A TRAIL FOR THE RIDGES

Adding to the Bay Area Ridge Trail

Thanks to you, we have broken ground on trail building at Rockville Trails Preserve. The overall vision for the future of the property’s trail system includes a tw0-mile section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, which will provide inspirational views of Suisun Valley, Mount Diablo, Green Valley, Rockville Hills Regional Park, and Rockville Trails Preserve.

This two-mile trail will contribute to the Bay Area Ridge Trail, a planned 550-mile trail that soars on ridges throughout the Bay Area. Thirty years ago, the first segment was dedicated and within six years 200 miles of the Ridge Trail clicked into being. Today there are 375 miles of trail dedicated, and the rest will come in sections to provide great local adventures and longer thru-hikes.

A future thru-trail

The Bay Area Ridge Trail at Rockville Trails Preserve will loop back to the parking lot at first. In the future, it will continue northwest to the Vallejo Lakes Watershed and up to Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, and Mount St. Helena, the northernmost tip of the trail. The portion at Rockville Trails Preserve will also eventually loop to Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa and back down to Lynch Canyon.

Janet McBride, executive director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, says the biggest challenges in finishing the remainder of the planned trail are to get trail access across or adjacent to private property.

For example. Rockville Trails Park has 4.2 miles of Ridge Trail, and people are going to want to across Rockville Road to hike from Rockville Trails Park to Rockville Trails Preserve. Plans for that are in the works.

“We couldn’t piece together the trail without partnerships like the one we have with Solano Land Trust,” says Janet. “Everything happens because of partnership.” The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council nonprofit is an advocacy organization dedicated to getting the trail built. It’s the partners and public landowners that plan, build and steward the segments of the Bay Trail, she says.

With your support, Solano Land Trust has already contributed to the Bay Area Ridge Trail by dedicating trails at Lynch Canyon and King-Swett Ranches. Check out this map to see how you can hike from Martinez to Rockville Trails Preserve, and (soon) beyond.

Photos courtesy of Kuo Hou Chang, Jasmine Westbrook, and Jorge Fleige.

Nature Hike at Rockville Trails Preserve 11/09/19

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, rain cancels, 9am-1pm.

Registration is recommended.

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

Trail Crew Needs YOU! November 9th 2019

Here is a chance for you to help with the development of trails on this property and create a long-lasting memory for generations to hear about. Help Solano Land Trust prepare for major work that will be taking place on this property very soon!

November 9th from 9am - 12pm

To participate or to get more info contact:volunteer@solanolandtrust.org

Click here for things you should know before you come

Citizen Science Volunteer Opportunity November 8th 2019

November 8th @ 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

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!

Nature Hike at King-Swett Ranches November 2nd 2019

November 2nd @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Come explore the hills between Fairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo. Solano Land Trust docents will guide you through this area, known as the King-Swett Ranches. They’ll share insights about the birds and other wildlife that call this area home, and give you a great workout! Take advantage of this special opportunity if you can because the King-Swett Ranches are otherwise closed.
You will meet the docent at the Park and Ride and then carpool to the trailhead from there.

REGISTRATION: RSVP Recommended

Please note! Registration opens approximately one month prior to the hike. Double-check the date of the hike on the registration link.

WHAT TO BE PREPARED FOR: There is no drinking water at this property. There is usually no shade. A potentially strenuous pace hiking up to 6 miles up and down slippery, steep, and rugged hills that may be full of sticky seeds and thorny plants. Expect rough, rocky, uneven ground. Some travel may be off-trail. Sorry, no dogs allowed.

Meet at the Red Top Rd. Park-and-ride in Fairfield.

WHAT TO BRING: (1) A backpack with plenty of water and snacks.  (2) Boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes  (3) Long, sturdy pants and layered clothes (4) Protection from the elements
(5) Optional: bug repellent, your favorite gardening tools, and binoculars to enjoy the birds!

Note: Only really heavy rain may cancel.

Bird of Prey Hike at Lynch Canyon 10/26/19

October 26th @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm $10

Solano Land Trust and Solano County Parks are proud to present this popular series of birds of prey hikes of the winter migration season. Lynch Canyon is home to golden eagles and hawks. It is also a magnet for migrating and over-wintering birds of prey.  It provides them with over 1,000 undeveloped acres where they can hunt and rest. Some feathered visitors come from as far away as the Arctic Circle. This hike will be between 4-6 miles. Meet in the parking lot.

COST: The guided hike is $10 per person. You can pay online when registering, or bring cash/check, payable to Solano Land Trust.

*NOTE: There is a separate parking fee of $6 at Lynch Canyon, cash or check, payable to Solano County Parks.

REGISTRATION: Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Yoga Hike at Rush Ranch 10/19/19

October 19 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am

This easy, family-friendly hike will start and end at the Rush Ranch picnic area. Barbara Fredericks will lead some warm-up stretches and a yoga session later on. Participants can enjoy the sun on their faces and the wind in their hair while they do yoga.

Meeting location: Picnic area at Rush Ranch.

RSVP Recommended.

This hike is Free.

TRAIL CREW AT ROCKVILLE TRAILS PRESERVE OCTOBER 12TH

Here is a chance for you to help with the development of trails on this property and create a long-lasting memory for generations to hear about. Help Solano Land Trust prepare for major work that will be taking place on this property very soon!

OCTOBER 12th from 9am - 12pm

To participate or to get more info contact:volunteer@solanolandtrust.org

Click here for things you should know before you come

Citizen Science Volunteer Opportunity October 11th 2019

October 11th @ 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

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!

October Kid’s Hike: Nature Ninjas

October 7 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Spend the kids’ day off with Solano Land Trust on a hike at Lynch Canyon!  During this hike, participants will strengthen and exercise their nature ninja skills.  All ages are encouraged to join the hike. Meet in the parking lot at 9:45; 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