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: Riparian Forests with River Partners
$30 Adult; $20 Youth
Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Meet at Patrick Ranch - Pat's Barn (Map)
Walking, could involve distance but largely flat
Description
Birds and wildlife are right at home in restored riparian areas along the Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. Join River Partners' biologists as you visit three habitat restoration sites of varying ages, all within a short drive from Chico. During this trip, you'll learn about the project's history and how restored native habitat is essential to birds, wildlife, and flood protection for surrounding communities. We will be hiking around two "Pine Creek Access" sites with possible sightings including Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, and White-throated Sparrow. Bring snacks, water, and binoculars. Carpooling strongly encouraged.
Field Trip Leaders
Holly Ferrara
Holly 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.
Holly Ferrara's Events
- Riparian Forests with River Partners (1/22/2026)
Jeremy Dustin
Jeremy 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.
Jeremy Dustin's Events
- Riparian Forests with River Partners (1/22/2026)