We are pleased to announce Yolo Basin Foundation’s Explorer Series for the 2023 season!
Explorer Series events are fundraising activities whose proceeds support environmental education programs for people of all ages, that are offered by Yolo Basin Foundation.
Explorer Series programs are 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 in their field, and other leaders who enjoy sharing their talents and knowledge with others.
This year there are three exciting Explorer Series events to choose from, two of which have concluded. We hope you find something that you enjoy. These programs fill quickly and are on a first-come first-served basis, so register soon.
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Stargazing with the Davis Astronomy Club
Saturday, June 24, 2023
7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
$125 (benefits Yolo Basin Foundation)
REGISTRATION CLOSES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21 at 12:00 p.m., or when full.
Enjoy a stargazing tour of the night sky out in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area with backyard 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 and seas, and the setting planets, dazzling Venus and reddish Mars. We will also look at the setting sun through telescopes equipped with solar filters. 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 the 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.
Special Note
The astronomers will bring telescopes, star charts and other items that will make the night enjoyable. You are welcome to bring any personal stargazing equipment you have such as a red flashlight or lantern, star charts, telescopes, and binoculars.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations prior to two weeks before the event will be refunded minus a $10 administration fee. The last day to cancel for a refund is Saturday, June 10, 2022. No refunds will be issued for cancellations on or after Monday, June 12, 2022. 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 the event must be cancelled by Yolo Basin Foundation for any reason, a full refund will be issued. To register for the event, please click on the button below. If you have questions, contact Pam Emery, Development Coordinator, at pemery@yolobasin.org or (530) 757-3780.
Beginner Bird Carving Workshop with Pacific Flyway Decoy Association
Saturday, September 9, 2023
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
$150 (benefits Yolo Basin Foundation)
REGISTRATION CLOSES MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2023 at 12:00pm, or when full
Enjoy a unique experience creating your own hand carved, life-size Semi-Palmated Plover, a small, compact shorebird with a short, stubby bill, a round head, and large eyes. You will be introduced to the art of bird carving and guided through the woodcarving process by three expert wood carvers from the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association. After a day of using hand and power tools, participants will leave with a Semi-Palmated Plover that they can then paint on their own. “The Concepts of Woodcarving” will be used as a reference.
The small-group setting will provide participants with the attention needed to be successful with their project. This workshop is intended for beginners, but those with all levels of experience may participate.
The workshop will take place at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Headquarters in Davis, California and will include lunch.
Instructor Biographies
Jim Burcio: Jim graduated from Humbolt State University with a degree in Wildlife Management and Biology. He has actively carved wildfowl since 1974, competed nationally and has judged major carving shows. He has been a featured carver at many places including the Academy of Arts and Sciences in San Francisco and the Lynn House Museum in Antioch, CA. For the past 30 years, Jim has been the lead instructor for the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association’s wildfowl carving seminars.
Bob Solari: Bob has been carving and sculpturing birds from wood since 1975. He has won numerous first place awards in carving competitions, and his work had been displayed in numerous museums and galleries. He is an Honorary Life Member of the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association, and currently serves as Vice President. He is an active instructor, competitor, and is a judge in the Association’s wildlife art show.
Ken Nelson: Ken has been actively carving for 10 years and has participated in many seminars, first as a student and now as an instructor. He has worked with and learned from several Master Carvers and competes annually at the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association’s Wildlife Art Show. Currently, he is the President and Auction Chairperson for the Association.
What to Bring
Safety Glasses: During the workshop, participants will be using hand and power tools with the guidance of master carvers from the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association. Safety glasses will be provided; however, it is recommended that participants bring their own.
Clothing: Participants will be sitting for long periods of time and moving about the room. Wear comfortable clothing that can tolerate wood chips and sawdust.
Food
Lunch will be provided. There will be vegetarian and gluten-free options. Participants with specific dietary restrictions should bring their own food.
Pacific Flyway Decoy Association Membership
This workshop includes a one-year membership in the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art association dedicated to the preservation or wildfowl art through education. To learn more about the association, visit pacificflyway.org.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations prior to two weeks before the event will be refunded minus a $10 administration fee. The last day to cancel for a refund is Saturday, August 26, 2023. No refunds will be issued for cancellations on or after Sunday, August 27, 2023. 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 registration fees will be noted as a donation. If the event must be cancelled by Yolo Basin Foundation for any reason, a full refund will be issued.
To register for the event, please click on the button below. If you have questions, contact Pam Emery, Development Coordinator, at pemery@yolobasin.org or (530) 757-3780.