Biographies
Featured Keynote Speaker: Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz
Keynote Address: “Feathers and Flight: A Journey to the New World Tropics”
Delving into topics of migration, tropical speciation, and biodiversity, this media-rich journey will share some of the fascinating and unique birds that inhabit the Neotropics. With a special focus on the millions of birds that migrate along the Pacific Flyway including waterfowl and Snow Geese!
Sure to both educate and entertain, this presentation will leave you with a deeper understanding of tropical ecology, the interconnectedness of our planet, and knowledge about where some of our backyard birds spend their winters!
Speaker Bio
Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz authored Field Guide to Birds of UC Santa Cruz, and is owner and operator of a bird-guiding and lifestyle brand called BIRDS by BIJS (pronounced Bee-jus). With a background in biology, ecology, and outdoor education, Benny has worked for over 13 years as a naturalist guide, expedition trip leader, and international bird guide. Benny offers guided birding outings in Southern California and small-group birding tours to his favorite tropical locales like Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colombia.
Benny is a passionate educator and photographer, specializing in birds! Benny is active on social media where he creates fun, educational videos and posts to inspire others about the natural world with the goal of getting folks to put down their phone and pick up their Binos.
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:
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 has been a Restoration Biologist for River Partners for the last four years. Her work focus on riparian and floodplain restoration and habitat connectivity in the Sacramento River watershed. Prior to working for River Partners, she was a Scientific Aid for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for 9 years, where she got to partake in various wildlife surveys, band ducks and geese, and oversaw the wood duck box program at the Oroville Wildlife Area. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science Ecology, with a minor in Biology, from CSU, Chico in 2019. In her free time, she volunteers with Altacal banding northern saw-whet owls. Events:
Skip AugurSkip Augur has been an avid local birder and served Altacal Audubon in various capacities for over 30 years. Events:
Jon AullJon Aull received his master's degree studying parks and natural resources in the recreation department at Chico State. He is currently the outdoor education coordinator for the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve, and has worked as a naturalist along the creek for 20 years. Events:
Anasuya BasilAnasuya Basil is a certified California Naturalist and holds a Level II Track and Sign Certificate through field evaluations with CyberTracker North America. She has deepened her skills in intuitive tracking under Jon Young of 8 Shields Instititute and other expert trackers. Anasuya delights in identifying birds by song and has co-facilitated bird language field experiences at previous Snow Goose Festivals. With decades of experience as a holistic health practitioner, she brings a unique perspective, recognizing nature connection as an essential foundation for mental and physical well-being. Events:
Don BeersDon Beers worked for the California State Park System for over 30 years. The Roads, Trails and Resource Section that he supervised were responsible for the District's trail construction and maintenance, backcountry road re-engineering and maintenance, and watershed restoration project implementation. Don has been one of the lead instructors in the National Trails Training Program, and the California State Park Trails Training Program. This included working on developing the curriculum for these two programs. He has lectured and presented workshops at State, National and Professional trail conferences. Don is currently working on the California State Park's Trails Handbook revision and is one of the principal authors of that handbook. 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 Audubon Society. 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 Farms. 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:
Carol BurrCarol Burr, PhD, is Professor Emerita from Chico State, where she taught literature in the English Department for 37 years and served in a number of administrative positions. Married to Roger Lederer, an ornithologist, she learned about birds and became an active bird watcher on travels around the world. In retirement, she returned to a childhood love of drawing and illustrated Dr. Lederer's The Birds of Bidwell Park (2009), using pen and colored pencils. She is also the co-author with her husband of Latin for Bird Lovers, published by Timber Press in 2014. Events:
Andrew ConlinAndrew Conlin worked as a soil surveyor for the NRCS for 36 years. After mapping soils in Illinois, Minnesota, New York 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 a California Chico State University degree in Recreation Administration. Since 1999, he has been an associate faculty at Butte Community College in outdoor education and has worked for 25 years in Butte County 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 has served as an experiential educator for thousands of students and teachers throughout Northern California. Brad is a eco-tour and raft guide with a huge variety of knowledge on our amazing North State. Events:
Cassie CorridoniCassie Corridoni is an Environmental Scientist for California State Parks, is an avid nature enthusiast, and became a hobby birder in 2019. Cassie graduated from the Wildland Management program at Chico State in 2023, and collaborated with Altacal on her graduate research on post-fire bird diversity at the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve. Events:
David DahnkeDave Dahnke has been actively birding since 1980. He has birded throughout the United States and Eastern Europe. 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:
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. Mr. Efseaff 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 previously 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 a Certified Wildlife Biologist working as a Restoration Biologist for River Partners. She has worked for River Partners for five years. Before that she worked for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for five years as a Scientific Aid and Turkey Hunt Coordinator. She received her Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management and Conservation from Humboldt State University in 2013. 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:
Deb HalfpennyDeborah Halfpenny, co-coordinator of the Neighborhood Habitat Certification Program (NHCP), is a career-long landscaper, specializing in drought-adapted and California native plants and landscapes. Events: Marc HalletMarc Hallet is an experienced naturalist and photographer. 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 public outreach hikes at the Dye Creek Preserve and manages a group of volunteer docents who help to lead the hikes. He enjoys hiking and photography, and has recently used camera traps to document burrowing owl activity on the preserve. Events:
Grant HeathGrant Heath is a member of the Altacal Audubon Society 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:
Benny Jacobs-SchwartzBenny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz authored Field Guide to Birds of UC Santa Cruz, and is owner and operator of a bird-guiding and lifestyle brand called BIRDS by BIJS (pronounced Bee-jus). With a background in biology, ecology, and outdoor education, Benny has worked for over 13 years as a naturalist guide, expedition trip leader, and international bird guide. Benny offers guided birding outings in Southern California and small-group birding tours to his favorite tropical locales like Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colombia. Benny is a passionate educator and photographer, specializing in birds! Benny is active on social media where he creates fun, educational videos and posts to inspire others about the natural world with the goal of getting folks to put down their phone and pick up their Binos. Events:
Phil JohnsonPhil Johnson has been a long time board member of the Altacal Audubon Society, and he has coordinated the Oroville and Chico Christmas Bird Counts. Events:
Larry JordanLarry Jordan moved from the Bay Area to Oak Run in 1980 to escape the crowded, noisy, hustle and bustle of city life. Among the gray and ponderosa pine, and the oak savannah, he found himself surrounded by nature. Coyotes howled in the winter evening, deer and fox were abundant and birds seemed to be everywhere. On the way home from an evening out, he and his wife found a tiny owl standing in the middle of the road to his home. He didn't know what it was and had to look it up in his first edition Peterson Field Guide. It was his spark bird - a Burrowing Owl! Larry joined the Wintu Audubon Society and became the group's webmaster in 2008. He is the Shasta County Coordinator for the California Bluebird Recovery Program and monitors an active Burrowing Owl habitat in the Chico area. Events:
Shelly KirnShelly Kirn taught biology at CSU, Chico for 30 years, including clas 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:
Raquel KrachRaquel Krach and Greg Massa are the owner-operators of Massa Organics, an integrated, diversified, family farm located along the Sacramento River in Glenn and Colusa Counties. They use regenerative farming practices to grow rice, almonds, mandarins and lamb. In place of chemical inputs, the farm uses crop rotation, plants multispecies cover crops, applies compost, encourages native vegetation in non-cultivated areas and integrates their flock of Dorper sheep in order to increase biodiversity, improve soil health, conserve water and reduce pest and weed pressure. As part of ongoing research projects, Massa Organics has learned that their almonds contain more nutrients than conventional nuts and that their methods of rice production are "carbon-negative". In addition to farming, Raquel works with the Chico State Center for Regenerative Agriculture as a research project manager and student advisor and Greg enjoys building the iNaturalist portfolio of the plants and critters that call the farm home. In addition to farming, Raquel works with the Chico State Center for Regenerative Agriculture as a research project manager and student advisor and Greg enjoys building the iNaturalist portfolio of the plants and critters that call the farm home. Events:
Roger LedererDr. Roger Lederer is Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, whose expertise is ecology, science education, and ornithology. He has published over thirty scientific research papers and seven books, including Ecology and Field Biology, Amazing Birds (in seven languages), Birds of Bidwell Park, Latin for Bird Lovers, and Beaks, Bones, and Birdsongs. Dr. Lederer has served as a consultant to governments, private organizations, and schools on environmental issues, and presented hundreds of public presentations to a wide variety of audiences. He has been consulted by BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, National Canadian Television, Guinness World Records, and many other organizations, publications, and individuals for his expertise on birds. He is still active as a member of the local science fair board, maintaining his popular website, Ornithology.com, and exploring the world. He has traveled to 100 countries and has been a guest speaker and naturalist on several cruise lines across the world, speaking on ecology, natural history, and geology. 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:
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 20 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:
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Chad MackieChad Mackie is an Environmental Scientist with California State Parks. He is excited to share his 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:
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:
Jan MartinezJan Martinez is an active member of the Altacal Audubon Society. She has taken part in the Chico and Oroville Christmas Bird Count and Grebe counts on Lake Almanor. She enjoys birding and hiking in the Northstate and plans to expand her "birding horizons" in the future. Events:
Greg MassaRaquel Krach and Greg Massa are the owner-operators of Massa Organics, an integrated, diversified, family farm located along the Sacramento River in Glenn and Colusa Counties. They use regenerative farming practices to grow rice, almonds, mandarins and lamb. In place of chemical inputs, the farm uses crop rotation, plants multispecies cover crops, applies compost, encourages native vegetation in non-cultivated areas and integrates their flock of Dorper sheep in order to increase biodiversity, improve soil health, conserve water and reduce pest and weed pressure. As part of ongoing research projects, Massa Organics has learned that their almonds contain more nutrients than conventional nuts and that their methods of rice production are "carbon-negative". In addition to farming, Raquel works with the Chico State Center for Regenerative Agriculture as a research project manager and student advisor and Greg enjoys building the iNaturalist portfolio of the plants and critters that call the farm home. In addition to farming, Raquel works with the Chico State Center for Regenerative Agriculture as a research project manager and student advisor and Greg enjoys building the iNaturalist portfolio of the plants and critters that call the farm home. Events:
Clark MastersClark has been in the industry as a cemeterian and a funeral director for the past 17+ years. He became particularly interested in the historical significance of Chico Cemetery and it's residents as it became clear that there is a wealth of history contained in the records regarding the notables we have in our care. Clark has made it his mission to speak with families and learn their stories so that their memories will continue on as he shares them with others. The tours are entertaining, and he enjoys seeing people react as they learn more about the people that helped make Chico what it is today. 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:
Gary MoellerGary Moeller is an avid birder and has been with Altacal for 6 Years. 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 SocietyThe Nature Sounds Society is a world-wide organization whose principal purpose is to encourage the preservation, appreciation and creative use of natural sounds. The Society promotes education in the technological, scientific and aesthetic aspects of nature sounds through its programs and a diverse network of contacts. People concerned with natural sound and natural quiet include biologists, museum professionals, park rangers, birders, conservationists, sound designers, musicians, artists, radio producers and many more. 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:
Sharon PerrySharon Perry has worked for mny years as an environmental educator. She is currently the chair of the Nature Sounds Society. Events:
Mary Jean (Corky) QuirkCorky Quirk is the founder of NorCal Bats, an organization that provides care for injured bats and educational programs for libraries, school, nature programs, fairs and other events throughout the region. Corky has been working intensely with native bats since 2005 and has educated thousands of people. She works with injured and orphaned bats, returning them to the wild and keeps a captive colony of non-releasable bats for use in education. She is permitted through the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife and the USDA. Corky also is responsible for maintaining www.norcalbats.org. Events:
Carla ResnickCarla Resnick is an avid birder and quilter based in Chico. She has participated in Christmas Bird Counts in Chico and Oroville, and enjoys volunteering for AltaCal. Events:
Joan RobinsJoan Robins has been a wildlife and nature photographer for over thirty years, traveling the world and exploring the nooks and crannies in nearby mountains, fields, and lakes. She has photographed Bald Eagles along the Sacramento River, Bushtits and Ruby-crowned Kinglets along the paths at the Indian Fisheries, Osprey and dancing Grebes at Black Butte Lake, and Sandhill Cranes at dawn at Llano Seco. The beauty of the natural world never loses its allure and nothing delights her more than sharing this beauty with others through her photographs. Events:
Oscar RodriguezOscar Rodriguez 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 Rlandd 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 my 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:
Marilyn RoseMarilyn Rose is co-owner of Out of this World - a brick and mortar shop located in the Village of Mendocino, California - specializing in quality optics with the largest selection of binoculars and scopes in Northen California. Founded in 1988 with partner James Blackstock way back in 1988 and still going strong! Events:
John SeidJohn Seid taught elementary school children for 35 years and made it a point to teach them about the wonders of our natural world 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:
Ty ShaefferTy is a fourth-generation landowner in the Sutter Buttes. He has developed an interest in geology as well as the flora and fauna in the Buttes. Ty enjoys sharing his acquired knowledge with hikers, especially information about Native Americans, his family's footprints in the Buttes and hopefully an appreciation for the smallest mountain range in the world. 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 on natural resources conservation projects, consulting 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:
Karen L. SmithKaren L. Smith is a lifelong birder and nature lover. Five years ago, after attending the annual Snow Goose Festival, she moved to Chico from the bay area due to Chico's rich habitat of bird life and its location on the Pacific Flyway. She has traveled to Baja, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama and several locations within the United States to learn about birds. Karen currently co-leads a birding group with Newcomers Club of Chico and taught a Beginner's Birding course with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU, Chico. She enjoys teaching new birders how to identify and appreciate the birds around them. 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 Bird Alliance (Audubon Society), and the Northern California representative on the Audubon California board of directors. He is the Director of the Northern Saw-whet Owl fall migration monitoring project. 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 the 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 are the most interesting to her. She birds everyday and currently surveys shorebirds for Point Blue, is the compiler for both Mineral and Red Bluff Christmas Bird Counts, participates in many more and is a California County Birder. Michele is an avid eBird user and is getting close to submitting a checklist everyday for six years straight. Tehama County is where she calls home and she knows the birds in her county very well. Events:
Bryan TaylorBryan Taylor is a California State Parks Peace Officer. He is excited to share his 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:
Charlie ThieriotCharlie Thieriot is a sixth generation owner of Rancho Llano Seco and the CEO of Llano Seco Meats. He is an avid conservationist, hunter and fisherman. He is on the board of the Northern California Water Association and Reclamation District 2106. He is a member of NCWA's Conservation Task Force working to deepen communication, understanding and common goals between farmers and conservation groups in Northern California. 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:
Pamela WaldsmithPamela is passionate about the natural world, photography, birding, hiking and pickleball. Having been an avid educator for 35 years, she enjoys sharing her interests by leading hikes and birding trips. Events:
Bruce Webb, Swarovski Optik Field TechWhen 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:
Liz WebsterLiz Webster is a long-time festival volunteer has been a student of ornithology since childhood. She is a long time AltaCal member and co-leads field trips in Butte County since retiring in 2018. She has participated in local Christmas Bird Counts sharing her passion for birding with others. Liz enjoys watching birds everywhere during her travels as well in her backyard in Chico. 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:
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: Lindsay WoodLindsay Wood has led ecotours and backcountry trips throughout the Northstate for the past 13 years. A wildlife ecologist by training, Lindsay has conducted fisheries, avian, and herptile research throughout the Sacramento River Watershed. Lindsay comes to us with a strong background in conservation ecology, outdoor education, and water policy. Lindsay graduated from Chico State's Biological Science program after spending her undergraduate years leading the Hands on Science Lab, surveying the Western Pond Turtle, and studying rainforest conservation at her (other) beloved alma mater, the Universidad de Costa Rica. As a biologist for various studies and projects, Lindsay has been involved with several species level conservation studies including the Greater Sage Grouse, Aechmophorus grebes, Steelhead, Chinook salmon. She currently serves on the Butte County Forest Advisory Committee representing the watersheds of Plumas and Lassen National Forests. Events:
Mary WrysinskiMary Wrysinski is a retired accountant, a Butte County Master Gardener, and a member of the Altacal Audubon Society. She began birding in 2008 and has been a member of the Snow Goose Festival steering committee since 2009. 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:
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