Youth at SRDC Watershed Celebration

Saturday May 14th the Sacramento River Discovery Center “Celebrate the River” event from 9 am to 1 pm under “the old oak tree” in the Discovery Garden there will be more things for kids to do this year.  The Boy Scouts will start the event with a flag ceremony and after that it will be “their” time.  The Tehama County sheriff office will have a k-9 unit for people to meet and will also be sharing some boating safety tips.  The Red Bluff Fire department will have an engine for the young to climb on and learn the importance of preventing fires.  There will be an animal petting area where young people can come eye to eye with animals with very soft fur.  There will be visits from Frank & Frances Fish, Smokey Bear and maybe even something with real wings and feathers . There will also be information on the Summer Camps program being led by Zach Whitten again this year. So you can see that there a great many free activities designed to let the young have fun while still learning.  

The adults will also have opportunities to learn and have fun.  The Red Bluff Art Association will have a display and some local crafters will tables.  There will be a variety of food offered by the High School Interns, the Twilford family and Girl Scouts. New this year from 11 am to 1 pm will be tasting of wine-cheese and other adult items.  There will be a Silent Auction table with items to bid on for home and garden.  The Greenhouse will be open and the interns will be selling native and drought tolerant plants for only $5 a pot.

There will be lots to see an do for the whole family Saturday May 14^h at the Mendocino National Forest’s Red Bluff Recreation Area located at 1000 Sale Lane.  For more information about the activities you can call 527-1196 Tuesday through Saturday 11 am to 4 pm, or e-mail ccramer@tehama.k12.ca.us or check the website www.srdc.tehama.k12.ca.us. 

Photo Caption: The Celebration of the River on Saturday May 14^th will be extra special for the young.

Bobie Hughes
Volunteer Public Relations Coordinator
Sacramento River Discovery Center
1000 Sale Lane
Red Bluff, CA 96080
530-527-1196bhughe1@tehama.k12.ca.us or bobie@clearwire.net
www.srdc.tehama.k12.ca.us

Sacramento River Preservation Trust & Adventure Outings Present:

A Mother’s Day Sacramento River Float

Jellys Ferry to Bend

Sunday, May 8, 2011

8am – 6pm

The Sacramento River Preservation Trust (Trust) and Associated Students Adventure Outings (AO) are co-sponsoring a Mother’s Day Sacramento River float on Sunday, May 8, 2011.  The float will cover 9 miles of the Sacramento River between Jellys Ferry and Bend just north of Red Bluff.  It will be an all-day event from 8am to approximately 6pm.

Mother’s Day is the perfect way to experience this incredibly scenic stretch of river! Framed by rimrock canyon walls, this part of the Sacramento River is unknown to many due to its remoteness, with Lassen Peak and Mount Shasta often visible during the float. Spring is also the time of year when wildlife is abundant, with many migratory species moving through the area - even the highly elusive bobcat has been spotted along the river bank. Raptor species are especially prevalent, including bald eagles and various members of the hawk family, and the presence of salmon swimming upstream is not uncommon. This entire section of river is nationally recognized by local and federal governmental agencies as having outstanding scenic, cultural, ecological and outdoor recreation values.  Do not miss this rare opportunity to spend your Mother’s Day on the Sac!

River guides, whitewater rafts and lifejackets are provided by AO.  Participants will start in Chico, meeting at the AO Equipment Warehouse.  Participants are asked to bring their own lunch.  The cost per person is $45 for Trust members and $55 for non-members, with round trip  transportation provided from Chico.  Due to AO guidelines, only adults (18 and over) are allowed to participate.

Space is limited and this special event will fill up quickly. Please call the Trust office soon to make a reservation or to learn more:  (530) 345-1865; email liz@sacrivertrust.org or visit our website at www.sacrivertrust.org.

