Biographies
Keynote Speaker:Environmental Educator, Naturalist, and Author Kate Marianchild
Kate Marianchild is the author of the bestselling book Secrets of the Oak Woodlands: Plants and Animals Among California’s Oaks (Heyday, 2014). In 2001, after moving to a yurt outside of Ukiah, Kate fell in love with the plants and animals of California’s oak woodlands. As she began observing and researching them, she learned things that boggled her mind.
By 2009, she couldn’t resist sharing her excitement with the world and decided to write a book. After five years of intensive learning and writing it was published; eleven years later it’s still going strong. Since publication, Kate has been giving talks, leading walks, teaching multi-day classes at Emandal and Sierra Nevada Field Campus (S.F. State), and advocating for native ecosystems.
For 24 years she lived happily in her yurt with no indoor plumbing except a kitchen sink. She recently moved to a community outside of Willits (home of Seabiscuit), where she is gradually exploring 4,700 hundred acres of oak and redwood ecosystems and remembering how to flush toilets. In her spare time, she swims, sings, laughs and cries with friends, and watches wildlife.
Keynote Address: From Butterflies & Birds to Bobcats & Bears: Oaks as Nature’s Most Generous Trees
California’s iconic oaks are widely known for cooling our landscapes, anchoring our soils, and sequestering enormous amounts of carbon. But few people know that oaks support more life forms than any other plant in the northern hemisphere and that they are essential to the survival of many terrestrial birds.
In this richly illustrated and engaging presentation, Kate Marianchild will discuss the fascinating behaviors, anatomical marvels, social structures, and interrelationships of some of the myriad animals who depend on oaks and will explain why and how oaks became so popular.
At the end of her talk, Kate will tell a true story: “The Great Blue Heron and the Chorus Frogs.” You won’t want to miss the astonishing ending!
Leader Biographies
Steve AbbottSteve Abbott has enjoyed birding since the age of six. Born and raised in New Hampshire, Steve moved to Sacramento in 1997 and quickly became enamored with California's avifauna. He has led field trips for several birding festivals over the last 25 years and enjoys helping others discover new species. Since becoming a Field Tech for Swarovski Optik several years ago, Steve has been able to share his passion for birds at various festivals across the United States. Events:
Bree AicheleBree has spent the years chasing birds across California, following curiosity and the promise of a memorable sighting. She brings a bright, enthusiastic energy to the field and believes birding should be above all enjoyable. Events:
Stuart AngererStuart Angerer lives in Colusa County and as an avid birder enjoys the proximity to the Sacramento Valley Refuges. His lifelong love of the outdoors and 30 years working as an Environmental Scientist for the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Reclamation have enabled him to work in the Sierras and Coast Range as well as many of the wildlife refuges in the state. Birding experience includes Spotted Owl, Northern Goshawk, breeding bird, and Tri-colored Blackbird and shorebird surveys. Events:
Kim ArmstrongKim Armstrong is a Chico native and biologist who has been working in conservation in the northern Central Valley for fifteen years. Her interest in birds began as a Scientific Aid at the Oroville Wildlife Area, managing the area's wood duck box program and participating in efforts to band ducks and geese. Her passion for birding was sparked while taking ornithology with the late Jay Bogiatto at CSU, Chico, where she earned her degree in Environmental Science. Kim has spent the last several years focused on riparian and floodplain restoration throughout California, monitoring birds within those ecosystems, and honing her birding-by-ear skills. She is now the Stewardship Manager for the Northern California Regional Land Trust where she's excited to work with landowners to conserve valuable habitat in Butte, Glenn and Tehama counties. In her free time, she volunteers with AltaCal banding northern saw-whet owls. Events:
Skip AugurSkip Augur has been an avid local birder and has served Altacal Bird Alliance in various capacities for over 30 years. Events:
Jon AullJon Aull is the Outdoor Education Coordinator for California State University, Chico's Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. He has been a naturalist around Chico since the turn of the millenium, designing and implementing environmental education programs for all ages. He received a master's degree from CSUC in Parks and Natural Resources. Among his accomplishments are curation of and contribution to temporary and permanent science museum exhibits, authoring a local guide to wildflowers, and participation in citizen science projects involving birds, butterflies, and plants. Events:
