!! New Date !! February Regional Nature Journal Club Field Trip @ Cosumnes River

** Alert as of Thu Jan 31 **

Due to the possibility of the preserve closure due to weather, this meetup has been rescheduled for Sun Feb 16.
~ Kate
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Join the SF Bay Area Nature Journal Club for a field trip to the Sacramento Valley in Northern California to explore the the active bird life and the beautiful wetlands of the Cosumnes River Preserve!

Come journal the active bird life and the beautiful wetlands, wander verdant paths along the riverway where thick mosses and fungi are in prime form, or settle on a bench and journal birds in the open wetlands. The visitor center offers informative displays and a wide covered porch if that's your vibe.

We'll meet at 10am at the Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor’s Center and explore wetland paths through the morning. Mid-day we'll break for a potluck lunch and journal share. In the afternoon we'll continue at the reserve until 3:30pm, do a final journal share and closing circle, then wrap at 4pm.

Learn more about the location:
* https://www.blm.gov/visit/cosumnes-river-preserve-visitor-center
and
* https://www.cosumnes.org/

Field trip host: Kate Rutter, Regional Nature Journal Club Trip host

Weather: If rain is forecast for the day of the field trip, wear appropriate clothes/grab an umbrella and come anyway. There’s are some covered areas, and we can journal the in wet conditions! Do note that conditions may be windy, wet or cold, so dress in layers, bring a hat and plenty of water and sunscreen.
• If for any reason the weather is dangerous or if the Garden is for some reason closed, we will have to cancel, so check this Meetup site before 9am, day-of.

Transit & Parking:

• Free parking in visitor center lots.
• No public transit is close, carpooling recommended.

How to find us:
Meet at the entrance to the visitor center.
- Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mCdJQzhR7gBYzwaq9

Bring:

• Seasonally appropriate clothing / dress for variable (including CHILLY or WINDY) weather.
• Sunscreen and hat.
• Waterbottle (NO water is available onsite.)
• Nature journaling supplies.
• Potluck Lunch: Bring potluck treats to share for lunch, and bring your own bowl and spoon.
• A sense of wonder and humor.
• Anything else to make the day lovely for you: folding stool, magnifying loupe, umbrella, depending. ;)

Flow of the day:

• We'll gather together for our opening circle at 10am and do short intros and a warm-up. Then we'll head out for journaling, either in small clusters, or solo, whichever you prefer.
• We'll re-gather together at 12:30 for lunch, to share work, and to socialize. Then we'll head back out for more journaling!
• We'll meet again at 3:30 for a final closing circle and connection time, then wrap.

BONUS: Sandhill Cranes migrate to the area for the winter! As an optional add-on, you can head to Staten Island Road to watch the fly-in of vast numbers of cranes before nightfall. Though the meetup ends at 4pm, sunset will be around 5:30pm, and this is often a magical time with the cranes. Consider leaving yourself a little wiggle room in your schedule should you want to stay and sketch the wonders of the evening Sandhill Crane fly-in. Maps to Staten Island are available at the Preserve which is open limited hours on Sundays.

Good to know:

• Open to all ages and ability levels. No registration is necessary. $20 suggested donation.
• Accessibility: paved and relatively flat and accessible pathways; benches and seating.
• Bathrooms available at on site, but no potable water.

Bring friends and family!