Hikes & Activities: Family & Educational

March 5 ........... Field Trip Leader Training (M-3mi-+) The Land Trust offers field trips to some of the most scenic, biologically diverse places in Napa County. This training session, for new and potential leaders, will prepare you for the general how and what on guiding our field trips. April 9 ........... Snell Valley Rare Wildflowers (E-1mi-+)** The Missimer Snell Valley Wildflower Preserve is known for the diversity and display of wildflowers that occur in the extremely rare serpentine grassland habitat in the spring. These wildflower fields have long been recognized by Bay Area botanists as a gem of the regional flora of the North Coast Ranges. Guided by Napa botanist Jake Ruygt and co-sponsored with the Napa group of the Sierra Club. Wear sturdy boots for an uneven surface. Bring lunch, water and sun protection. April 10 ........... Wildlake Family Hike (E-2mi-+) Come play as we explore Wildlake, Bell Creek and a fascinating ruin. Learn techniques to investigate the natural world as we look for and identify flowers, plants and animals and their signs. For kids 5 and upbring your parents! Good walking shoes, water and snacks needed. May 14 ........... Napa River to Trancas Crossing (E-2mi-+)** Stroll along this tree-shaded swath of the Napa River Trail from Lincoln Avenue to the new city parkland just north of Trancas Street. This trail forms a prime example of accessing nature in an urban setting. Well also wander around the newly developed, riverside park and appreciate the conservation foresight to protect historic land at the citys periphery. May 22 ........... Owls on the Edge (E-1mi-+)** Owling expert Robin Leong will lead this expedition to both the west and east edges of the Napa Valley. First, well search for special species known to inhabit the south end of the Mayacamas Mountains, on the west side of the Valley. Well then move cross-valley to search for our nocturnal friends in the hills east of the City of Napa. July 23 ........... Wantrup Stargazing (E-1mi-+)** Calling all astronomers! Experience deep space and other night wonders from the dark, open skies above the Wantrup Wildlife Sanctuary in Pope Valley. Well have telescopes, local astronomers, and hot coals; you supply your favorite grilling food and enthusiasm for the heavens. Bring along a telescope, if you have one handy. Plus, you can opt to camp out and take advantage of cool morning temperatures for a wake-up hike!

April 23 ........... Wildlake: the Short Loop (M-5mi-++) Come explore the Wildlake Ranch during wildflower season. We start our hike over the northern half of the Wildlake Ranch loop road, then venture cross-country into Bell Creek Canyon to intersect the Homestead Trail. Have your wildflower guides handy as we see how many different flowers we can find. Wear hiking boots and bring your water and lunch. April 30 ........... Aetna Springs to Swartz Canyon (M-3mi-++) Want to get out of the Napa Valley? Join us on this hike along the Oat Hill Mine Trails eastern stretch, full of wilderness and geologic wonders in Swartz Canyon. This access from Pope Valley is a cake walk compared to slogging up the long, steep trail from Calistoga. View the historical Maybeck craftsman style buildings at the old Aetna Springs resort. Limited trailhead access over rough road. May 15 ........... Knoxville Cliff Climb (V-4mi-+) This is an UP and DOWN hike loop, with wonderful views from the steep heights of the Blue Ridge that serves as the boundary between Napa and Yolo Counties. Starting on Knoxville Berryessa Road in the Knoxville Wildlife Area, well head straight up hill to the sandstone cliffs of the Blue Ridge, ending about 1,000 ft above the valley floor with a spectacular view of spring wildflowers, the central valley, and the complex hills and valleys of Lake, Solano, and Napa Counties. Be prepared for a stream crossing each way, very steep terrain as we approach the cliffs, and of course, downhill hiking on the return loop. May 21 ........... Wildlake to Aetna Springs: the Dual (M-11mi-++) The hike begins in two locations, Wildlake Ranch and the Pope Valley side of the Oathill Mine Road Trail in Pope Valley. Hikers will experience spectacular views as they follow the ridge line between Napa and Pope Valleys meeting somewhere in the middle for lunch and a visit. This hike is co-sponsored with the Napa group of the Sierra Club. Wear hiking boots; bring lunch, plenty of water and sun protection. June 11 ........... Napa River Paddle Make a splash into the Napa River with your kayak or canoe. We should see osprey, herons, egrets, kingfishers, turtles and maybe some large fish. Must have your own equipment. June 25 ........... Maggies Peak (V-7mi-+++) On this annual hike, well take a strenuous, but uplifting, path over Maggies Peak, from which you can spot the Golden Gate Bridge. From the peak, well trod down the canyon to Devils Well, where winter rains help provide for a spectacular waterfall. Finally, well continue on to the redwood grove in the Archer Taylor Preserve. July 15 (Fri.) ........... Moonlight Hike at Tuteur Ranch (M-4mi-++) Escape the heat from high summer temperatures with this evening hike lit only by the moonand occasional flashlight. Well walk through the idyllic wilderness and grazing lands of the Tuteur and Green Valley Ranches and enjoy that unique nocturnal hiking experience. Meeting place is Silverado Middle School on Coombsville Road in Napa.