Lorin BaconLorin Bacon is a retired Nurse Practitioner and avid, lifelong hiker. She volunteers in the Sutter Buttes' Education Program with local school children and on the weekends, guiding adult hikes. She has hiked the John Muir Trail, half of the Mt Everest Trail in Nepal, the Italian Dolomites, and the Swiss Haute (High) Route. Her hikes are slow and steady to accommodate all. Events:
Rosie BlackburnRosie Blackburn is an Environmental Scientist with California State Parks. She is excited to share her knowledge about the natural and cultural history of the Sutter Buttes and the role State Parks plays in preserving the beauty of this special region. Events:
Joyce BondJoyce Bond has been an avid birder for more than two decades and is a member of AltaCal Bird Alliance. She teaches a class called "Birding in the Chico Area" for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU, Chico, leading birding field trips to locations all around the area and helping students learn how to ID birds from field marks and by ear. She also enjoys painting and photographing birds. Events:
Keith BookKeith Book and his family are owners of the Book Family Farm. Keith holds the title of CFO -- Chief Farm Officer and ES -- Equipment Specialist. With a wealth of knowledge of farming and farm equipment, he runs the overall farming operation. Keith grew up wanting to be a farmer, so he is living his dream! Events:
Chris BrownChris Brown is a retired environmental consultant and part-time lecturer (Geology and Environmental Science) at CSU Chico. Now that she doesn't have a 9-5 job, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and doing mosaics. Chris would be thrilled to answer your geology questions. While she enjoys watching birds, she jokes that she won't be of much use for ornithological questions. Events:
Jim BurcioJim Burcio graduated from Humboldt State College with a degree in Wildlife Management and Biology. Jim carved his first decoy in 1974 and since then has competed nationally, judged at the three major carving shows on the west coast, as well as the World Championships in Ocean City, Maryland. His work has been displayed at several museums. Since the early 1990's, Jim has taught bird carving seminars for the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association. In 2010, and 2012, Jim was selected by the Ward Foundation in Salisbury, Maryland to be an instructor in their National Endowment for the Arts Grant. Events:
Andrew ConlinAndrew Conlin worked as a soil surveyor for the NRCS for 36 years. After mapping soils in New York, Illinois, Minnesota, and the San Joaquin Valley, he completed the Soil Surveys of Butte County and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Andrew has provided soils tours for over 25 years, explaining the relationships between soils, geomorphology, and vegetation. Events:
Brad CookeBrad Cooke has been teaching and exploring in the North State for 35 years, he is faculty at Butte Community College supporting natural history, native ways, and environmental education with an appreciation and knowledge for the hidden gems in Northern California. He has been a consultant for National Wildlife Refuges and an education programs director throughout Northern California. He currently is the executive director of the Feather River Center / Forebay Aquatic Center and is an avid birder and California Naturalist. Events:
David DahnkeDavid Dahnke has been actively birding since 1980. He has birded throughout much of the United States and Canada. He enjoys birding in Eastern Europe, often by bicycle, and has recently added Scandinavia and Western Europe along with Central and South America to his experiences. Events:
Anton DreslerAnton Dresler grew up exploring Bidwell Park and the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve from the time before he could walk. He has spent most of his observing and learning about the natural world around him, and sharing both his knowledge of and enthusiasm for all the newts, birds and butterflies with those around him. And dad jokes. Events:
Dan DuganDan Dugan is best known as the inventor of the automatic microphone mixer. He has been a technical mentor for the Nature Sounds Society since 1990. Dugan has recorded surround sound in many national parks including Muir Woods, Joshua Tree, and Yosemite. He has published six "relaxation CD's" of nature sounds with naturemusicdownload.com and a full-length dawn chorus from Mariposa Grove in Yosemite with listeningearth.com. Events:
Jeremy DustinJeremy Dustin is an ecological restoration biologist with River Partners. Over the years, Jeremy has gained experience in salmon fisheries biology and surveying, site surveying for program compliance, habitat/species surveying and mapping, and has a proficient background in GIS. Jeremy enjoys the outdoors and has a breadth of knowledge in California ecosystems both educationally and from personal experiences living across the state. He enjoys talking about California ecosystems and the need to restore and conserve them to anyone who wishes to listen and learn. He graduated with a bachelor's of science in Environmental Science and Management from Humboldt State University in 2020. Events:
Dan EfseaffDan Efseaff has over 20 years of experience as a restoration ecologist and land manager. Currently, he is the District Manager for the Paradise Recreation and Park District. Dan has experience with a wide variety of restoration projects, conservation and agricultural lands management, education and outreach, water conservation, and overseeing watershed programs. Events:
Todd EggertRobert "Todd" Eggert Has enjoyed birding since he was 10 years old. Born and raised in Northern California, Todd has gained extensive knowledge of Californian Ecosystems and has gained a passion for sharing that knowledge with others. Throughout his career as a park ranger, Todd has led many birding field trips both in an official ranger capacity and through his volunteer work with California Waterfowl Association, Napa Audubon Society and Audubon Canyon Ranch. Events:
Steve EmmonsSteve Emmons served as the Wildlife Refuge Manager for Sacramento and Delevan National Wildlife Refuges (Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Willows, CA) from 1996 to 2020 prior to retiring. Previously, he served as the Assistant Refuge Manager at the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge in Lake Arthur, LA (1990-1996) and the Fish and Wildlife Specialist at the Fort Carson Military Reservation, Colorado Springs, CO (1982-1990). He currently resides in southwestern Oregon. Steve's primary interests include nature photography (particularly wildlife photography) and observing birds. Events:
Holly FerraraHolly Ferrara is an Ecologist/Project Manager and Intern Program Coordinator with River Partners. For the past seven years, she's helped plan and lead habitat restoration projects that support wildlife and healthy ecosystems across California. Holly is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and enjoys mentoring the next generation of conservation professionals through River Partners' internship program. Before joining River Partners, she worked with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as a Scientific Aid and Turkey Hunt Coordinator. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management and Conservation from Humboldt State University in 2013. Events:
Phillip FilbrandtPhil is a docent at Dye Creek Preserve, a nearly retired physician, Sierra Club outings leader, biker, gardener, birder and history aficionado. Events:
Matt ForsterMatt Forster is an avid outdoorsman and birder whose love of the land has him interested in conservation of habitat and restoration. He studied waterfowl biology and wetland management as well as ornithology at CSUChico. Events:
Dave GarciaDave Garcia is a retired 28 year veteran of California State Parks. He worked on Lake Oroville as a boating safety officer for 20 years and led kayaking, biking, and hiking tours at the 6 state parks he worked at. Dave is an environmental advocate who has worked on local issues with Frack Free Butte County, Chico 350 Crude Oil Bomb Train Committee, and Save Oroville Trees. Dave was also a National Sierra Club Outings Leader for 10 years, leading week long service trips to the Channel Islands; Pt Reyes National Seashore; Cayo Costa Barrier Island, Florida; rafting down Utah's Green River; Big Sur; Hells Canyon; Devils Postpile; and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Join Dave and learn about some of the wild and wacky nature experiences he's had. Events:
Charlie GianniniCharlie Giannini is a recent graduate of Chico State with a degree in Biology and a minor in Art. Charlie has a love for birds that dates back to elementary school. He is currently working different seasonal field jobs from point counts in the Pacific Northwest to raptor research in Wisconsin. Charlie grew up going on Snow Goose Festival field trips and now is very excited to lead them! Events:
Gaylord GramsGaylord Grams is an avid local birder and has led many field trips for the Altacal Chapter of the Audubon Society. Events:
Marc HalletMarc has been interested in wildlife since childhood in Belgium and the Congo. He started photographing wildlife during his years at Humbolt State University where he earned a degree in Wildlife Management. He continued taking photograph of various subjects during his 38-year career working with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. After retiring and moving to Chico in 2011, he began focusing more on wildlife photography, taking advantage of the great photo opportunities the area provides. Events: Calvin HamiltonCalvin Hamilton, retired from nuts and bolts and relocated long time Paradise resident, now resides in Chico. An avid hiking, biking and kayaking enthusiast, he is developing his birding abilities with the help of his wife, Liz Webster. Events:
Scott HardageScott Hardage is a land steward for The Nature Conservancy in the Lassen foothills area. Scott organizes outreach activities at the Dye Creek and Vina Plains Preserves, and manages a group of volunteer Docents who help to lead the activities. In his spare time he enjoys photography and woodworking. You can find him on iNaturalist as DyeCreekScott. Events:
Grant HeathGrant Heath is a member of the AltaCal Bird Alliance and graduate of Chico State. During his time at the university, he developed an interest in birding from classes such as waterfowl biology. He looks forward to becoming more involved in field trips and contributing to the birding community in the future. Events:
Liam HuberLiam Huber started bird-watching at age 5 and has become accomplished at bird identification by sight and by ear. He spends much of his free time, as well as most of his not-free time, photographing and exploring every inch of Butte County. Events:
Susan IsaacsonAfter receiving a B.S. degree in Conservation of Natural Resources from U.C. Berkeley, Susan worked for the National Park Service, as a seasonal park naturalist, for 11 years, in Grand Teton NP, Sequoia/Kings Canyon NPs, and Timpanogos Cave NM. In 1990, she acquired a teaching position in Red Bluff, and retired in 2019 after 30 years in the classroom! In retirement Susan volunteered for the Museum of the National Park Ranger in Yellowstone NP and, this past summer, in Lassen Volcanic National Park, where she staffed the Loomis Museum and led a weekly bird walk around Manzanita Lake. In Red Bluff, Susan volunteers at the Sacramento River Discovery Center leading school field trips and assists with the monthly community bird walk. Travels (and birding) include Europe, Middle East, Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and Alaska and Hawaii. Events:
Phil JohnsonPhil Johnson has been a North Valley birder since 1989 and is a lover of local geology and natural history. Events:
John KellyJohn Kelly is a lover of plants and birds alike and is currently co-president of the Mount Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. He works in the North State Planning and Development Collective's vegetation mapping program and has done botany surveys across the state. When he isn't working, he loves to explore the flora and fauna of Butte County and beyond. Events:
Shelly KirnShelly Kirn taught biology at CSU, Chico for 30 years, including class conservation biology, ecology, evolution, and zoology. She was also faculty advisor to the student biology honor society. Shelly has been birding since about 1994 and enjoys traveling throughout the US (and occasionally beyond!) to see birds and other wildlife. In her retirement, Shelly is birding more, attending music festivals, and volunteering with several groups including the Chico Animal Shelter. Events:
Azure KurthLover of Beauty. Lover of Light. Let me Guide you on a Hike. I Naturalist. Gather with Intention, Joy , Knowledge and More. To Navigate on an Adventure Trail to Discover. Extensive Background in Mountains and Wilderness, Islands and Coastal Environs. Curiosity Abounds. Manifester, Traveler and Hike Expertise, Environmental Specialist, Outdoor Adventure Coordinator, Ethnobotanist, Birder. With ease of mind and Humor galore, you will be in Good Hands with Azure. Events:
Asya LeslyAsya Lesly is an occupational therapist who has lived in Forest Ranch for 7 years. She loves to spend her time looking for birds, feeding the birds, reading about birds, photographing birds, and painting birds. Events:
Jimi LogsdonJimi Logsdon retired after15 years working in Bidwell Park for the City of Chico. He is an avid hiker backpacker, amateur plant and creature geek which includes10 years of birding experience. Events:
Laura LushLaura Lush is a life-long Yuba-Sutter resident, artist, retired high school teacher, nature enthusiast, and avid birder. She has been active with Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes for over 25 years as guide, board member, and charter hike coordinator. Sharing the wonder of the Sutter Buttes is one of her favorite activities, whether it's looking for birds, flowers, or just enjoying the day with hikers. Events:
Christine MacShaneChristine Mac Shane has been painting for over 40 years and teaching for more than 15. Her easy step-by-step guidance will have you painting in no time! Christine has been a muralist in the Northern California region for 30 years and loves that the rich wildlife and landscapes provide such ongoing inspiration for her original artwork, murals and classes. She offers classes in her studio and on location. She is very involved in creating accessible art opportunities for the community and teaches at the Autism Center, schools and through OLLI as well as the California Conservation Corps. Christine's goal is to encourage the creative spark in us all. Events:
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Kate MarianchildKate Marianchild is the author of the bestselling book Secrets of the Oak Woodlands: Plants and Animals among California's Oaks (Heyday, 2014).In 2001, after moving to a yurt outside of Ukiah, Kate fell in love with the plants and animals of California's oak woodlands. As she began observing and researching them, she learned things that boggled her mind. By 2009, she couldn't resist sharing her excitement with the world and decided to write a book. After five years of intensive learning and writing it was published; eleven years later it's still going strong. Since publication, Kate has been giving talks, leading walks, teaching multi-day classes at Emandal and Sierra Nevada Field Campus, and advocating for native ecosystems. For twenty-four years she lived happily in her yurt with no indoor plumbing except a kitchen sink. She recently moved to a community outside of Willits (home of Seabiscuit), where she is gradually exploring 4,700 hundred acres of oak and redwood ecosystems and remembering how to flush toilets. In her spare time, she swims, sings, laughs and cries with friends, and watches wildlife. Events:
Charlie MathewsCharlie Mathews and his family have been farmers in the area north of Marysville for multiple generations. He and family members are leaders in the rice industry and waterfowl conservation. Events:
Tess McGuireTess McGuire has been birding and making hats for the last twenty years. She became an avid kayaker when she bought a house on Clear Lake. Now that she lives near Mendocino she paddles the local rivers and birds the coast. Perhaps some day she'll be brave enough to go out on the ocean. Events:
Marjorie McNairnMarjorie McNairn had led wildflower field trips for Mt. Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society for over 35 years, and has compiled plant lists for several locations around this area. Events:
Don MillerDr. Don Miller is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, and Center for Water and the Environment at California State University, Chico. Beginning in 2008, Dr. Miller has organized an annual population census of butterflies found on the eastern edge of the Sacramento Valley, in the foothills of the Sierra Cascade ranges. While an expert on butterflies and insects, Dr. Miller is knowledgeable on birds, geology, native plants and other naturalist subjects. Events:
Joan MitchellJoan grew up in Southern California where she started a career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Eventually she moved to Maui, Hawaii wanting to pursue her passion for scuba diving as a dive master. It was there that she met her husband and decided to move to Chico to complete her degree in nursing. She has always been an outdoor enthusiast and Chico has been the perfect place for hiking, biking, horseback riding and exploring the North State. Recently retired, she joined Altacal and discovered birding as her newest pursuit. Events:
Mary MuchowskiMary Muchowski has worked as a wildlife technician/biologist since 1988 with the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. She has lived in the Chico area since 1983, and really enjoys the bird-life of the area, especially in the winter! Events:
Tom MyersTom Myers is a retired elementary teacher who has been birding for over 25 years. He is a board member of the Stanislaus Audubon Society and birds mostly in Stanislaus and Merced Counties. He enjoys long walks with his dog, birding, hiking and exploring wild places. Events:
Nature Sounds SocietyBio to be provided soon. Events:
Ken NelsonKen Nelson has been actively carving for six years and has participated in many seminars, first as a student and now as an instructor. He has worked with and learned from several Master Carvers from the PFDA, and competes in both novice and open competitions. Currently he is a Board Member and Auction Chairperson for the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association. Events:
Gary NielsenGary Nielsen has birded for more than 40 years in Butte county and beyond. A particular love are birds of open horizons, be they raptors or seabirds. Since retiring from teaching in 2007, he has spent more than a year in the seabird colonies of the NW Hawaiian Islands, including 11 months on Midway, among the 2 million Albatross. Events:
Michelle OckenMichelle Ocken got the birding bug while pursuing a degree in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal biology more than 25 years ago. She received her Master's degree in biology from Chico State University studying Western Burrowing Owl habitat requirements. While attending Chico State, she was the founder and president of the Chico State Birding/Naturalists Club and has been a member of Altacal Audubon Society. She finds inspiration in the natural world and enjoys sharing that with others. Events:
Owl Monitoring TeamBio to be provided soon. Events:
Jennifer PattenWhen Jennifer was in third grade, her teacher took her class on a field trip to Richardson Bay in Marin County. Here she saw hundreds of little sandpipers, hunting and poking for food across the mud flats. Her fascination with birds started on this day and has been with her ever since. Her passion for birds has led her to travel to many countries, including Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Europe, Canada, and all over the US, with Alaska being a particular favorite. She joined AltaCal's board in 1998, is one of the founders and past Director of the annual Snow Goose Festival, volunteered at Gray Lodge leading bird walks, and monitored wood duck boxes in the 1990s. She has volunteered in several bird projects and programs, helping students connect with birds and nature, at schools and the Chico Creek Nature Center. A bird and nature girl at heart, she instills that in her four granddaughters today. Events:
Greg PayneGreg and Kathleen Payne have been leading hikes in the Sutter Buttes for Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes for over a decade. They are coordinators of the MMIH Education Program that leads 3rd and 4th grade students from local schools on field trips in the Sutter Buttes. Greg is also president of Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes and Kathleen serves as Secretary. Events:
Kathleen PayneGreg and Kathleen Payne have been leading hikes in the Sutter Buttes for Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes for over a decade. They are coordinators of the MMIH Education Program that leads 3rd and 4th grade students from local schools on field trips in the Sutter Buttes. Greg is also president of Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes and Kathleen serves as Secretary. Events:
Cynthia PerrineCynthia Perrine's academic training in natural resources included Roger Lederer's Ornithology course in 1997, and she's been traipsing around Tehama, Butte, and Plumas Counties in pursuit of wild things her entire life. Although this is her first time leading a Snow Goose Field trip, she has led field workshops throughout California, Nevada and New Zealand focusing on botany, birds, bats, and field methods. As Executive Director for Northern California Regional Land Trust, she works to acquire and conserve our region's private lands to promote stewardship for co-benefits and enhancements to bird, fish, and wildlife habits, expanding regenerative agriculture practices to foster pollinator and bird health, and to restore and maintain watershed integrity. Events:
John PerrineJohn Perrine is a Professor of Wildlife Ecology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and has taught ornithology, mammalogy, ecology, and conservation biology over the past two decades. He earned his PhD. From UC Berkeley studying Sierra Nevada Red Fox population ecology in the Lassen Park region and has recently returned to Northern California to work as a wildlife supervisor for California Department of Fish and Game in Region 1 to supervise carnivore management projects that include SNRF, wildlife-human conflict resolution, and wolves. John has developed a keen interest in birds and teaching birding by ear over his years instructing undergrads. Events: Sharon PerrySharon Perry has worked for mny years as an environmental educator. She is currently the chair of the Nature Sounds Society. Events:
Melanie PetersonMelanie Peterson is a lifelong outdoors enthusiast whose interests include geology, natural sciences, and bird watching. As a former nursery employee, Melanie has a deep interest in plants and trees and their function in providing habitat and food for avian species. She has enjoyed learning the plants, birds, and geology of the west coast since relocating to California in 2017. Events:
Oscar RodriguezOscar Rodríguez is an environmental educator and California Certified Naturalist Instructor with over a decade of experience leading outdoor learning programs. A graduate of California State University, Chico, with a degree in Geography and City Planning, Oscar blends his academic background with his love for the environment. Based in Chico, CA, he is passionate about fostering a deeper connection to nature through interactive and inquiry-based education. Oscar has worked with the Chico Area Recreation & Park District and the Butte County Department of Education, where he developed and led environmental programs for diverse groups, including children, adults, and underserved communities. He has also volunteered with the Los Angeles Audubon Society, where he taught K-6 students hands-on outdoor learning curricula based on local natural history and STEM principles. Oscar is committed to creating inclusive and engaging learning experiences that connect participants to the natural world and highlight the importance of conservation. Events:
Suji RolandGrowing up in a very rural part of England, Suji Roland spent his early years wandering the fields, woods and hills. As far back as he can remember, birds and animals were part of his life. When he discovered that his bike could take him just about anywhere, he wanted to capture the beauty of the intimate English landscape and so photography became part of his life. With the advent of digital camera technology, wildlife photography has become much more accessible, and he has strived to capture his love of nature through this medium. Living here in Northern California, capturing everyday moments of natural wonder has become his abiding passion - and he is always ready to help others achieve their photographic goals. Events: Annette RothA lifelong Northern California native, Annette Roth, is an outdoors-lover combining kayaking, cycling, and hiking with bird watching, and appreciating the natural world. She volunteers with conservation organizations including Petaluma Wetlands Alliance, Point Blue Conservation Science, RROS, and Christmas bird counts. She is a member of Redwood Region Ornithological Society and Madrone Audubon, sharing birding experiences and expanding her knowledge of birds and their habitats. Events:
Craig RothAs a lifelong outdoor enthusiast and a career working for Sonoma County Parks, City Parks, and Youth Conservation crews, Craig Roth is committed to help conserve the land and waters of Northern California. He is a member of Redwood Region Ornithological Society and Audubon. He participates in monthly bird surveys for many organizations including Petaluma Wetlands Alliance, Sonoma County Parks, Sonoma Land Trust, and Christmas Bird Counts. Additionally he is a valued volunteer on many Sonoma Land Trust conservation projects. Craig continues to explore, share and marvel at the wonders of the avian world and other natural encounters. Events:
Mauricio SchraderMauricio Schrader boomeranged back to birding in the last decade, and enjoys all aspects as an amateur. He was first introduced to birds by his 6th grade teacher in the Appalachian Mountains. He has a special interest in birding by ear and behavioral bird trivia. His favorite quote is: "Most of us who follow birds are partly scientist, partly sportsman, and partly poet." Leon Dawson, 1923 Events:
John SeidJohn Seid taught elementary school children for 35 years and made it a point to teach them about the wonders of nature and our place in this amazing world. Since we live in the Pacific Flyway, many units were done around birds that migrate here and also our local ones. John believes that if you know the name of something it brings you closer. He is an avid photographer, and you can find him all summer kayaking and all winter at the refuges around us with his faithful dog Lucy. Events:
Joe SilveiraJoe Silveira (LAGUNA ECO) spent 36 years as a professional working in natural resources conservation -- over 29 years with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. He was primarily stationed at Sacramento National Wildlife (NWR) Refuge Complex, where he served as a Wildlife Biologist, and later as the Wildlife Refuge Manager, for Sacramento River NWR and the Steve Thompson North Central Valley Wildlife Management Area -- Llano Seco Unit. He led habitat restoration and management programs, and associated monitoring surveys and research investigation for riparian, floodplain, and basin habitats, such as mixed and oak forests, valley oak woodland, elderberry savanna, managed emergent marshes, native perennial grasslands, wildflower fields, vernal pools, and alkali meadows. He worked with diverse agencies, organizations, universities, and local ranchers, developing partnerships to create and maintain well-functioning refuge habitats, which represent the best of these remaining Great Valley Ecosystems. Joe currently works with natural resources science and conservation organizations -- Northern California Botanists, Northern California Regional Land Trust, San Francisco Estuary Institute -- advising on topics which capture his interests and inspire his imagination. Events: Bill SmithBill Smith is a retired Professional Forester who has resided in in Chico since 1975. He has a BS in Forest Management from Michigan Technological University and retired as the "Forest Silviculturist" from the Plumas National Forest in 2010. His forte in the Forest Service was large reforestation project logistics and Service Contract Administration. Notable accomplishments include serving on the Bidwell Park Commission, securing the three acre "Blue Oak Reserve" within Hillview Terrace Subdivision, and spearheadimg the design and build-out of Baroni Park, a Chico Neighborhood Park. Bill leads a Chico Meetup Hiking Group and stays active in Community affairs. Currently, Bill is a docent at the Abbey of Our Lady of New Clairvaux, in Vina, Ca., where he leads tours. The Abbey is home to 25 Trappist monks, and the property played an important role in California history. Events:
Lorraine SmithLorraine Smith grew up in rural Northern California. She went on her first camping trip at age 7 months, and has taken every opportunity to get outdoors ever since. After enjoying a career in higher education, Lorraine is thrilled to have more time now to pursue her love of all things outdoors - hiking, birding, camping, kayaking, and learning something new every day about the natural world. Since retiring, Lorraine has guided nature walks, and hiking and backpacking adventures, with an emphasis on amateur birding and botanizing. Recently she has lead hiking and camping outings with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSU, Chico. Events:
Ken SobonKen Sobon is an avid birder, field trip leader, President of Altacal Audubon Society and is now the Northern California representative on Audubon California board of directors. He has worked the last 6 seasons volunteering and assisting and is now the Director of the Northern Saw-whet Owl fall migration monitoring project. In addition Ken has been a science teacher to middle school students in Oroville since 1995. He has shared his love of science and birding with his students both in the classroom and in field. Events:
Vickie StollVickie is an East Coast transplant who came West to pursue a dream career with the United States Forest Service. Now retired, and still a firm believer in the Forest Service motto "Caring for the land and serving people," she believes getting outdoors is a wonderful way to share a love for nature and to serve the community. Events:
Michele SwartoutMichele Swartout, has been a nature lover all her life, but birds and birding are her passion and she birds every day. Michele is an avid eBird user and has submitted at least one checklist a day for nine years straight. She is a volunteer with the Winter Raptor Survey Project, the compiler for both Mineral and the Red Bluff Christmas Bird Counts, participates in many more and is a California County Birder. Tehama County is where she calls home, and she knows the birds and her county very well. Events:
Chaye VailChaye Vail is an Environmental Scientist with California State Parks. She is excited to share her knowledge about the natural and cultural history of the Sutter Buttes and the role State Parks plays in preserving the beauty of this special region. Events:
Karen Von BargenKaren has been watching birds since early childhood, when her grandmother gave her a well-worn Golden Guide and the invitation to notice what the world offers. She has observed birds in places ranging from Antarctic waters to Arctic tundra, but her favorite moments are the quiet ones spent simply being present on the landscape. Events:
Pamela WaldsmithPamela is passionate about the natural world, photography and pickleball. An educator for 35 years, she enjoys sharing her interests by leading hikes and birding trips. Events:
Bruce WebbWhen Bruce Webb was a student at Chico State, he worked with Tim Manolis to write the "Annotated List of Birds of Butte County." Currently, he is California's Field Technician for Swarovski Optik. Events:
Greg WeddigGreg Weddig has been recording and documenting natural soundscapes since 2003. He is a member of the Nature Sounds Society, a founding member of the Maryland Nature Recordists, and has taught field recording and editing classes. Greg is currently a volunteer recordist for Lassen Volcanic National Park. Events:
marian West Coast FalconryLicensed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, West Coast Falconry is the premiere Northern California resource for a full range of hands-on Falconry classes and services. Owner and Master Falconer, Kate Marden, invites you to join her and the staff at the West Coast Falconry Center to get a glimpse inside this incredible and ancient hunting tradition. Our classes and experiences are for falconers and non-falconers alike where you can actually work hands-on with our birds of prey. Our birds of prey have been featured in videos and on shows such as Mythbusters, Showdown of the Unbeatables for Nat Geo, KQED, Wreakreation Nation on the Discovery Channel, Unchained Reaction, Mancations on the Travel Channel, and Methods of Take. Events:
Karen WhiteKaren White has always felt a kinship with wildlife and the outdoors. She has been a backyard birder since childhood, moved to Chico in 1980, and after retirement has taken up photography to further enjoy birds and their behavior. She enjoys visiting the many refuges and birding hotspots in our area. Events:
Dale WhitmoreDale Whitmore was a wildlife biologist for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for 37 years. He retired in 2014 and continues to lead wildlife projects with youth organizations and the public on both public and private lands in the Marysville-Yuba City area. Events:
Lisa WinslowLisa Winslow has a lifelong love for birds, wildlife and nature. She was a School Counselor for many years in the Chico community. She often spends her weekends out birding and hiking and is a member of the local AltaCal Bird Alliance. One of her favorite hot spots in the Chico area is the Oxidation Ponds. Events:
Ashley WorthyAshley holds BAs in Environmental Science and Earth Science from the University of Northern Iowa. A lifelong lover of the outdoors and adventure, she currently works at Lundberg Family Farms. In her free time, Ashley serves as Co-President of the Mount Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and volunteers with Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation. Events:
Mary WrysinskiMary Wrysinski is a retired accountant, a Butte County Master Gardener, and a member of the AltaCal Bird Alliance. She began birding in 2008. One of her goals is assisting people in the appreciation of our local natural resources. The Pacific Flyway is an outstanding example of those resources, and the Snow Goose Festival is a great path to appreciation! Events:
Katie ZukoskiKatie has enjoyed learning the flora & fauna of her adopted home in NorCal since 1985. She loves to bird by ear & is always eager to learn more about all things bird. Gardening with native plants (as well as veggies), hiking & volunteering are her passions. Events:
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