Liz Gardner

Sacramento River Preservation Trust

P.O. Box 5366

Chico, CA 95927

530-345-1865

liz@sacrivertrust.org

www.sacrivertrust.org

Sacramento River Preservation Trust

Sutter Buttes - Peace Valley Hike

Saturday, May 7, 2011

8am-3pm

  

On Saturday, May 7, the Sacramento River Preservation Trust, in cooperation with California State Parks, is offering a guided hike into the Sutter Buttes - Peace Valley area with Park Ranger Zack Chambers.

Peace Valley is one of California’s newest state parks and is nestled within the ever-fascinating Sutter Buttes. While hiking with Ranger Chambers, we will learn about the valley’s cultural history including a visit to an old homestead and various Native American sites. As we continue to traverse this nearly undisturbed area we will be exposed to examples of some of the geological processes that make up this unique formation.

This hike is mostly off-trail, is of moderate difficulty and does include some short strenuous climbs. Depending on the weather, very shallow water crossings might occur. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are strongly recommended. The hike is roughly 3 miles round trip. Participants must be in good hiking shape. Advance reservations are required, with a requested donation of $25 for Trust members and $35 for non-members.

Space is limited. For reservations and questions please contact the Sacramento River Preservation Trust at (530) 345.1865, email Liz at liz@sacrivertrust.org or visit www.sacrivertrust.org .

Cave Bear Comes to Paradise Gem and Mineral Club Annual Show

Paradise, CA – The Paradise Gem and Mineral Club will host their 57th Annual Show for public enjoyment and education. All members of the public are welcome and admission is free for children and young adults who are 16 and under. The Paradise Gem and Mineral is the oldest Gem Club in Butte County and this is the longest running show in an eight county area.
This year the Show will feature an Ice Age Mammal exhibit courtesy of Applegate Lapidary. The Mammal exhibit will include an outstanding 8 foot 4 inch standing cave bear fossil, a woolly rhinoceros head with an intact two foot horn, and the leg bone and lower jaw of a mammoth, all from the Ural Mountains and Rhine River region of Europe. The fossils are 50 to 70 thousand years old and are in excellent condition. Don’t miss this rare exhibit.

The Show will have many other educational and youth activities, mineral exhibits, a raffle, silent rock auctions, fluorescent mineral display, and demonstrating lapidary specialists in silver smithing, faceting, stone carving, and other lapidary methods. The Show also hosts many of the finest rock and mineral dealers in the North State, Oregon and Nevada. The dealers provide a wide array of products and supplies; including books, specimen minerals, rare rocks, fossils, crystals, beads, finished jewelry, polished stones, jewelry making supplies and lapidary equipment, and more. Additionally for the ‘gold bugs’ there will be metal detecting equipment and gold panning. The profit from the raffle is earmarked for both local scholarships and community education in mineralogy and lapidary.

The Show will only be held for two days this year, on Saturday, April 9th from 10AM to 5PM and on Sunday, April 10th from 10AM to 4PM. The location will be the same as last year, at the Elks Lodge, 6309 Clark Road, Paradise, CA 95967. For more information visit our Club’s website at http://ParadiseGem.com , or contact Show Chair, Manuel Garcia at mmpg@earthlink.net or 530-877-7324. Or come to one of our 2nd or 4th Thursday night activity and pot luck meetings in Paradise to learn about membership, our field trips, and our lending library.

Oak woodland habitat restoration tree planting along Rattlesnake Trail Sat. April 16

Sat April 16 meet at 10 am at the North Forebay Aquatic Center, Garden Drive exit west from Hwy 70 (first exit southbound into Oroville).

Bring lunch, water, boots, gloves. Tools and materials provided. Cancelled if more than 50% chance of rain.

There will be a short walk up the hill and the park naturalist will talk about the area and provide context for the work we need your help with.

Questions? 846-1435 Jim Dempsey. Jim can be reached on April 16 at cell. 990-2448.

Help restore wildlife habitat at the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, North Forebay by planting native trees – Thank You for your help!

Thank you!

