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Free Events and Activities for the Whole Family for Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013

The Maze of Maps

9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Chico Masonic Family Center

This year we will feature an eclectic assortment of interesting maps from around the North Valley and beyond. Get the bird’s eye view of our local landscape features. Stroll through maps in the CMFC hallway and let your curiosity take you on a tour.

Exhibits Galore & Vendors!

9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Chico Masonic Family Center

Displays by State, Federal, and Non-profit organizations. Plus vendors selling everything from binoculars to bird books.

Federal Junior Duck Stamp Display

9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Chico Masonic Family Center

All 100 California winners from nearly 2,000 entries will be on display. Don’t forget to see the Chico winners.

Meet Smokey Bear and the Blue Goose!

9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Chico Masonic Family Center

Smokey the Bear and the National Wildlife Refuge’s Blue Goose will be visiting at various times courtesy of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. Also be sure to visit the US Fish & Wildlife Service fire safety exhibit booth.

All About Bats!

9:00 am - 10:30 am
Location: Chico Masonic Family Center

They are one of the most beneficial, yet most misunderstood animals in the world. Learn more about the habits, habitats, and species of bats that reside within the unique ecosystems of California’s valleys and forests.

Presenter: Linda Angerer

Junior Naturalist Activities

10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Chico Masonic Family Center

Along with the Live Animal Presentations, Meet Smokey Bear and Blue Goose, Junior Duck Stamp Display, and the Duck Calling Contest, children may earn a Junior Naturalist Certificate by participating in a few activities designed just for children. There will be nature crafts, opportunities to build bird feeders, make a bird call and much, much more!

Live Raptor Experience

10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Chico Masonic Family Center

Come see the Center for Reconnecting with Nature's display of raptors and falconry. Live birds will be present and the Center will be sharing about their mission, which focuses on reconnecting both children and adults with nature. The exhibit will be open from 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm, both Saturday and Sunday.

Presenter: The Center for Reconnecting with Nature

Raising Kid Colt: A Story of a Young Sandhill Crane (Video)

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Chico Masonic Family Center

Experience up close the intimate world of a Sandhill Crane's family life, which includes seldom-seen perspectives of raising crane colts, as well as a progression of colt development over the summer. The video will transport you to their personal world and leave you with new insights of these iconic birds.

For many years, Sandhill Cranes have been visiting Inspiration Ridge Preserve in Homer, Alaska, where Nina and her husband, Edgar Bailey, co-founders of Kachemak Crane Watch, have lived since 1998. One day 2 years ago, a pair of Lesser Sandhill Cranes claimed a breeding territory at the Preserve. When it became clear that this pair was not going away, Nina, an amateur videographer, started filming them almost daily during their summer stay. She captured feather painting, pair bonding, dancing, mating, and more, and when the pair returned in 2011, she captured incredible footage of their daily life as they raised their family.

Presenter: Gary Ivey

Raptors and Rehab

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Chico Masonic Family Center

Meet "Checkers" a Great Horned Owl as Marilyn shares some fascinating facts, unique habits, and curious myths about these beautiful birds of prey. Learn about wildlife rehabilitation and what you can do to help native wildlife. A surprise visit by other raptors is sure to delight all ages.

Presenter: Marilyn Gamette