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Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, managed by �ٺ���Ƶ as part of the UC Natural Reserve System, announced its spring nature adventures — and advised interested people to sign up early, as many of the adventures are likely to fill up fast.

The 638-acre Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve is at the southeastern tip of Lake Berryessa off Highway 128 west of Winters. The drive from Davis is about 45 minutes.

The adventures are divided in two categories: Nature Outings (some geared toward children) and Nature’s Theatre (specifically for children). Here is how to sign up: Send an e-mail to Jeff Falyn, jfalyn@ucdavis.edu, with your name, address, event date, and phone number and-or e-mail address, and indicate whether you need directions.

For most outings, Stebbins Cold Canyon asks for suggested donations of $5 for person or $10 per family.

NATURE OUTINGS

Plants: The Race to Reproduce — The dazzling array of reproductive strategies is best seen in early spring, when dozens of species flower simultaneously. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 20.

Follow a Raindrop — A hike along the Homestead Trail to Cold Creek (1.5 miles round trip) and then to an overlook for a view of reserve’s watershed, Lake Berryessa, Monticello Dam and Putah Creek (two miles round trip). 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, March 21.

The Medicinal and Edible Landscape — A program on plants with healing properties. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 27.

Discovering Creek Critters — A three-hour hike with a program on life forms, how to assess water quality by looking at bugs in the creek, and most important, how to play safely in the water. All ages welcome. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, March 28.

The Song of Birds — What is the significance of the calls and songs? And what memory or image do such sounds stimulate in the listener? Bring paper or a journal and something to write with. All levels welcome. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 3.

The Explorers: Both Young and Old — A hands-on adventure in the canyon. This outing is geared toward children, 10 years old and up. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 10.

Watercolors and the Outdoors — No experience necessary, just a willingness to experiment with paints and an openness to the surrounding beauty. All materials, as well as tea and scones, will be provided. Participants should bring blankets, sun protection and teacups. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, April 11.

Wildflowers: The Colors of Early Spring — A walk along the Homestead Trail at the height of the blooming season. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 17.

A Look at Trees — On this one-mile hike, a certified arborist talks about eight common native species and how trees adapt to microclimates in the canyon. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, April 18.

Bobcat Ranch: A Look at Restoration in Practice — Moderate hike on this 6,800-acre ranch northeast of Stebbins Cold Canyon. The ranch owner, Audubon California, is conserving and restoring the land, and maintaining it as an active cattle ranch. Learn about research and restoration, and habitat and wildlife. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24. Meeting place is Steady Eddy’s in Winters at 8:30 a.m.

A Glimpse From the Past: A History of Berryessa — Discover the region’s human drama, from the native inhabitants and early settlers to the construction of Monticello Dam and the creation of Lake Berryessa. Learn how water has been the common thread in the region’s history. This outing will meet in the Stebbins parking lot and wind up at the dam. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, April 25.

By the Banks of Putah Creek — An exploration of a remote section of the creek, on private land, with the landowners, Tom and Ginny Cahill, as the guides. One-mile hike with an optional longer hike paralleling the creek or climbing to a ridge. A perfect opportunity to sit by the creek, have lunch and listen to some stories about the area. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 1.

Nocturnal Happenings — What sort of things go “bump in the night” at Stebbins Cold Canyon? The walk will include a number of experiential activities for children (ages 8-12) and adults. 8-10 p.m. Saturday, May 8.

Star Gazing: Tour of the Night Sky — A 1 1⁄4-mile hike, slightly uphill, to a meadow. Wear appropriate clothing for evening; binoculars are optional. 8-11 p.m. Saturday, May 15. (Repeated June 12; see below for times.)

The Homestead Jamboree — An impromptu concert under the tall tree canopy at the Stebbins homestead site. Keith Cary and Wyatt Hesemeyer are among the local musicians who plan a jam session of bluegrass, hillbilly and jazz songs, with hikers invited to gather round to experience the sights and musical sounds of the canyon. Bring picnic means. The hike is 2.5 miles round trip, with a slight grade and a few steps. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 22.

Plant Communities and Habitats — A hike along the switchback trail through creek, oak woodland and chaparral habitats, to the west ridge where scenic vistas of the Sacramento Valley and Lake Berryessa fill the horizon in many directions. Approximately 2.5 miles with an ascent of 1,200 feet. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, May 23.

North Coast Overnight — At Angelo Coast Range Reserve (north of Mendocino), another unit of the UC Natural Reserve System. The adventure includes an introduction to the reserve, a natural history presentation, and plenty of hiking and exploration. Moderate hiking through redwood groves, mixed conifer-deciduous forest and upland river terraces. Participants are responsible for all travel and food. Suggested donation: $62 per person, including cabin accommodations for Saturday and Sunday nights. May 29-31.

Introduction to Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) — High-tech treasure-hunting for hidden containers called geocaches. Learn how to use global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation as you hunt for geocaches within the reserve. Bring your own GPS units and other tools (map, compass, exchange items) or share with others. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, May 30.

Trust Walk — Hike for a short distance along the homestead trail, then pair up with someone to help you walk a portion of the trail without using your sight. This activity heightens the other senses and creates a unique and lasting hiking experience. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 5.

Star Gazing: Tour of the Night Sky — A 1 1⁄4-mile hike, slightly uphill, to a meadow. This outing fills up quickly, so RSVP early. Wear appropriate clothing for evening; binoculars are optional. 8:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday, June 12.

Loop Trail: Summer Solstice at Sunrise — Five miles of ups and downs with a 1,200-foot elevation gain, on the morning after the shortest night of the year. Many steps are interspersed with breathtaking views. Bring sturdy shoes, at least a liter of water, sunscreen and a snack. 5-10 a.m. Saturday, June 19.

NATURE’S THEATRE: NATURE PLAY FOR KIDS

All programs run from 10 a.m. to noon, except for Mother Nature and the Toddlers, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

AGES 1-4

Mother Nature and the Toddlers — April 17

AGES 4-8

Winter Won’t Go — March 20

Birdman — April 3

Animal Circle Club — April 11

Nature Heroes — May 2

To Be a Tree — May 16

AGES 6-10

Starwalker and the Planets — April 10

World of the Small — April 25

Glug Glug and the Water Boss (water play) — May 23