Jim Dempsey
Environmental Scientist
California Department of Parks and Recreation, Northern Buttes District
400 Glen Drive, Oroville, California 95966
jdempsey@parks.ca.gov
office 530-538-2240
fax 530-538-2244 attn:JimD

California State Parks Mission

To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

Riparian habitat restoration planting Sat. Apr. 9

Sat Apr 9 meet at 10 am at the Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area campground entry kiosk, about 20 minutes drive north from Chico, 4 miles east of Corning, east side adjacent to the County Park at the Sacramento River.

Bring lunch, water, boots, gloves. Tools and materials provided. Canceled if high winds or more than 50% chance of rain.

We will carpool as a group (no independent access via a private easement) in higher clearance or 4WD vehicles into the Natural Preserve, then walk into the planting site about ½ mile. The park naturalist will talk about the area and provide context for the work we need your help with. Anticipated exit from the Natural Preserve about 3 pm.

Questions? 846-1435 Jim Dempsey. Jim can be reached on April 9 at cell. 990-2448.

Help restore wildlife habitat at the Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area, Natural Preserve by planting native plants – Thank You for your help!
 
Jim Dempsey

Environmental Scientist
California Department of Parks and Recreation, Northern Buttes District
400 Glen Drive, Oroville, California 95966
jdempsey@parks.ca.gov
office 530-538-2240
fax 530-538-2244 attn:JimD
California State Parks Mission

To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

WILDFLOWER WEEKEND (April 2-3)

The WILDFLOWER WEEKEND (April 2-3) is coming to Feather Falls Casino put on by California Garden Clubs. There will be speakers, armchair tours, and a morning and afternoon guided tour of Table Mtn lead by our own Alan Mendoza.

Yahi Group has been asked to table and we will have our display panel in the vendor area Friday 3-6PM, Sat 8-6PM and Sun 830 - 2PM. I am looking for volunteers to assist at the booth selling our hiking books and answering questions about the club.

2 or 4 hour volunteer slots would be nice so you can enjoy the other great lectures on "Creating a Butterfly Habitat", "The Art and Architecture of Seeds", Wildflowers of the Sutter Buttes", "Using CA Native Plants in the Garden, and other interesting lectures. I'll set up the booth on Friday take it down on Sunday.

Checkout this weekend Conference on April 2 & 3 at www.norcalwildflowers.org with speaker names and bios, schedule of events, tours, wildflower photos, prices, and more!
Please call me at 533-2357 or email me if you can volunteer, to provide you with volunteer conference name tags. I am sorry about the short notice but I just heard about the conference last Friday.

I hope to see you there, Dave Garcia

Conservation Report for April 1, 2011 Yahi Ex. Com

1) I continue to attend lengthy but very interesting meetings of the Chico Water Coalition (CWC). At the last meeting, one of the major local developers (named Zeke Lunder) of a very useful website explained it, his concerns about getting funding to keep the sight up to date, and making it increasingly lay user-friendly. A major focus is Watershed Protection and Restoration. Go to Sacriverorg, where one can see many different layers, zoomed photos, etc,. in this GPS mapping of the entire Sacramento Watershed from Oregon to the Delta.

ACTION ITEM: Our group should write the CA Secretary of Natural Resources about our environmental concerns, especially regarding WATER issues. (The next water CWC meeting will focus on ways we can educate the public to prepare for the next Water Bond vote.)

2) 3/20/11 MLC Conservation and Executive Committee Meetings: a few points that might interest the Yahi leadership:

ACTION ITEM: We are one of two MLC groups that has not sought what we are owed financially: We should be requesting reimbursement for those portions of our newsletter that would be covered by C3 funds. The money comes form National.

