We are very excited to announce the return of Explorer Series for the 2022 season!
Explorer Series is a program of science-based field trips and hands-on workshops for adults who want to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the world around them. Our guest hosts include experienced naturalists, professionals and leaders in their field who enjoy sharing their talents and knowledge with others.
Proceeds support environmental education programs for all ages that are offered by Yolo Basin Foundation.
Explorer Series: Mushrooms at Point Reyes National Seashore with UC Davis Emeritus Professor Mike Davis
Thank you to Mike and all of those who participated!
Mushroom Identification Workshop
Saturday, February 5, 2022
Explorer Series: Online Workshop & Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Photography Tour with Lewis Kemper (Hybrid Event)
Thank you to Lewis and all those who attended!
Session I: Online Photography Workshop (Virtual)
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Session II: Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Photography Tour (In Person)
Sunday, March 6, 2022
Explorer Series: North Table Mountain Wildflower Excursion with Charlie Russell
Thank you to Charlie and all of the participants!
North Table Mountain Wildflower Excursion
Tuesday, March 29
Explorer Series: Natural History of the Sutter Buttes with Sacramento State Emeritus Professor Gene Trapp
Thank you to everyone who participated and all those who helped with the hike!
Sutter Buttes Natural History Hike
Saturday, April 9
Explorer Series: Nature Printing Workshop with Chris Dewees
Nature Printing Workshop
Saturday, May 21, 2022
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$175
REGISTRATION CLOSES WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 at 12:00 p.m.
Join world renowned artist Chris Dewees for a hands-on workshop as he teaches Japanese fish printing, or gyotaku, technique. This art form uses inks that are applied directly to the fish and then hand-transferred onto paper or fabric. The class will begin with introductions, followed by printing demonstrations. Light hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided. Throughout the workshop, Chris will work with each participant individually and in small groups to hone your skills. By the end of the day, participants will have a stack of finished prints to take home as well as the knowledge to continue a solo practice.
Chris Dewees has focused on gyotaku since 1968, and is a co-founder of the Nature Printing Society. He has gained worldwide recognition for his talents with shows all over the world, and enjoys teaching others this Japanese art. His modern take on the art form blends his knowledge of fisheries and ecology to document the life histories of fish species. His works have been featured at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the California Academy of Sciences. For more information about Chris, visit deweesnaturedesigns.com.
What to Bring:
All materials, including brushes, papers, inks and a copy of “The Printer’s Catch” by Chris Dewees will be provided. Wear clothing that can tolerate possible stains from ink and fish. Feel free to bring along any light-colored fabric (t-shirts, blouses, dish towels, bags, silk etc.) or special papers you would like to try. If you have a special fish, shellfish or plant you would like to print, feel free to bring them! Consider bringing along a tube or portfolio to transport your prints home safely. Tweezers and scissors are optional, but are helpful tools.
COVID Event Safety Information:
We are taking safety at our event seriously and have taken the following precautions: As this event is indoors, masks will be required for all participants for the duration of the event; we have reduced the maximum capacity to allow for greater physical distancing. Attendees must be fully vaccinated or have a negative test within 48 hours to attend and Yolo Basin Foundation staff and volunteers will be fully vaccinated to ensure additional protection of guests. We thank you for your patience and flexibility!
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations prior to two weeks before the event will be fully refunded minus a $10 administration fee. The last day to cancel with a full refund is on Friday, May 6. No refunds will be issued for cancellations on or after Saturday, May 7. If you are unable to attend and you have missed the refund window, you may transfer your ticket to another person with prior notification to Yolo Basin Foundation. Otherwise, your contribution will be noted as a donation.
Explorer Series: Hawks of Summer with Jim Estep
Hawks of Summer
Saturday, June 18, 2022
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$175
REGISTRATION CLOSES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15 at 12:00 p.m.
Join wildlife biologist Jim Estep on a driving tour of Yolo County to observe the Swainson’s Hawk and other raptor species. Swainson’s Hawk is listed as a threatened species in California and is entitled to protections from both state and federal law. The California population numbers around 2,500 breeding pairs, with breeding concentrated in Yolo, Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties. The day will begin at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters after light morning refreshments of pastries and coffee. During the tour, participants will caravan to various locations in Yolo County to view and identify nesting raptors. This trip is perfect for all levels of hawk enthusiasts.
Jim Estep is a wildlife biologist who has been working with Swainson’s Hawks for over 35 years. He has done research on various aspects of the species’ ecology, prepared management and conservation plans, and conducted surveys throughout the Central Valley and elsewhere. He is also the Chair of the Swainson’s Hawk Technical Advisory Committee. For more information, visit https://www.swainsonshawk.org/who.html
What to Bring:
Participants must bring a fully fueled vehicle and binoculars. Snacks for the road and water are encouraged, but not required. Please dress according to the weather.
**Please note, there will be access to bathrooms before the excursion begins, but will be unavailable for a few hours during the tour.
COVID Event Safety Information:
We are taking safety at our event seriously and have taken the following precautions: Attendees must be fully vaccinated or have a negative test within 48 hours to attend and Yolo Basin Foundation staff and volunteers will be fully vaccinated to ensure additional protection of guests. We thank you for your patience and flexibility!
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations prior to two weeks before the event will be fully refunded minus a $10 administration fee. The last day to cancel with a full refund is on Friday, June 3. No refunds will be issued for cancellations on or after Saturday, June 4. If you are unable to attend and you have missed the refund window, you may transfer your ticket to another person with prior notification to Yolo Basin Foundation. Otherwise, your contribution will be noted as a donation.
Explorer Series: Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Stargazing with Davis Astronomy Club
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Stargazing
Saturday, August 6, 2022
7:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
$125
REGISTER
REGISTRATION CLOSES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 at 12:00pm
Enjoy a stargazing tour of the night sky out in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area with amateur astronomers from the Davis Astronomy Club. This will be a captivating tour of the night sky and will include viewings of constellations, star clusters, galaxies, and some unusually colored stars! Also available for viewing will be the first-quarter Moon with its stark craters, setting planet Venus and rising planet Saturn with its beautiful rings. The evening’s event will include a short talk about the major constellations and other star groupings, and an orientation of the nighttime sky. As the sun sets, the group will enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
The Davis Astronomy Club is comprised of local amateur astronomers who love to share their passion for astronomy with people of all ages. They bring astronomy events and new information to the public through lectures and stargazing parties at Explorit Science Center in Davis and outreach events in Yolo County and surrounding areas. For more information about the Davis Astronomy Club, visit www.explorit.org/astronomy-club.
Equipment Needed:
Please dress according to the weather with plenty of layers. Optional: you may bring any personal stargazing equipment you might have, including a red flashlight, star charts, telescopes or binoculars.
COVID Event Safety Information:
We are taking safety at our event seriously and have taken the following precautions, in accordance with Yolo County Guidelines: The event is all outdoors and we have reduced the maximum capacity to allow for greater physical distancing. Attendees must be fully vaccinated or have a negative test within 48 hours to attend and Yolo Basin Foundation staff and volunteers will be fully vaccinated to ensure additional protection of guests. Masks must be worn when viewing sky objects through the telescopes. We thank you for your patience and flexibility!
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations prior to two weeks before the event will be fully refunded minus a $10 administration fee. The last day to cancel with a full refund is on Friday, July 22. No refunds will be issued for cancellations on or after Saturday, July 23. If you are unable to attend and you have missed the refund window, you may transfer your ticket to another person with prior notification to Yolo Basin Foundation. Otherwise, your contribution will be noted as a donation.
If you have any questions, please contact us at (530) 757-3780.
