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: Lundberg Family Farms Bird Tour & Welcome Reception
$35 Adult; $25 Youth
Thursday, Jan 26, 2023 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Meet at Lundberg Family Farms (Map)
Mostly birding by car and/or easy walking
Description
Join Lundberg Family Farms for a mapped bird tour of working lands including private viewing/photography points not normally accessible to the public, followed by a reception at the Lundberg headquarters featuring speakers from Audubon's Conservation Ranching Program, Center for Land-Based Learning, and Sand Point Wine who will present on creating and supporting habitat for birds across California.
Your registration includes the viewing area map (driving tour with walking options at selected stops) and the reception including a glass of wine/beer, snacks, speakers, and live music. A no-host bar and food truck featuring bird-friendly selections will also be available at this kick off to the festival weekend that will benefit the Center for Land Based Learning. For those interested in a guided tour hosted by Audubon, please arrive at the tractor in front Lundberg's ready to caravan at 2 pm, otherwise you may use the map to view at your leisure between 2 pm - 5 pm.
The reception will begin at 5 pm.
Space is limited.
Field Trip Leaders
Jessica Lundberg
Jessica Lundberg is a member of the Lundberg family's third generation and is a current member of the Board of Directors. She has worked at the company for 20+ years with her last role as a Vice President in the company, overseeing Human Resources, sustainability initiatives, business planning, and the Seed and Field Research Nursery departments. She has also overseen Quality Assurance, Safety, Administrative Support, and worked on projects constructing the administrative office, designing and building the greenhouse complex, installation of facility solar arrays, and identifying organic alternatives for pest management. A pre-med student in college, Jessica's interests in science, business, ecology and agriculture inevitably drew her back to the farm, where in addition to organic rice, she cultivates the bedrock values of respecting the land, building for the future while honoring tradition, and producing the highest quality products. She holds a degree in Biology with a certificate in Plant Breeding and serves on multiple industry committees for rice, agriculture, and organic products. In addition, she is owner and managing partner of an organic farming enterprise with her siblings and serves as a member on the Board for the Center for Land Based Learning
Jessica Lundberg's Events
- Lundberg Family Farms Bird Tour & Welcome Reception (1/26/2023)
- Lundberg Family Farms (1/29/2023)
Jeanne Wirka, Center for Land-Based Learning
Ecologist Jeanne Wirka is an ecologist, field instructor and nature writer with over 25 years of experience in conservation science, ecological restoration and environmental education. She is currently heading up CLBL's new Farm and Climate Program to develop model sites and a training program to assist growers in determining how best to sequester more atmospheric carbon on farms and ranches. As the project ecologist for Audubon-
California's Landowner Stewardship program from 1998-2005, she partnered with CLBL youth programs on habitat restoration projects on farms and ranches in Yolo County. As the resident biologist at Sonoma County's Bouverie Preserve from 2005-2018, she taught field courses in plant ecology, wildflower identification, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, fungi, fire ecology and ecological principles. As an ecological consultant in 2018 to 2021, she coordinated a multi-agency partnership to increase the pace and scale of prescribed burning and fuel reduction in Sonoma County. She has a master's degree in Ecology from U.C. Davis and a B.A. from Harvard University.
Jeanne Wirka, Center for Land-Based Learning's Events
Matt Allshouse
Matt Allshouse came to Audubon California from Wyoming and has been the Conservation Ranching Program Manager for over 3 years. As a rangeland ecologist, he has 15 years of experience associated with agriculture, land policy, management, and science. Previously, Matt served as Ranch Manager for Antelope Springs Land and Cattle in Wyoming, as a Biologist for the Peregrine Fund in Belize and Guatemala directing conservation field research, and as Ecologist with the consulting firm Trihydro Corporation focusing on restoration ecology. Matt has a passion for both wild places and working lands and brings his binoculars everywhere he goes.
Matt Allshouse's Events
Ian Souza-Cole
Ian Souza-Cole is a Senior Coordinator for Working Lands with Audubon California. His work with Audubon focuses on implementing alternative management practices of Central Valley wetlands and agricultural operations to provide multiple benefits for people and birds. He also is involved with Audubon's Tricolored Blackbird conservation efforts. Ian joined Audubon last year after completing his Master's at the University of Illinois. Originally from Woodland, Ian has long been interested in conserving wildlife in the Central Valley and worked for two years as a biological technician in the region.
Ian Souza-Cole's Events