: $10.00
The Hite Cove Trail, along the south fork of the Merced River, is a place full of history and beauty. You’ll enjoy a moderate hike of 5 – 8 miles (depending on the wishes of the group), led by River Parkway Trust Volunteer and local historian Bill Wattenbarger. Hite Cove is off of Hwy 140 out of Mariposa, less than 2 hours out of town. The group will meet for carpooling at 8:30 and travel together with wonderful woodland views along the way, and a breathtaking walk at the height of wildflower season. All ages welcome (be aware that the trail is not stroller accessible). Use the registration form on this website or call 433-3190 ext. 3#.
Wildflowers and Native Cultural History of the River Gorge When: Saturday, March 24
9:30am – 2pm
Fee: $10.00
A trip to the San Joaquin River Gorge in wildflower season is enough to convince anyone just how special our part of the world really is. Take an easy 2-mile round trip walk with River Parkway Trust staff to explore an amazing variety of wildflowers, and walk across the footbridge that spans the River Gorge (don’t forget your camera!). After a brown-bag lunch we’ll meet with Bureau of Land Management staff for a close look at Native American artifacts and a chance to throw an ancient tool called at atlatl. All ages welcome (be aware that the trail is not stroller accessible).Use the registration form on this website or call 433-3190 ext. 3#.
PinCushionPeak Hiking Adventure When: Saturday, March 31
8am – 12:30pm
Fee: $10.00
Do you want a great workout with a fabulous view? This short, moderate-to-strenuous hike could be just the thing for you. Join River Parkway staff for a 2 mile climb and be rewarded with a view of the San Joaquin River as it flows into Millerton Lake. The group will meet at the River Center on Old Friant Road for instructions and carpooling. Plan to bring a lunch and enjoy a picnic at the River Center afterward. Ages 10 and up welcome. Use the registration form on this website or call 433-3190 ext. 3#.
Field Biology Walkabout When: Friday, April 13
9am – 2pm
Fee: $20.00
A quiet day of walking through river bottom lands will enrich your spirit and engage your mind. Did you always want to know the name of that wildflower? How can you identify that bird flying overhead? Why does a particular plant only grow near the water? Ask questions, hear stories, and learn more than you thought possible in one day from a man who has been exploring this part of the world for decades. That one-of-a-kind field guide is Bob Winter, instructor at Fresno City College. Ages 14 and up welcome. Use the registration form on this website or call 433-3190 ext. 3#.
If you are interested in purchasing a field guide for the area, check out Magpies and Mayflies: an introduction to plants and animals of the Central Valley and Sierra Foothills, by Derek Madden. You can purchase this book at the River Center Store on Saturdays or Sundays, 10am – 3pm, or at HeyDay Books http://www.heydaybooks.com/public/books/m&m.html
Join our Nature Guides for an easy Saturday morning walk along the San Joaquin River. Enjoy the view, the serenity, and learn about the local plants and animals that thrive in the river bottom. Each walk is approximately 2-3 miles on unpaved and sometimes uneven terrain. Meet at the River Center on Old Friant Road. To register call 433-3190 ext 3#.
River Stewards are volunteers who are instrumental in maintaining the San Joaquin River Parkway. River Stewards are the driving force of the River Parkway Trust’s Lands Stewardship programs, which include habitat restoration, removal of invasive exotic plants, trail maintenance, and river cleanup events. Training is provided for each project. The workdays typically last from 8:00am to 12 noon. To participate call 248-8480 ext 105 or write to