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
Mushroom Identification Workshop
Saturday, February 5
10 a.m. -3 p.m.
$175
REGISTRATION CLOSES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2 at 12 p.m.
Join expert mycologist Mike Davis as he teaches the intricacies of mushroom identification to fungi enthusiasts of all levels! Mushrooms are a vitally important aspect of the diverse, natural world of Point Reyes National Seashore. Mushrooms are not only key to the health of the Point Reyes ecosystem, but they also add charm and magic to the landscape. During the event, the group will learn more about the ecology of the park, search for and collect coastal mushrooms, enjoy a picnic lunch at the Bear Valley Picnic Area, and learn to identify mushrooms using the Field Guide to Mushrooms of Western North America.
Mike Davis is a UC Davis emeritus professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and a Cooperative Extension Specialist. During his career, he taught plant pathology classes as well as courses on mushroom identification, cultivation, and phylogeny. Most of his research focused on environmentally sound applications of disease management measures of fungal diseases of field crops and vegetables, including mushrooms. He has written popular articles and technical papers on mushrooms, including descriptions of several new species.
What to Bring:
Bring a basket or cloth shopping bag for transporting mushrooms, a pocket knife, paper or a notebook to keep field notes, and a pencil. Please dress according to the weather- this is a rain or shine event. To enhance this experience, you may bring fungi you have collected in your backyard to identify during the event.
COVID Event Safety Information:
We are taking safety at our event seriously and have taken the following precautions: 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. 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, January 21. No refunds will be issued for cancellations on or after Saturday, January 22. 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. This is a rain or shine event.
Explorer Series: Online Workshop & Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Photography Tour with Lewis Kemper (Hybrid Event)
Session I: Online Photography Workshop (Virtual)
Thursday, February 17
6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Session II: Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Photography Tour (In Person)
Sunday, February 20
2 p.m.- 6 p.m.
$175- Includes Both Sessions
REGISTRATION CLOSES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 at 12 p.m.
During this exciting event, join world renowned nature photographer Lewis Kemper as he provides new insights, inspiration and instruction to photographers of all levels. This is a hybrid event split between two sessions. During the first session, the group will attend an educational, virtual workshop designed to enhance your photographic skills. Topics that will be covered include the essentials of light, color, and composition.
The second, in person session will take place a few days later. After light hors d’oeuvres and drinks, the group will travel to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area to put their newfound knowledge into practice. After the second session, there will be an opportunity to present your recently captured photos for group discussion and critique in a private Facebook Group.
Lewis Kemper has a degree in Fine Art Photography from George Washington University and has been photographing the natural beauty of North America for over 30 years. His work has been exhibited and published in magazines, books, and calendars worldwide. He is a contributing editor to Outdoor Photographer magazine and a Tamron Ambassador. For more information about Lewis, visit www.lewiskemper.com.
Equipment Needed:
Session I: Internet access and Zoom software downloaded- webcam is optional.
Session II: Cameras, lenses, tripod (or other supports), cable release (if you use one), digital storage cards, filters and any other photography gear you use on a regular basis.
Optional: A Facebook account is required if you plan to share your images with the group after the event.
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. The opportunity for carpooling will be left up to the discretion of the attendees, so long as masks are worn inside the vehicle. 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 Saturday, February 5. No refunds will be issued for cancellations on or after Sunday, February 6. 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. In the event of rain, the field portion of this event will be postponed to Sunday, February 27, 2022.
Explorer Series: North Table Mountain Wildflower Excursion with Charlie Russell
North Table Mountain Wildflower Excursion
Tuesday, March 29
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
$175
REGISTRATION CLOSES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 at 12 p.m.
During this exciting event, join certified California Naturalist and photographer Charlie Russell on a wildflower excursion at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve! This area, located approximately seven miles north of Oroville, is one of the most spectacular wildflower locations in California, with over 540 different species of plants. Participants will spend the day searching for early season wildflowers in a variety of microclimates. The excursion will be approximately 4-5 miles roundtrip and a sack lunch will be provided and enjoyed along the way.
Charlie Russell is a certified California Naturalist and is a longtime enthusiast of wildflower photography. He documents his discoveries on his website and has recently begun branching out into wildlife and landscape photography. Russell is also a dedicated docent for Yolo Basin Foundation and the Jepson Prairie Preserve. For more information about Charlie, visit ibrakeforwildflowers.com.
What to Bring:
Sturdy hiking footwear is essential, as the ground is quite rocky and uneven, possibly with some muddy areas. Please dress according to the weather- this is a rain or shine event. Bring plenty of water and a backpack for carrying a sack lunch. There is limited cell reception once at the site location.
**Please note, there are bathrooms located at the beginning of the trail but they will be inaccessible for a few hours during the excursion.
COVID Event Safety Information:
We are taking safety at our event seriously and have taken the following precautions: 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. 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 Monday, March 14. No refunds will be issued for cancellations on or after Tuesday, March 15. 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. This is a rain or shine event.
If you have any questions, please contact Felicia Dunn, Development Coordinator, at fdunn@yolobasin.org or (530) 757-3780.