ACTION ITEM: The MLC Political committee chair, Andy Sawyer (VERY dedicated), is looking for volunteers from each group --whom Andy could notify when environmental legislation comes up . (Frequency of volunteer efforts in our area would be small given the leanings of our representatives.)"Andy Sawyer" andysawyer@aol.com

+Forest biomass is a source of controversy within the club, e.g., MLC's Forest Legacy Group has a position, but SC-California is very split on issue. There are different ideas re what to do with the forest biomass including; use small wood for products, remove all by burning it, chip and scatter, etc. In order to help reach our goal of truly healthy forests for the long-term: if we go for removal through burning in short term, the EPA might push back due to carbon emissions. Concerns about how to pay for it, too. MLC will have a position, while being especially attentive to our concern that large trees not be removed.

+Climate Action plans of several cities were discussed, including my making brief remarks about Chico's plan & its limitations, e.g, more housing and highways allowed in General Plan would negate much of the supposed big efforts to clean our air. The city of Davis has what-sounds-like a truly great plan which was developed bottom-up ,i.e., by grassroots efforts, and not top-down. (One can find cities' climate plans on the web.)

+The Club's Resilient Habitats campaign is concerned about logging companies getting carbon credits. Defenders of Wildlife is especially active with this.

+The U.S. House GOP, e.g., McClintock, is trying to roll back crucial environmental regulations, including Wild and Scenic River designations, allowing more dams, etc. Sierra Club is unaccustomed to fighting for this on the national level; thus club needs people to lobby in D.C. Moreover, longtime attempts by SC and others to develop a huge national park around Lake Berryessa are threatened now.

+Terry Davis will look into vernal pools issue, e.g., should we be considering wider regional perspectives in Habitat Conservation Plans (part of our counties' General Plans), and not just preservation of local vernal pools?

3.  As you know from my email, I sent a letter to the City of Chico about air quality issues in the General Plan. I also attended the Planning Commission meeting and presented that letter aloud at the beginning of the meeting.

4.  I am always glad to find out about the activism of other Yahi leaders, e.g., Dave Garcia's presentation of a film about fracking at the Grange, and his efforts to get younger people involved in the club! Moreover, John Hollister volunteered to attend Chico City Manager Dave Burkland's quarterly environmental meetings at City Hall next week (March 31). Please share with us what you learn through your activism.

Grace Maria Marvin

PLAN B: MOBILIZING TO SAVE CIVILIZATION

Premieres on PBS stations March 30, 2011, 10 p.m. EST.  (Check local listings)

The Journey to Planet Earth series continues with a special program, hosted by Matt Damon, which features Lester Brown, environmental visionary and author of “Plan B.” This documentary delivers a clear and unflinching message – either confront the realities of climate change or suffer the consequences of lost civilizations and failed political states.

Brown, together with other notable scholars and scientists, including Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman, Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, former Governor and Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt, provides a glimpse into a new and emerging economy based upon renewable resources as well as strategies to avoid the growing threat of global warming.
Follow Journey to Planet Earth: JTPE/PBS JTPE on Facebook JTPE on Twitter JTPE on YouTube

Sacramento River Spring Full Moon Float

Sacramento River Preservation Trust & AS Adventure Outings Present:

A Sacramento River Spring Full Moon Float
Monday, April 18, 2011

The Sacramento River Preservation Trust (Trust) and Associated Students Adventure Outings (AO) are co-sponsoring a Sacramento River full moon float on Monday, April 18, 2011. The float will cover a short stretch of the Sacramento River just outside of Chico, near Hamilton City. We will float downstream to Scotty’s Landing, stopping for dinner on one of the sandbars in between as the moon rises over the river. This event will be a late afternoon into evening activity starting at 5:30pm and ending at approximately 10:00pm.
This is a great opportunity to observe this scenic stretch of the River. Nocturnal species will likely make their presence known as we gently float under the fading light of a beautiful spring day! Binoculars are recommended, as bats, bank swallows, river otter and an amazing mix of other migratory and resident wildlife are often seen this time of day.
River guides, boating equipment (whitewater rafts and lifejackets) are provided by AO. Participants will start in Chico. Transportation is provided, with a trip cost of $30 for Trust members, or $40 per person for non- members. Participants are encouraged to bring their own dinner and/or snacks and water. Due to A O requirements, only adults (18 and over) are allowed.

