2012 Activity Schedule
April 6th
April 7th
April 8th, 15th & 22nd
April 11th
April 14th
April 14th
Clean-up and Celebration
April 15th
Friday, April 6th, 11 am - Noon
Join us in thanking Creek Week 2012 sponsors and supporters at the Splash Off! In addition to recognition of all who have made Creek Week possible, the annual Creek Steward Award will be presented to the Weed Warrior and Invasive Plant Patrol volunteer programs. Splash Off will take place at William Pond Recreation Area on the American River Parkway (end of Arden Way).
Saturday, April 7th, 10 am - Noon
What kind of fish is that? Go fishing with fish biologists and see how to catch fish using scientific tools. We'll collect fish from Arcade Creek at Del Paso Regional Park and use key features to identify them. Fish biologists from Cardno ENTRIX will be available to answer questions about fish including what habitats they live in, what they eat, how big they get and how long they live. Bring your curiosity and questions. Call 916/454-4544 for meeting location or more information.
Saturday, April 7th, 10:30 am
Take a close look at the water striders, backswimmers and diving beetles that call Carmichael their home. Discover why these macro invertebrates and other parts of the creek's ecosystem are so important to the health of a creek, pond or river. Join a naturalist and step into this fascination watery world and learn how to get involved in caring for our waterways. Please contact the Effie Yeaw Nature Center for further information or directions. 916/489-4918
Saturday, April 7th, 8:30 am - 10:30 am
The Fishhead Lake mitigation wetland is a nice example of wetlands created as mitigation for earlier wetland losses. The wetland has both a permanent and seasonal component as well as a surrounding upland buffer. Thousands of waterfowl winter at the wetland and many remain year-round to nest and raise young. Much of the area is planted to native wildflowers that bloom in early spring. California poppies, lupines, owl's clover, baby blue-eyes, and many others can be seen spreading about the uplands and wetland edges. Visitors will receive a packet of native flower seeds to start their own native garden.
The meeting location is weater-dependant, so please contact Roger Jones (preferably via email jonesro@sacsewer.com or 916/875-9174) the week preceeding the event for exact meeting location and directions.
Sunday, April 8th, 15th & 22nd, 10 am and 1 pm
Join Sacramento Splash for a 2-hour tour of the Mather Field vernal pools to explore this magic carpet of flowers. These unique wildflowers bloom only for a brief period in the spring. Reservations are required. For more information and to sign-up, visit sacsplash.org's programs or call 916/364-2437. Tickets are $5 per adult and free for children and students.
Wednesday, April 11th, Noon - 2 pm
What lurks in the murky depths of Sacramento's urban creeks? Join SRCSD Bufferlands staff for an introduction to the local fish fauna. Bufferlands staff will demonstrate fish sampling techniques in a local lake, practice hands-on (for those who aren't too squeamish) fish identification, and discuss the natural history of California's diverse fish communities. In addition, we will be able to view one of the direct consumers of the local fish populations as we spy on a large heron and egret rookery. This tour includes a short 1/2-mile walk and an opportunity to see some of the Bufferlands riparian and wetland habitat restoration projects.
The meeting location is weather-dependant, so please contact Steve Scott at 916/875-9307 or email scotts@sacsewer.com the week preceeding the event for exact meeting location and directions.
Wednesday, April 11th, 6:30 pm
Early evening is the best time to see beaver activity and lots of other local wildlife. Take a stroll with Mary Tappel through Wolfe Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. Meet at the Ueda Parkway Staging area parking lot on Elkhorn Blvd. and Sorento Rd. east of Steelhead Creek. Call 916/925-1933 or email marye.tappel@jps.net before April 11th for further information or directions. No need to sign up in advance. NOTE: this event will be cancelled in case of heavy rain.
Saturday, April 14th, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The River Friendly Landscaping Program exhibit will show how worm composting is easy, fun, and an activity for everyone! Worm castings are called "gold" for good reason. Learn the basics of worm composting--the bin, the worms, feeding worms, and harvesting worm castings. Plus, bring your gardening questions, insect problems and plant samples. The UC Master Gardeners have information to share! Visit the exhibit at the Creek Week Celebration in Carmichael Park.
Sunday, April 15th, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Workshops, fun activities and demonstrations are some of the features of this event
that's about saving water, saving our local waterways and saving money! Learn about sustainable
landscaping in a workshop or by taking a self-guided tour of local sustainable gardens.
Elk Grove Community Garden & McConnell Park 10025 Hampton Oak Drive, Elk Grove
www.lagunacreek.org Questions? e-mail: amanda-platt@carcd.org