May 8 ........... Mothers Day Hike at Tuteur Ranch (H-7mi-++) An annual Land Trust and Sierra Club tradition! Join our informative host, John Tuteur, on a springtime exploration of the hills southeast of Napa. Expect wildflowers, views, history, and a brisk hiking pace. Bring sturdy hiking boots, clothes for changing weather, water, and lunch.

Devils Well, Archer Taylor Preserve April 1st & 25th

Agriculture
June 5 ........... Mead Ranch (M-3mi-+) Hike through the historic and beautiful Mead Ranch in the hills northeast of Napa. Access spectacular views of the Bay Area, Napa Valley and Soda Canyon. Visit the ranchs museum wall in the barn. See how a working grape ranch operates. June 19 ........... Green Valley Ranch Lily Hike (M-4mi-+)** Well wander through varying wooded and pastoral landscapes seeking an elusive and spectacularly large patch of native lilies, and then enjoy a lakeside picnic. Bring sturdy hiking boots, clothes for changing weather, water, and a picnic lunch. Note: This date could shift to a week earlier or later, depending on peak lily bloom.

Spring Summer 2011 Field Trip Guide

35 YEARS
Our Mission
The Land Trust of Napa County is a community-based non-profit dedicated to preserving the character of Napa by permanently protecting land.

35 YEARS

35 YEARS

Hike Rating
DIFFICULTY E = Easy MILES ELEVATION GAIN + less than 1,000 ft (relatively flat) ++ 1,000 to 2,000 ft (some uphill) +++ 2,000 to 3,000 ft (lots of uphill) ++++ over 3,000 ft (steep)

Scenic Open Spaces

March 26 ........... Archer Taylor Preserve First Falls (M-2mi-+)** Experience Redwood Creek, swollen by winter rains, where it cascades down a boulder-strewn cliff face. Well walk along the creek, but this walk does not reach the Devils Well. This route forms a photographers paradise with lush vegetation, rock-filled Redwood Creek and the play of light through the canopy; dont forget your camera! April 1 (Fri.) & April 25 (Mon.) ........... ATP Devils Well (H-4mi-++) Join the Land Trust on a rare weekday excursion to the Archer Taylor Preserve, including the famed Devils Well waterfall. Well spend the morning hiking on the newly created loop trail up to the waterfalls and return via Redwood Creek. You can even opt for lunch underneath the towering redwoods. This location is not to be missed during spring! Bring hiking boots, water and snacks. April 2 ........... Audubon-Cheyney Adventure (V-7mi-+) Dont be fooledthis hike is not for the faint at heart! The first part of this hike has rough fire roads, a narrow trail and a stream crossing, but well see amazing views of northern Napa Valley and the Bell Canyon Reservoir. Bring your hearty lunch as we stop and explore the 20th century homestead near Bell Creek. The adventure begins after lunch as we begin hiking up the creekbe prepared for rock-hopping, boulder-scrambling, debris-crossing, and vegetation-brushing paths en route to the magnificent Devils Punchbowl, a unique waterfall and grotto in Napa County. Hiking boots, water, lunch and long sleeves and pants are required; hiking poles suggested.

M = Moderate H = Hard S = Strenuous V = Very Strenuous

See hike description for mileage

Our Approach

35 YEARS We believe that the beauty of Napa is intimately

connected to the land. Therefore, our work concentrates on protecting land that embodies the uniqueness of the valley, namely agricultural land, scenic open space and biodiverse locales.

