Saturday, August 31, 2019

September Kid's Hike: Nature Detectives 9/2/2019


Spend Labor Day with Solano Land Trust on a hike at Lynch Canyon!  During this hike, participants will strengthen and exercise their nature detective skills.  All ages are encouraged to join the hike. Meet in the parking lot at 9:45; the hike starts at 10. Bring plenty of water and snacks.

REGISTRATION: Pre-registration recommended for HeadCount.

COST: The hike is free, but parking is $6.00 at Lynch Canyon

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Wildfire-Readiness Links


From trail closures to pet safety

Wildfires are a natural part of living in California and can benefit the land. They can also be destructive. Solano Land Trust is committed to public safety, and we close our properties to the public when the National Weather Service issues red-flag warning days, or when wildfires are nearby.

Red-flag warnings may affect Solano Land Trust properties, including:

•  Lynch Canyon Open Space Park
•  Rockville Trail Preserve
•  Jepson Prairie
•  King-Swett Ranches
•  Rush Ranch (the picnic area and Nature Center will remain open for Access Adventure volunteers only)

•  To learn if Solano Land Trust properties are closed, please visit the new wildfire safety page on our website.

•  CAL FIRE provides a comprehensive array of information on how to prepare for wildfires.

•  CAL FIRE provides an updated incident map.

•  CAL FIRE’s Twitter handle is @CAL_FIRE.

•  Solano County Office of Emergency Services provides information on the park and open space closures.


•  When you’re preparing emergency to-go bags, don’t forget about your pets. PetSmart provides tips that can help your pets during an emergency.

•  The California Farm Bureau Federation provides fire safety tips for evacuating families and farm animals.

•  While official drones can help firefighters spot and fight fires, fire officials ask that you keep drones grounded during fires. Drones flown by amateurs above or near a wildfire will impede or delay firefighting. CAL FIRE reminds the public not to fly drones over wildfires.

Have a plan, check on your neighbors, and stay safe! Thank you for being part of this community that cares about land, wildlife, and people.

Images courtesy of Aleta George and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Wildfire Safety


Wildfires are a natural part of living in California and can benefit the flowers and animals of our lands. But as we all know, they can also be destructive.

Solano Land Trust is committed to public safety.  We will close the following parks completely on Red Flag Warning days based on Solano or Napa County.

Solano Land Trust follows the standard guidelines by Solano Land Parks, please visit the following link for all Open Space Closures.

Closures will affect the following properties of Solano Land Trust:

•  Lynch Canyon Open Space Park
•  Rockville Trail Preserves
•  Jepson Prairie
•  King-Swett Ranches
•  Rush Ranch Trails
(Rush Ranch picnic area and Nature Center will remain open
for Access Adventure Volunteers only.)

Have a plan, check on your neighbors, and stay safe! Thank you for being part of this community that cares about land, wildlife, and people.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Citizen Science Volunteer Opportunity 9/13/2019


Get involved in science on our lands! Solano Land Trust staff will teach you all you need to know.

REGISTRATION: Pre-registration required two or more days in advance. Contact Jasmine at: jasmine@solanolandtrust.org or 707-709-9028. Meeting place provided upon registration.

WHAT TO BE PREPARED FOR: (1) This is an outdoor experience involving physical exertion. There is usually no shade. Be prepared to be moving outdoors for approximately four hours. Depending on the citizen science goals for the day, you may be hiking, doing physical work, and/or recording observations about plants and animals. You may be using hand tools like clippers; lifting, carrying and lowering supplies; bending over, squatting and kneeling on dirt, grasses and weeds; and sweating. (2) Ages 12 and up who are comfortable with this kind of physical exertion are welcome—those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and must have a liability waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. (3) Tools are provided.

