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An adult red-shouldered hawk feeds a fledling in a tree at the Effie Yeaw Nature Preserve in Sacramento. CDFW Photo by Travis VanZant.
May 2024 California Department of
Fish and Wildlife Calendar
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 — Wetland Meet and Greet at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley (95948). Meet with a wildlife naturalist from the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. This 20-minute interactive orientation may include information about Gray Lodge’s origins, assistance with identifying wildlife or behavior patterns, or a brief explanation of conservation management. Reservations are required but group size can vary. For more information, please call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
Weekends — Guided Hikes at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 10 and 11 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough every Saturday and Sunday. Tours fill on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the tour. Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 to reserve a tour. For more information, please visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar.
3 — Submissions Due for Invasive Species Youth Art Contest. Students (grades 2-12) are invited to enter their original artwork piece on the theme “Species Reporters Wanted – What’s the scoop on invasives?” Pick an invasive species and show at least one of the following: where they live, what impact they have on the environment, who is affected by their presence, why we don’t want them or how we can stop their spread. Artwork may include drawing, painting, collage, comic strip, etc. The contest meets California curriculum standards in science, English language arts and visual art. Winners will be announced during California Invasive Species Action Week, June 1-9. Winning art will be posted on CDFW’s social media platforms. For submission instructions, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/invasives/action-week/poster-contest or contact invasives@wildlife.ca.gov.
3 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3 to 5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon’s Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, please visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/5/3/friday-habitat-restoration.
4 — Early Bird Tour at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Join the Reserve's naturalists every first Saturday to learn about the birds of the Elkhorn Slough. This tour is appropriate for birders from beginner to advanced and is recommended for individuals ages 15 and older. The tour meets at the reserve's visitor center, but depending on recent sightings, the group may walk the trails or caravan out to adjacent parks and natural spaces. No registration is required. The tour fills on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, please visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar.
4-5 — Elkhorn Slough Reserve Teachers on the Estuary Workshop, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). This workshop for middle school and high school teachers develops skills in hands-on field work and water quality data collection and analysis and provides in-depth information about estuaries and watersheds. Continuing Education Units will be available. Coffee, morning snacks and lunch will be provided. To register, please visit elkhornslough.org/reserve/education/educational-workshops. For more information, please contact Virginia Guhin at virginia.guhin@wildlife.ca.gov.
4-5 — Grasslands Regional Park Vernal Pool Tours, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Mace Blvd. and Tremont Road, Davis (95618). Explore seasonal wetland habitats with Yolo Basin Foundation staff and volunteers in a small group experience. Learn about the natural history of vernal pools and 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 and to register, please visit yolobasin.org/vernalpoolstours.
5 — City of Davis Wetlands Tour, 9 to 11 a.m., 45400 County Rd 28H, Woodland (95776). The Davis Wetlands is a managed, native California wetland ecosystem that includes oak riparian woodlands and native grasslands. During the tour, participants will caravan along well-maintained gravel roads on the auto tour route. Multiple stops will offer guests an up-close encounter with a diverse array of bird species that inhabit the expansive 400 acres of reconstructed wetlands. To register, please visit yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours.
5 — Salt Marsh and Dunes Tour at Ballona Reserve, 10 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Explore the wonder of nature in the middle of urban Los Angeles! Friends of Ballona docents will lead the tour through the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve and teach participants about its history and ecology. Enjoy all the special and unique native plants on the journey through different habitats. Participants might even meet some of the local wildlife. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon's Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, please visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/5/5-saltmarsh-tour.
6 — Archery-only Spring Wild Turkey and Additional Junior Spring Turkey Seasons Open (extending through May 19). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
11 — Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW for a free, family-friendly guided tour on the second Saturday of each month to explore the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and neighboring American River! Learn about the amazing life cycle of salmon and steelhead, walk along the American River and discuss hatchery operations. Participants may see fish and other wildlife, such as migratory birds, signs of mammal activity and cool insects. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain and the maximum group size is 25 people (first-come, first-served). The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages. For more information, please call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
11 — World Migratory Bird Day at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). There are hundreds of types of birds at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve. Some of them live there year-round, some stay for a season and others just pass through on a long migration! For all of them, the habitats and food they find at the reserve help them rest and refuel. Join us on World Migratory Bird Day to learn more about these feathered visitors by going on a guided bird walk, participating in activities or doing fun crafts! For more details, please visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar.