This trip will fill up quickly, and there is a limited amount of space, so call the Trust soon at (530) 345-1865 or visit our website at www.sacrivertrust.org.

Liz Gardner, Sacramento River Preservation Trust
P.O. Box 5366
Chico, CA 9592
530-345-1865
liz@sacrivertrust.org
http://www.sacrivertrust.org/

Sutter Buttes, Valley View Hike

Contact person: Liz Gardner  (530) 345-1865 or liz@sacrivertrust.org
The Sacramento River Preservation Trust presents:
A Sutter Buttes, Valley View Hike
Saturday, April 9, 2011, 8:30am to 3:30pm

Experience a rare opportunity to enter a land “seen by all, but visited by few” on Sacramento River Preservation Trust’s twice a year hike into the Sutter Buttes on Saturday, April 9. On this six-hour, slowly paced outing we circumnavigate Cat Rock, a volcanic dome split in half, rising 500 feet above Peace Valley, an interior basin on the Buttes’ northern perimeter. The leader is Daniel Barth from the Yuba Historical Society, who will start the tour with a visit to a 1,500-year old Native American encampment and then to a refreshing waterfall tucked away in a bay tree grove. From there our group hikes up to a prominent rock outcrop for a brief geology talk. Next we hike upwards to Cat Rock’s shoulder to take in Peace Valley below while observing turkey vultures circling overhead and swallows busily constructing mud nests on Cat Rock’s sheer walls. After this we will ascend for a view high above the Sacramento Valley where we will take in an expansive panorama of Mount Shasta & Lassen Peak, Bald Rock and Oroville Dam and the Yuba River country.

With the wet spring expect to see impressive displays of various wildflowers including Larkspur, Paint Brush, Clarkia, Dutchman Pipe and more.

This hike is approximately 3 miles in length with 700-foot elevation gain. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring hat, water and lunch and other clothing appropriate to the weather condition. Price is $30 for Trust members, $40 non-members. For those 17 years of age or younger: $10 members & $15 non-members.

For reservations and hike details please contact Liz Gardner liz@sacrivertrust.org or 530-345-1865.

Urgent: Take Action to Prevent Harmful Cuts to Family Planning Around the World

(received from:  Grace marvin)

Last Friday, House Republicans proposed a FY2011 Continuing Resolution that would result in huge cuts to international voluntary family planning programs around the world. The proposed budget would eliminate funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as well as reimpose the Global Gag Rule, thus cutting off funding to clinics and healthcare centers around the world that provide women with comprehensive reproductive health services and access to contraception. The proposal would even cut funding for domestic programs that ensure access to family planning for low-income women and young people.


The ability to plan the timing and spacing of one's children is not only a human right, but also has positive ramifications for women, communities, and our planet. When women have access to family planning services, they tend to have smaller, healthier, better-educated families, and are better able to participate in sustainable resource management within communities. When children are healthier and families are healthier, our earth is healthier. In a year when the world's population is slated to hit 7 billion people, we can not afford to cut off contraceptive access and voluntary family planning services to women anywhere.

Ensuring access to voluntary family planning is the best way to slow population growth, while at the same time empowering women and improving community and environmental health. Call or write your decision makers TODAY and encourage them to reject these devastating funding cuts. To speak with your representative in Washington, call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. If you do not know your representative's name, provide your zip code and you will be transferred to their office.

Thank you for taking action to prevent this harmful resolution. Women around the world - and our planet - will thank you.
 
from:  Sierra Club Pop News
408 C Street

NE Washington DC 20002
population@sierraclub.org

EPA looks at Delta stressors

(received from Grace Marvin)
U.S. EPA LAUNCHES EFFORT TO ANALYZE STRESSORS ON THE DELTA


This week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will begin an investigation of the pollutants harming the water quality of the Bay Delta ecosystem. The review will focus on several broad areas, including agricultural pesticides, pharmaceutical, discharge from waste treatment facilities, salinity and other chemicals that make their way into the fragile estuary.