WHAT TO BRING: (1) A backpack with plenty of water and snacks. (2) Sturdy work gloves. (3) Eye protection (e.g., sunglasses). (4) Boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with tread for rough, steep, and slippery terrain. (5) Long, sturdy pants and layered clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. (6) Protection from the elements—sun (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), wind, fog, rain. (7) Optional: bug repellent, your favorite gardening tools, and binoculars to enjoy the birds!

Monday, August 19, 2019

Labor Day Hike 2019



Explore the hills between Suisun Valley and Green Valley, and see sweeping views of Solano County and beyond. Enjoying the vistas of Solano County and searching for wildflowers. Moderate to Strenuous, 4-6 miles, red flag closure or rain cancels, 9am-1pm.


Meet at the red “Ice House” building on the corner of Rockville Road and Suisun Valley Rd.

Friday, August 16, 2019

A Lasting Legacy: Robbin Thorp: 1933-2019


Dr. Robbin Thorp was a passionate advocate for bees, and a beloved fixture at Jepson Prairie Preserve for decades. An emeritus professor of entomology at the University of California, Davis, Robbin died at age 85 at his home in Davis on June 7, 2019.

The community will reap the rewards of Robbin Thorp’s passions for a long time.

You probably know that Jepson Prairie Preserve, protected with your support, has exquisite wildflower displays and tiny endangered critters that live their short lives here. Jepson Prairie also has an amazing and talented group of people who study this rare land and share their generous knowledge, time, and passion—people like Robbin Thorp.

Robbin was a member of the UC Davis entomology faculty for 30 years, from 1964-1994. His knowledge of the native flowers at Jepson Prairie and the bees that pollinate them was singular, as he was one of the first scientists to study vernal pool flowers and their pollinators.

“Robbin was a mainstay of the docent program at Jepson Prairie,” says Kate Mawdsley, Jepson Prairie’s docent volunteer coordinator. “He unfailingly provided a great talk on the role of solitary bees in pollinating vernal pool plants. Moreover, he came to almost every training session. He was so kind and unassuming that new docents were completely unaware that they were talking to a world expert.”

In Robbin’s retirement, he continued his research, worked full-time at the Haagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven on the UC Davis campus, and advocated for pollinator species protection. He was a fellow at the California Academy of Sciences, and chair (1992-2011) of the advisory committee for the Jepson Prairie Reserve, UC Davis/Natural Reserve System.


His bee advocacy work with Solano Land Trust didn’t stop there. Since 1993, Robbin gave a workshop about native bees at Rush Ranch. The event was always standing room only, and everyone who attended left with an understanding of the importance of California’s native bees.

“He will be missed by our native bees and all of us,” says Rush Ranch Educational Council’s Mary Takeuchi. “I feel like I’ve lost a friend.”

Solano Land Trust honors the work and legacy of Dr. Robbin Thorp. “We are proud to protect land, and proud that open space advocates — be they amateur enthusiasts or specialists like Robbin — can participate in protecting the health and well-being of our local plants and animals,” says executive director Nicole Braddock.

A celebration of life date will be announced soon. Further information will be posted on the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology website.

Photos courtesy of Kathy Keatley Garvey and Scott Braley.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

September Kid's Hike: Nature Detectives 9/2/2019


Spend Labor Day with Solano Land Trust on a hike at Lynch Canyon!  During this hike, participants will strengthen and exercise their nature detective skills.  All ages are encouraged to join the hike. Meet in the parking lot at 9:45; the hike starts at 10. Bring plenty of water and snacks.

REGISTRATION: Pre-registration recommended for HeadCount.

COST: The hike is free, but parking is $6.00 at Lynch Canyon

Saturday, August 10, 2019

Nature Hike at Lynch Canyon 08/24/19


This hike will take visitors westward along Middle Valley Trail leading to Prarie Ridge. Expect about a 5-mile hike at a moderate, but even pace over uneven ground. Muddy spots will have cattle prints. There are steep climbs over several hills with the longest at Prarie Ridge. It’s worth it to see the view of the northern San Francisco Bay and Vallejo.

