Field Trip Leader Bios
Read all the biographies here.
A special note about Field Trips
Please arrive at the location indicated 20 minutes prior to your scheduled event. This will allow us time to check you in and ensure the trip leaves promptly. We ask that you follow your field trip leader from the meeting location to the final destination. Anyone arriving after the field trip leader has left may not be able to join the group. Walk-in registration may be available for some events during the weekend of the Festival.
Weather may change a trip's itinerary, but most trips will be conducted rain or shine. The weather in the valley during January is variable. It is generally cold and sometimes rainy, with daytime highs ranging from 50F to 65F.
Be sure to bring the following on your field trips: rain gear, waterproof footwear, layered clothing, binoculars, camera, field identification guide, water and snack or lunch as needed. Please also check out the Tips & Etiquette below to help you enjoy your day to the fullest.
Tips & Etiquette for Bird Watchers
To make your trip more enjoyable for yourself and others, we ask you to please use these following etiquette tips:
- Wear clothing suitable for the weather and area you'll be hiking in. It's practical to layer clothing to accommodate fluctuations in temperature. Wear comfortable shoes that have a good grip and are waterproof when necessary. You may want to take sunscreen, a hat or rain gear.
- Bring binoculars or a scope for a better viewing experience.
- Bring water on long outings to stay hydrated.
- Bring a Field Guide if you are interested in learning more about the birds you see. If you are a beginning birder, look for a guide that specializes in birds of northern California.
- Be courteous to other explorers. Stay with your group and pay attention to your trip leader. Walk quietly and slowly. Do not disrupt animals or damage their habitats (breaking branches, trampling vegetation). Turn off cell phones or other electronic devices. If you are taking children with you, explain to them proper etiquette before the trip. Always behave in a manner that will enhance the image of the birding communities in the eyes of the public.
- Tune up your senses and listen carefully. Scan the horizon and tree canopies. Look to the ground for prints, feathers and other traces of wildlife. Please remove litter and leave natural items where they belong. This will keep it enjoyable for others when they visit.
- No dogs or pets allowed on any Snow Goose Festival event, workshop, or program. Please leave Fido with friends or family and not in the car during a field trip.
Field Trip: Paddle the North Forebay
$60 Adult; $35 Youth
Friday, Jan 24, 2025 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Meet at Forebay Aquatic Center (Map)
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat
Description
Participants will meet trip leaders at the North Forebay Aquatic Center (FAC), at 12:00pm, and be on the water from 12:30 to 2:00pm, with experienced guides who are familiar with the diverse local wildlife. This trip will educate flat-water boaters on safe boating practices and the ecology of the area and will also include a short walking tour of the Forebay habitat. There are 15 seats available in either a single or tandem sit-on-top kayak or stand-up paddle board. Participants will be provided with all equipment and fundamental paddling instruction. This trip has access to the non-motorized areas of the Forebay and is a low impact way to view the wildlife and migratory waterfowl prominent during this time of year. Appropriate for ages 8 and up. The Forebay Aquatic Center (FAC), is a facility in a State Park Recreation Area, that supports recreation throughout the Thermalito complex and the Feather River Watershed. No need to stop and pay the State Park entrance fee, it's included in the price; keep left after the entrance kiosk and park near the big metal building. Wear warm and waterproof clothing; bring camera and binoculars.A paddle field trip is also offered on Saturday 10:00 pm - 2:00pm at the Thermalito Afterbay. RAIN CANCELS
Field Trip Leaders
Brad Cooke
Brad 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.
Brad Cooke's Events
- Paddle the North Forebay (1/24/2025)
- Paddle the Thermalito Afterbay (1/25/2025)
Dave Garcia
Dave 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.
Dave Garcia's Events
- Paddle the North Forebay (1/24/2025)
Calvin Hamilton
Calvin 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.
Calvin Hamilton's Events
- Paddle the North Forebay (1/24/2025)