The EPA effort, called an "advance notice of proposed rulemaking," comes in response to a 2009 directive by the Obama administration to do more on Delta problems. Much to the chagrin of some stakeholder groups, the EPA does not intend to coordinate this effort as a subset of the Bay Delta Conversation Plan (BDCP); rather, it will be a complementary scientific-analysis of the stressors to water quality harming the Delta ecosystem. Speaking to the importance of this report, Jared Blumenfeld, EPA regional administrator, stated "This, for the first time, tries to look holistically and say, 'What should be done that isn't being done, and are there things EPA should do that we're not.'

from: PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE
1107 9th Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 444-8726 • Fax (916) 448-1789

pclmail@pcl.org • http://www.pcl.org/ • http://www.pclfoundation.org/

CEQA under attack (again)

(received from Grace Marvin)
The Planning and Conservation League

PCL INSIDER: News from the Capitol
NEW CEQA BILL AIMS TO HIJACK THE PUBLIC’S VOICE AND PLACE OUR COMMUNITIES AT RISK

Yesterday, Senator Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) introduced Senate Bill 241, a bill designed to revoke judicial oversight of the environmental review process for 25 new development and transportation projects each year for five years. These 125 projects would receive a free pass to violate California’s premier environmental law – the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) – by sidestepping the judicial review process designed to ensure developers are accountable for the impacts and the required mitigation of their projects. This would also mean Californians would be unnecessarily exposed to environmental and health impacts and be denied the opportunity to have a say in the future of their communities.

Unfortunately, this new attack on CEQA is not surprising. Previously rejected bad CEQA bills have a way of resurrecting themselves during budget negotiations and new legislative sessions. Whether it be a special exemption for Wal-Mart, or other big-box stores, or a massive football stadium in downtown Los Angeles, or granting a state agency the authority to hand-pick 125 project exemptions, there is a reason these projects do not want to be held accountable. Without CEQA protections, local residents would have no means to prevent the development of new toxic power plants, waste incinerators, or loud, traffic stopping football stadiums near their schools and neighborhoods.

To join the coalition of over the effort of a coalition over 150 (and growing!) environmental and justice groups, housing advocates, businesses and community leaders, and receive the latest CEQA news, please e-mail PCL’s Jena Price.

from:  PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE
1107 9th Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 444-8726 • Fax (916) 448-1789

pclmail@pcl.org • http://www.pcl.org/ • http://www.pclfoundation.org/

Bioneers Video Series 2011

(received from Susan Wooldridge)
Presented by the Chico Women's Club - http://www.chicowomensclub.net/

Join us at the Club House on February 10, 17 & 24, 2011 for the 2010 Bioneers Conference 3-part video series from 7-9 PM. Voices from the leading edge of the environmental movement on the big screen. Suggested donation $2-5 (Students free). For local information, please call 530-345-5560. A few words from local organizers are here. Visit http://www.bioneers.org/ for information on the upcoming 2011 Bioneers Conference.

• Thursday, February 10, 7:00 PM: Local Food Economies
  Gary Hirshberg, CEO Stoneyfield Organic Yogurt: From 7 Cows to Values-Based Profitability; Peter Warshall, Dreaming New Mexico Project: Communities Redesigning Foodsheds; Judy Wicks, Local Food Pioneer/Restaurateur: Local Living Economies: Green, Fair and Fun
• Thursday, February 17, 7:00 PM: Navigating Our Future
  John Warner, Green Chemist: How a Creator of New Molecules Went Green; Elizabeth Kapu'uwailani Lindsey, Anthropologist: Navigating by Indigenous, Ecological Wisdom; Video short: Four Years Go!; Kenny Ausubel, Co-Founder Bioneers: The Shift is About to Hit the Fan; Discussion led by Rosemary Quinn
• Thursday, February 24, 7:00 PM: Ramp It Up! Strategic Organizing
  Andy Lipkis, Founder L.A.'s TreePeople: Urban Oases: Vibrant Communities/Living Ecosystems; Mary Gonzales, Gamaliel Foundation: Finding Your Inner Agitator/Trainer/Strategist; John Francis, PhD/PlanetWalker: 22 Years of Walking, 17 Years of Silence

Wetlands Oxidation Ponds Grand Opening!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Phil Johnson
570-7139
ptjptj@gmail.com

Wetlands Oxidation Ponds Grand Opening!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
10AM – 1PM

Come enjoy a supreme wildlife habitat area. In Chico!

