Join Chris Barr as he shares his experience working towards the survival of the California condor. From rescue to recovery, the condor is still one of the most endangered birds in the world. However, through public and private partnerships, the future looks brighter for the species. From a low of 21 birds in the world, there are now close to 400 birds. A new generation of Americans are now experiencing the joy of watching the largest land bird in North America soar in the skies above.

Presenter: Chris Barr

Lawns are wonderful for children to play on and dogs to run on, and the expanse of green is certainly appreciated in the heat of the summer. Lawns, however, use large quantities of water and fertilizer, need mowing, and provide little to no habitat for insects and birds. In this workshop I will discuss the nuts and bolts of converting a lawn to a wildlife friendly garden. We will cover methods to kill the lawn, with an emphasis on sheet mulching; how to change over the irrigation; design considerations; and plant choices.

Presenter: John Whittlesey

Snow Geese, Ross's Geese, and Blue Morphs - it can be overwhelmingly white in the sky! Come learn how to tell the difference between all these white geese. Through exquisite pictures and lively narration, you can become much more knowledgeable about our Mascot of the Festival.

Presenter: Mike Peters

Come learn about the life cycle of the Wood Duck; one of our shyest and most difficult ducks to observe in the wild. Why do Wood Ducks nest in trees? What are their favorite foods? What is "dump nesting"? Richly illustrated with many beautiful photos, we will take a journey through the annual cycle of the Wood Duck.

Presenter: Mike Peters

After 35 years, pro travel and wildlife photographers, Ron and Nancy Sanford, are working more and more with less and less photo gear. Ron promises to ‘show and tell’ how new technology has elevated small, inexpensive PHD cameras. In case you don’t know, PHD means push here dummy. He promises a lively visual adventure ... he’ll make the case, you decide! Warning: If you just dropped a couple grand on a camera/lens package ... this may not be your best program choice.

Presenter: Ron & Nancy Sanford

People of all ages and abilities will learn how to make Janice Hofmann's "Life is Tweet" signature bird sculpture. Once you learn how to make one, all your friends and family will be clamoring for one too. Price includes instruction, materials, tools, and kiln firing.

Presenter: Janice Hofmann

Here's an opportunity for glimpses into the mysterious Sutter Buttes. Travel through the Buttes without ever leaving your chair as you enjoy this fascinating slide presentation on the many facets and wonders of the remarkable landscape that makes up the Sutter Buttes.

Presenter: Mike Hubbartt

Here is the opportunity to build your very own Bluebird box. Learn a few pointers on placement and maintenance of boxes. Limit of 10 boxes to be built. Make this a family project!

Presenters: Bob Guzman and Jesse Jones

This program is an introduction to some of the locations in California and nearby southern Oregon that provide excellent opportunities to photograph nature, particularly birds and scenic views. Photography opportunities on the refuges of the Sacramento Refuge Complex will be discussed in addition to recommended methods of photographing at the other locations covered in the presentation.

Presenter: Steve Emmons