35 YEARS

For example, M-3mi- + is a moderately difficult 3-mile hike with less than 1,000 ft elevation gain.

Biodiversity
March 5 ........... Long Canyon-Knoxville Wildlife Area (H-9mi-++) Join this walk through the Knoxville Wildlife Area as we wind our way through meadows and woodland to ascend to the ridge crest. There will be spectacular views of Fiske, Foley and Long Canyons, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount St. Helena, Mt. Cobb and an unfamiliar look at the Wildlake Ranch ridgeline. Expect gradual climbs and descents with occasional stream crossings, early wildflowers and wildlifeplus very few people! This may be the best season to enjoy Knoxville. April 10 ........... Grateful Dead Rocks (V-3mi-+++) This hike takes place in Lake County in a beautiful location few people ever visit. The loop begins at the McLaughlin Reserve, then descends steeply to Hole Creek (a tributary of Hunting Creek) on BLM lands; from there, we follow the creek for just under a mile before climbing back out of the canyon to the meadows and slopes of a stunning rock outcrop which we affectionately call Grateful Dead. Be prepared for spots with unstable footing, stream crossings, steep terrain, and possible risk of brushing poison oak. May 1 ........... Three-Counties Hike (S-5mi-++) McLaughlin Reserve Co-Directors Cathy Koehler and Paul Aigner lead this tour of the remote corner of Napa County where it meets Yolo and Lake Counties. This hike crosses Reserve and BLM lands and there are unique opportunities to observe interesting geologic formations, late spring wildflowers, and other plants such as the primitive conifer California nutmeg. Wear sturdy hiking boots; bring lunch and plenty of water.

Key:
= hike = walk = wine = evening = boating

To sign up
Events are open to the general public with the exception of special, unique events for our members and supporters (denoted as **). For registration, visit us online at napalandtrust.org (or via phone 707.252.3270). Registration closes five (5) days prior to the event and space is limited.

Our Impact
Established in 1976 by seven founding members, today the Land Trust has 1,700 active members and supporters, without whom our work would not be possible. In our 35-year history, the Land Trust has completed 150 projects, protecting more than 53,000 acres of land10% of Napa County. For a full listing of our land-saving projects, visit us online at napalandtrust.org.

35 YEARS

April 16 ........... Poppy Flats Loop (S-11mi-+++) Hike the entire loop trail at the Wildlake Ranch. This trek follows the trail down to Bell Canyon Creek and then up over Rattlesnake Ridge for lovely views of the valley. Well return through the hunting camp and past Wild Lake back to Poppy Flats. Wear hiking boots; bring lunch, water, and sun protection and be prepared for variable weather. Co-led with the Napa group of the Sierra Club.

2011 Field Trip Program Sponsor Land Trust of Napa County 1700 Soscol Ave., Suite 20, Napa, CA 94559

McLaughlin: April 1o May 1 Snell Valley: April 9 Aetna Springs: April 30

The Land Trusts Field Trip program allows

Long Canyon Knoxville: March 5
our members and the greater North Bay community to experience first-hand, the importance of permanently protecting agriculture, scenic open space and biodiverse locales in Napa County. In fact, for this edition of our Field Trip Guide, we have selected unique properties that exemplify these three land types. We hope you enjoy the many hikes, educational walks and occasional kayaking experiences! To Sign Up Events are open to the general public with the exception of special, unique events for our members and supporters (denoted as **). For registration, visit us online at napalandtrust.org (or via phone 707.252.3270). Registration closes five (5) days prior to the event and space is limited. Meeting Place Meeting locations and times for hikes are provided at the time of sign-up. Know Before You Go Bring snacks, lunch, sunscreen and ample drinking water Wear sturdy hiking boots and appropriate clothing for weather protection from sun, rain, cold or heat. Heavy rain automatically cancels all outdoor field trips.