11 — Ballona Creek Cleanup at Ballona Reserve, 9:30 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands clean up the last coastal wetland in Los Angeles. Did you know that 130 square miles of storm drain flow into Ballona Creek? Gutter trash from as far away as North Hollywood can end up right in the wetlands. The time and effort put into clearing out debris means less trash in the wetlands, on beaches and in the open ocean. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon’s Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, please visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/5/11-creek-cleanup.
13 — Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Kids’ Fishing Day, 7 to 11:30 a.m., 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley (95948). Youths 15 and under can angle for the biggest catfish in the morning at this free event. Fishing poles and bait will be available, and the event will include prizes for participating youths and lunch for all family members. Registration at the event site is required for fishing. Anglers aged 16 and over who have a valid California Sport Fishing License may fish from this location after 12:30 p.m. For more information, please contact the Gridley Recreation Department at (530) 846-3264 or Gray Lodge Wildlife Area at (530) 846-7505.
15 — California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, time to be determined, California Natural Resources Building, 715 P Street, Second Floor, Sacramento (95814). The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, please visit fgc.ca.gov.
16 — California Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resources Committee Meeting, time and location to be determined. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, please visit fgc.ca.gov.
17 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3 to 5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon’s Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, please visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/5/17/friday-habitat-restoration.
19 — Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW on the third Sunday of each month for Tot Time at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center for nature-themed stories and to create a fun craft! This month will be all about turtles for International Turtle Day! 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, please email julia.kaiser@wildlife.ca.gov.
19 — Tour of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 8 to 11 a.m., 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis (95618). Join Yolo Basin Foundation’s docent on a fantastic tour that is appropriate for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts and birders. View seasonal and permanent wetlands, native grasslands and young riparian forests. Look for migrating and resident waterfowl, geese, swans, raptors and wading birds. Registration is required to attend. To register, please visit yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours.
21 — Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Pronghorn Hunting, 6 to 7 p.m. The goal of this webinar is to teach hunters more about the fastest of the California big game animals. We will discuss biology, habitat and population distribution with a CDFW wildlife biologist, then discuss hunting tactics with pronghorn hunters and discover some practical strategies to make the most of this coveted tag. The webinar will also include some ways for hunters to help with pronghorn conservation efforts. For more information and to register, please visit the event registration page.
23 — California Wildlife Conservation Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m., Natural Resources Agency Headquarters, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P Street, Sacramento (95814). The public is welcome. For more information, please visit wcb.ca.gov.
25 — Mindfulness Tour at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 2 to 4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Join an experienced reserve docent on a two-mile walk to open the senses on a mindfulness tour around the slough. No registration is required. The tour fills on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, please visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar.
255 — Community Habitat Restoration, 9:30 a.m. to noon., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon’s Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, please visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/5/25/community-habitat-restoration.
25-26 — Mule Days Annual Kids Fishing Event, 5 to 6 p.m. May 25 and noon to 1:30 p.m. May 26, Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds, 475 Sierra Street, Bishop (93514). Participants will have the opportunity to fish for trout right on the fairgrounds. CDFW will provide all rods, tackle and bait, and volunteers will help set the hook, net the fish and clean it. Entry to Mule Days and the Kids Fishing Event is free (mule shows and concerts have an associated charge). No reservations are required, but participants must be 15 years old or younger. This is a catch and keep event only though fish may be donated to other families. For more information, please contact Julia Cherenzia at julia.cherenzia@wildlife.ca.gov.
28 — Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Hunting Fitness - Some Strategies for the Everyday Hunter, 6 to 7 p.m. Have you ever thought of the positive impact that hunting can have on other aspects of your life? This webinar will discuss how hunting can help motivate people to get into and stay in year-round shape, benefits to fitness as it applies to hunting and practical things that the average person can do to increase their fitness level and better enjoy their hunts. For more information and to register, please visit the event registration page.
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