The hike leaves promptly at 9:15 from the parking lot; expect to be back by noon.

Docent guides will be discussing plant communities, landforms, and birds at Lynch Canyon pointing out highlights as we go. Bring boots, appropriate clothing, water, and a snack. Call for more information.

RSVP requested.

COST: The hike is free, but parking is $6.00 at Lynch Canyon

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Get the Rush! at Rush Ranch August 17th 2019


On the third Saturday of every month, volunteers offer family-friendly activities at Rush Ranch. Timing and activities vary month to month. In April, you and your kids can experiment with science discovery labs, travel back in time by entering a traditional blacksmith shop, and take a guided walk alongside the tidal marsh. Weather permitting, you can also ride around the ranch on a horse-drawn wagon. Wheelchair users are encouraged to board the wagon and experience the ride; the wagons are specially-designed with a wheelchair lift. You can also explore exhibits and wander trails on your own. No pre-registration required.

Date: August 17th
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Rush Ranch
3521 Grizzly Island Rd. 
Suisun City, CA 94585 United States

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Creek Restoration At Rush Ranch


For a few months starting in August, the South Pasture Trail at Rush Ranch will be closed to hikers — but open for restoration!

Thanks to your support, the restorative measures taken at Lower Spring Branch Creek will improve the connection between the Suisun Marsh and the uplands. This restored natural connectivity will provide several benefits, such as more food for fish of all ages in the marsh.

Years ago, landowners built a long berm to control the flow of the creek and provide water for cattle. They also installed two culverts below the ranch road, but the culverts were too small to accommodate the flow. With a design by Siegel Environmental and implementation by Hanford ARC, we’re letting the water run its natural course.

“The whole project is about connecting the uplands to the marsh,” says Sue Wickham, former project manager, and current volunteer. “The old, too-small culverts were acting like two large holes in an earthen dam. The new 20-foot diameter half-culvert with an open bottom will let the water flow.”

The improved flow will allow runoff from the hills, which will bring sediments to the marsh. That sediment from soil and plants will provide food for fish such as salmon and the embattled Delta smelt.

Improved flow also allows water to move into the uplands. Non-native weeds don’t like the brackish (salty) water from the slough, but native wetland plants do. Improving natural circulation will help native plants thrive, and that helps wildlife.

The South Pasture Trail will be closed for the restoration work from August 8 to November 1, 2019.

A second restoration project at the north end of the ranch will take place simultaneously. At Suisun Hill Hollow, we are lowering a man-made berm that was created when the soil was quarried from the ranch and used as fill in Suisun City.


The Marsh Trail will be closed at Suisun Hill Hollow from the end of September to mid-October.

Once these changes to the land have been made, we will be looking for help to replant several areas. Keep an eye out for announcements about several big restoration days. You can also contact Di Holokahi and ask to be put on a list for the Rush Ranch restoration project. Call 707-420-1041 or email volunteer@solanolandtrust.org

Photos courtesy of Wikipedia Commons and Tom Muehleisen.

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Sunday Supper October 6th, 2019


We are honored to host our Sunday Supper in recognition of your lasting commitment to land conservation. Enjoy an extraordinary evening filled with stories of the land and live music.

We are proud to present Chef Ken Frank, Executive Chef/Owner of Napa Valley La Toque Restaurant – Winner 2018 Michelin Star | 2018 Wine Spectator Grand Award

Dine on a sumptuous meal and join us and your fellow kindred spirits for this evening of rustic elegance!

Single tickets are $150. A full table of 8 is $1,200.

In addition, Business Sponsorships are available

Please join us @ Joyful Ranch

Date: October 6th, 2019, Sunday

Time: 4:00- 7:00 p.m.

Location: Joyful Ranch | 8212 Pleasant Valley Rd. | Vacaville, CA 95688

Tickets may be purchased through Solano Land Trust only.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Phone: 707-432-0150

Email: Michelle@solanolandtrust.org