Wantrup: July 23

Preserve Workdays
Archer Taylor PreserveSecond Saturday workdays: 3/12, 4/19, 5/14, 6/11, 7/9, 8/13 The Archer Taylor Preserve offers opportunities for stewardship volunteers every month to work on new and existing trails, invasive plants, road maintenance, and similar projects at the Preserve. Join them for work (8:00-noon or 9:00-1:00 pm depending on season) followed by bring-your-own lunch in the cool shade of the redwoods or the sunny orchard (depending on season). Tools and gloves provided. Contact: Ann Taylor Schwing at Ann.Schwing@bbklaw.com at least 24 hours in advance for information and directions. Foote Botanical PreserveSaturday, 3/19; Saturday, 6/4 Join other volunteers on Mount George to do some trail clearing. Well have a fun hike, while trimming the trails and looking at wildflowers. Contact: Suzin and Dennis Rinehart at ddrsuz@sbcglobal.net for particulars about a great adventure.

Wildlake: April 10, 16, 23 May 21 Mead Ranch: June 5

How to Help

Hike Rating
DIFFICULTY E = Easy M = Moderate H = Hard S = Strenuous V = Very Strenuous See hike description for mileage MILES ELEVATION GAIN + less than 1,000 ft (relatively flat) ++ 1,000 to 2,000 ft (some uphill) +++ 2,000 to 3,000 ft (lots of uphill) ++++ over 3,000 ft (steep)

1. Become a member 2. Give the gift of land 3. Conservation agreement 4. Planned giving

Not a Member of the Land Trust yet?

Now is the time to join and have access to the full Field Trip Guide events AND play an active role in protecting the beauty that is Napa! Yes! I want to become a Member: $40.......... Friend $80.......... Associate $150......... Supporter $300........ Sponsor $500........ Preservation Circle $1,000..... Patron Circle $2,500..... Benefactor Circle $5,000+... Guardian Circle Mail to: Land Trust of Napa County 1700 Soscol Ave., Ste. 20 Napa, CA 94559 For more information: phone 707.252.3270 info@napalandtrust.org

Audubon Cheyney: April 2

For example, M-3mi- + is a moderately difficult 3-mile hike with less than 1,000 ft elevation gain.

Calendar
March 5

(** Member Event) Field Trip Leader Training Long Canyon-Knoxville Wildlife Area Archer Taylor Preserve First Falls ATP Devils Well Audubon-Cheyney Adventure Snell Valley Rare Wildflowers Grateful Dead Rocks Wildlake Family Hike Poppy Flats Loop Wildlake: the Short Loop M-3mi-+ H-9mi-++ M-2mi-+** H-4mi-++ V-7mi-+ E-1mi-+ ** V-3mi-+++ E-2mi-+ S-11mi-+++ M-5mi-++ H-4mi-++ M-3mi-++ S-5mi-++ H-7mi-++ E-2mi-+ V-4mi-+ M-11mi-++ E-1mi-+** M-3mi-+

Archer Taylor: March 26 April 1, 25 June 25

March 5

Green Valley: June 19

March 26 April 1 (Fri.) April 2 April 9

NAME

ADDRESS

Napa River: May 15 June 11

Tuteur: May 8 July 15

April 10 April 10 April 16 April 23

CITY, STATE ZIP

April 25 (Mon.) ATP Devils Well April 30 Aetna Springs to Swartz Canyon Three-Counties Hike Mothers Day Hike at Tuteur Ranch Napa River to Trancas Crossing Knoxville Cliff Climb Wildlake to Aetna Springs: the Dual Owls on the Edge Mead Ranch Napa River Paddle Green Valley Ranch Lily Hike Maggies Peak Moonlight Hike at Tuteur Ranch Wantrup Stargazing

EMAIL

May 1 May 8 May 14 May 15 May 21

Enclosed in my check made payable to the Land Trust of Napa County Please charge my credit card: VISA MASTERCARD AMEX DISCOVER

AMOUNT

May 22
EXP. DATE

CARD NUMBER

2011 Field Trip Program Sponsor

June 5 June 11 June 19 June 25 July 15 (Fri.) July 23

SIGNATURE

I would like additional information on: The benefits of donating a Conservation Easement to the Land Trust Joining the Foote Society, the Land Trust legacy giving circle
MEMHB

Spring/Summer 2011 Field Trip Guide

M-4mi-+** V-7mi-+++ M-4mi-++ E-1mi-+**