The list of events and activities offered through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for August contains many opportunities for fun and learning, along with classes and meetings. As a reminder, all calendar items are subject to change.
Wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires or storm damage. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to check for closures before leaving on any recreational trip.
Various Days
Vernal Pool Tour at Grasslands Regional Park, Aug. 6 and Aug. 13, 30475 County Road 104, Davis. Explore these seasonal wetland habitats with Yolo Basin Foundation staff and volunteers in a small group experience. Learn about the natural history of vernal pools, how they are restored and get a close-up view of the creatures and colorful wildflowers that are unique to vernal pool ecosystems. For more information, visit www.yolobasin.org/grpvernalpooltours.
Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Access Permit Application Deadlines for Multiple Hunting Opportunities. Wild pig, deer, bear, turkey, dove and quail hunts are available through the SHARE program. A $12.75 non-refundable application fee (plus handling fees) is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.
Bat Talk and Walk Events, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 45211 County Road 32B, Davis. Did you know that colonies of migratory bats live under the Yolo Causeway during the summer? Join Yolo Basin Foundation for a summertime Bat Talk and Walk event and learn all about these amazing and beneficial mammals. Following a presentation on bat natural history, the group will carpool out to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area for a brief tour of the wetlands and rice fields before watching the “flyout” of the largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats in California. The bats emerge in long ribbons as they head out to hunt for insects for the night. For more information and to register, visit www.yolobasin.org/battalkandwalks.
Sundays
Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Join CDFW every Sunday for Tot Time at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center to listen to nature-themed stories and create a fun craft. Recommended for children ages 2-7 years, with parent/guardian supervision. There is no cost for these events and registration is not required. For more information, email julia.kaiser@wildlife.ca.gov.
Sunday, Aug. 13
Bats and Crafts, 10 a.m. to noon, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 45211 Country Road 32B, Davis. Perfect for little ones who can’t stay up late enough for the Bat Talk and Walk, this fun-filled day will include meeting live bats, arts and crafts, games and other bat related activities. For more information and to register, visit www.yolobasin.org/battalkandwalks.
Saturday, Aug. 19
Advanced Hunter Education Clinic: Upland Game Bird Clinic, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 7376 S. Wolfson Road, Los Banos. This clinic will discuss upland game bird hunting. CDFW will cover all upland game birds except turkeys. Attendees will learn the biology, regulations, hunting tactics and preparation of upland game birds available to Californians. To register, visit www.register-ed.com/events/view/201029. For more information, email shawn.olague@wildlife.ca.gov or call (209) 827-0895.
Monday, Aug. 21
California Fish and Game Commission Tribal Committee Meeting, scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., River Lodge Conference Center, 1800 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna. Webinar/teleconference participation options will be available. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.
Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 22 and 23
California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, scheduled to begin each day at 8:30 a.m., River Lodge Conference Center, 1800 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna. Webinar/teleconference participation options will be available. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.
Thursday, Aug. 24
California Wildlife Conservation Board Meeting, 10 a.m., Natural Resources Agency Headquarters, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P Street, Sacramento. The public is welcome. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov.
Saturday, Aug. 26
Bat House Building Workshop, 10 a.m. to noon, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 45211 Country Road 32B, Davis. In conjunction with International Bat Night, this will be a day to learn about inviting bats into the yard or farm. The event includes an opportunity to build a bat house and view several of our native species of bats. Supplies and instruction will be provided. Registration is $100 per bat house. For more information and to register, visit www.yolobasin.org/battalkandwalks.