The City of Chico has a recently re-engineered its wetlands/oxidation pond area. The Altacal Audubon Society and the Sacramento River Preservation Trust would like to invite you to celebrate this wonderful improvement for wildlife. The grand opening and dedication is on Saturday, February 19 from 10am to 1pm.

Altacal Audubon President Scott Huber says: “Chico’s wildlife refuge is within reach of our downtown. We used to have to travel to get a glimpse of the incredible diversity of bird species that are now thriving within our City limits.” When asked about the relationship of the ponds to the wastewater plant, located adjacent to the ponds, Scott continued, “The wildlife habitat is so well integrated you might not know the plant was there.” The ponds and surrounding trees are home to Great Horned Owls, Snowy Egrets, ducks, geese, turtle and much more - all have a renewed and expanded area in which to thrive and share.

The 32 acres of ponds (located at 4827 River Road) has seen veteran birders come for 40 years; its recent expansion and re-design’s main objective is to invite the public to experience the abundance of waterfowl for both education and recreation. The ponds have been re-vegetated with native plants that are typically found in original Sacramento Valley wetlands. New to the ponds is a bird blind, various water depths to attract a wider variety of shorebirds, waders and water birds. Loafing islands have been placed where waterfowl can socialize and nest with a reduced risk of predation. An easily accessed and expanded parking area includes an approved Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility trail going right up to the ponds.

From 10am to1pm, guided walks will commence every half hour and will be led by Altacal-Audubon President, Scott Huber and Altacal member, Phil Johnson. The morning festivities include a visit from Marilynn Gamette and her Bidwell wildlife rehabilitated owl, Checkers.

At 12:00PM there will be a Wetlands Oxidation Ponds dedication.

The ponds are located at 4827 River Road, 3.5 mile out W. 5th Street (toward the river) and behind the the Water Pollution Control Plant.

The hours of operation for the wetlands oxidation ponds are daily: 7am to 7pm, October thru March. Starting in April and through September, hours will expand from 7am to 9pm daily.

