11th Annual Snow Goose Festival: January 28-31, 2010
Presentations/Workshops: Sunday, Jan. 31

Northern California's unique climate allows the creation of wonderful foods that, far too often, are overlooked. A group of local farmers and ranchers, in conjunction with the local Slow Food convivial, have joined together to celebrate and promote the unique and wonderful food that our area produces. Two producers will discuss how their individual operations evoke the uniqueness of our climate in their products. They understand that the health of the landscape directly affects the health of wildlife and humans. Big Bluff Ranch in Red Bluff produces grass-fed beef and lamb.

Field Trip Leader: Tyler Dawley

What a wondrous thing to view the world of birds through a child’s eyes! This workshop/field trip will focus on the basics of birding including bird anatomy and basic identification techniques. At the Nature Center each child will get a close-up view of some of the park’s avian residents. We will then venture into Bidwell Park to practice our new skills on the wild birds of the park. Bring field guides and binoculars if you have them. Some binoculars will be available to loan if needed. Ages 7-12.

Field Trip Leader: Jon Aull

This workshop is a great opportunity for educators, adults, and children ages ten and older to learn about some of the world’s most exciting active earth processes. Learn about the unique geologic features of this national park and how to identify the four major types of volcanoes using a variety of fun and creative techniques. Educational props, volcanic rocks, visual display, and other resources will be used to enhance this presentation.

Field Trip Leader: Steve Zachery

Lin Jensen, a Zen Buddhist, author, and birder will share his stories of birds and of the ways that our human stories merge with those of the birds. Nature has something to show us that we need to know. Everything from a stone resting under the waters of Chico Creek to the birds occupying the canopy of sycamore and oak overhead has its own story. And it is our story, for it is nature alone, of which we are but one element that faithfully reflects the mirror truth of our human circumstance here on planet earth. From the stories the earth tells, arises a deeper insight into the common life we share with all creatures. Drawing on his years of writing about human society and nature, Lin will take us on a literary excursion into the language of the bird world.

Field Trip Leader: Lin Jensen

I never saw a bird like that in my backyard before, is it rare? What happened to that nice singer that spent most of the spring in my yard? I swear I saw a canary in my yard! Could it have escaped from a cage? Join Mac, who will give you tips on identifying some of Northern California’s birds that visit your backyard and explain why many of them seem to seasonally disappear. In addition, he will make suggestion regarding reference material to help you become a better backyard "birder."

Field Trip Leader: John "Mac" McCormick

Join Ron and his wife Nancy in a visual celebration of ‘Where We Live’. Enjoy exquisite images of birds of the Pacific Flyway as Ron entices you to name as many of them as you can. He’ll then lead you on a musical roam around Butte and Sutter counties - featuring special locations such as the Sutter Buttes, Table Mountain, Gray Lodge, Bald Rock, Feather Falls, Honey Run, orchards in bloom, wild flowers, lakes and streams. Included in the presentation will be a host of wild critters claiming our home is their home . . . all sharing 'Where We Live.'

Field Trip Leader: Ron Sanford