Snow Goose Festival

11th Annual Snow Goose Festival
January 28-31, 2010

Learn-In and Vigil for A Real Deal in Copenhagen

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Chico Peace and Justice Center Seeking Peace Through Justice and Justice Through Peace Learn-In and Vigil for A Real Deal in Copenhagen Thursday, December 10 6 pm, Learn-In at CPJC 7 pm, Candlelight Vigil at City Plaza Chico Peace & Justice Center 526 Broadway Chico, CA 95928 Open M-F noon-6 pm (530) 893-9078 www.chico-peace.org NORTHSTATE ENVIRONMENTALISTS CALL FOR AREAL DEAL IN COPENHAGEN Chico, California. A coalition of environmentalists will hold a “Learn In” and Vigil on Thursday calling on world leaders to create a “treaty with teeth” at the U. N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Concerned citizens are invited to gather at the Chico Peace and Justice Center, 526 Broadway, at 6 pm on December 10 to review the most recent news emanating from Copenhagen and then to proceed to the City Plaza at 7 pm for a Candlelight Vigil. The event is part of a global series of vigils being conducted by Avaaz, an international organization that gives voice (“avaaz”) to people around the world on key social and environmental issues. The vigils are also supported by global organizations such as Greenpeace, Worldwatch, and the World Wildlife Federation. Locally, the learn in and vigil is sponsored by the Peace and Justice Center and by The Point Is and Ecotopia, two public affairs programs on KZFR FM 90.1. Stephen Tchudi, Ecotopia co-host and a conference organizer says, “We are joining with the global community in asking for a treaty that is ambitious enough to leave the planet safe for us all, fair for the poorest countries that did not cause climate change but are suffering from it, and binding, with real targets that can be legally monitored and enforced.” "We must make deep and significant changes in human culture and life practices if we are to alter the course of disastrous climate change,” says organizer Emily Alma. “The glaciers are melting! Flooding and drought will become rampant world wide. Humans from all nations must be willing to sacrifice for the common good, and now is the time!" “We don’t have time for a lot of political dithering in Copenhagen,” says Susan Tchudi, organizer and Ecotopia co-host. “We're facing global disasters. We need to push for immediate action to stop and reverse the damage and to prepare to help when the disasters occur.” The “Learn In” at the Chico Peace and Justice Center will monitor news stories, blogs, and videos from the first several days of the conference. Participants will have an opportunity to sign a petition created by Azaaz, joining with some ten million people worldwide who are sending a message to Copenhagen that “The World Is Ready.” “At the candlelight vigil,” explains Emily Alma, “people will have an opportunity to speak about their concerns for the environment here in the Northstate as well as globally. We hope concerned community members will join us for this event.”

Sierra Club Action: your email needed PLEASE

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		Dear Grace, Take Action Today! Tell the EPA to Protect Our Waters! We need your help. Dangerous pollutants are threatening the health of our waters. Nitrogen and phosphorous pollution have gotten so bad that it threatens the survival of our inland and coastal waters. Sign our petition to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ask that they set nitrogen and phosphorous pollution standardsthat protect the waters of the entire Mississippi River Basin and the Gulf of Mexico. These standards will set the stage for addressing this problem throughout the entire United States. In 2008, the Sierra Club along with 12 other environmental organizations asked the EPA to protect our waters from these harmful pollutants. It's been a year and we still haven't received word if they will act on our request. You can help us make this happen. Take action today! Tell the EPA to protect our waters from nitrogen and phosphorous pollution. Thanks for all you do to protect our waters! Tim Guilfoile Deputy Director Sierra Club Water Sentinels Program P.S. We need as many people to sign the petition as possible. Forward this message to your friends! If you do not wish to receive future emails like this, click here to be removed from this type of email contact.

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85 Second St.

Chico State's 2009 Sustainability Conference

This Way to Sustainability V Conference

at California State University, Chico

November 5-8, 2009

This annual event is hosted by CSU, Chico, Butte Community College,

and the Associated Student groups of each.

Online Registration is NOW OPEN through October 30, 2009

Please visit our web site at http://www.csuchico.edu/sustainablefuture/conference/ to view the conference schedule and to register online. This year we have an exciting lineup of speakers, workshops, tours, and sessions that you won’t want to miss!

Registration fees for This Way to Sustainability Conference V include participation in all sessions, featured keynotes, tours, and workshops (some workshops or tours may require separate registration, please see schedule for details).

Registration fees are as follows:

• Students are free! Includes all university, college, and community college students, and K-12 students with a valid student ID card or with a registered faculty member
• Faculty/Staff: $25.00 per person
• General Audience: $25.00 per person
• Speakers/Moderators: Free, pre-registration required to validate status

Note: All sessions are on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration does not guarantee you a seat in all sessions so you are encouraged to arrive early as space in some sessions may be limited.

If you are a student and would like to become a conference volunteer please contact Deanna Dottai at twts@csuchico.edu.

If you would like to become a sponsor for this conference please visit our web site at http://www.csuchico.edu/sustainablefuture/conference/sponsors.shtml

We hope to see you at this year's conference!

Teri Randolph

Assistant to the Executive Director

The Institute for Sustainable Development

California State University, Chico

http://www.csuchico.edu/sustainablefuture/

Phone: (530) 898-3334

Fax: (530) 898-3336