Explore public access sites along Lower Putah Creek with interactive 360 degree photography. Walk through the virtual sites and hear what it is like to actually stand at selected locations through realistic binaural stereo audio. Visit Putah Creek online and learn about the plants and animals that call the creek corridor home, the recreation opportunities available at each location, and about the history of Putah Creek. Explore online and then come discover Putah Creek in person!
The filming was done over 6 days at the public access sites along the creek by a custom computer driven camera that can be remote controlled to take panoramic images. The audio is recorded by using miniature microphones from the live-theatre industry that are placed inside a mannequin head to recreate sound as though you were standing at the site.
The Putah Creek Council partnered with Dennis Blakey from Listening to Nature to create the online Putah Creek Exploration Book. Dennis has a background in animation and graphics. Dennis has also created explorer books for the Department of Water Resources at the Feather River Fish Hatchery (Feather River Fish Hatchery Book) and for the West Sacramento Historical Society Museum and Visitor's Center (Historical Society Book).
The Putah Creek Exploration Book was funded through a grant from the CALFED Bay-Delta Authority.
Explore the natural beauty of Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve through interactive and experiential nature outings.
In addition to Stebbins Cold Canyon, outings will take place at Lake Solano, Bobcat Ranch, the Cahill Property, and the Sagehen Creek Field Station.
Look at Nature’s Theater for Kid’s Events! Theme-based outings enable children to explore and learn in and about the environment.
Outings are offered free of charge (except for the overnighter). Please RSVP for each outing you are interested in attending.
Note: Participants for the Kayak, Geology, and Sagehen outings will be selected at random from the list of RSVP’s for each event. This allows those who learn about the outings later to still have a chance to attend.
RSVP via e-mail: jfalyn@ucdavis.edu. Include your name, address, presentation date, phone number and/or e-mail address. Also, indicate whether you need directions.
A full listing of outings and a downloadable version is available by clicking on the title link.
02/12/08
The Stebbins Cold Canyon Presentation & Hike program provides opportunities to explore the natural beauty and scientific importance of the Reserve and the surrounding ecosystem.
Presentations are offered free of charge. Please RSVP for each outing you are interested in attending. Most outings have a limit of 15 people.
RSVP via e-mail: jfalyn@ucdavis.edu Please include your name, presentation date, phone number and/or e-mail address. Also, indicate whether you need directions or would like to arrange a carpool.
Hike Schedule
BOTANICAL DRAWING
Sunday, October 21st 10-1pm
Have you ever wanted to draw but thought it beyond your skill? This presentation goes through the step by step process of drawing what you see. No experience necessary. All drawing materials are provided.
Guides: Ruth Williams
BASIC BOTANY--As a way to ID Plants
Sunday, October 28th 10-1pm
Learn about the basic characteristics of plant anatomy that are the clues to identifying major plant families. With this skill you might be surprised how many plants and wildflowers you can identify at the reserve and at home in your own backyard.
Guide: Barbara Byrne
STORYTELLING FOR KIDS
Sunday, November 4th, 10-Noon
Children explore the canyon while participating in a story about the plants and animals. Curious? You’ll have to turn the page of the book (sign up) to find out more. For children 4-8.
Guide: Lyndsay Dawkins, et, al
PRESERVE THE RESERVE Saturday, November 10th 11-2pm
Several times a year those willing to give back and care for the reserve get together and make a difference. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in a project that keeps the reserve running smoothly for all to enjoy. The focus of this outing will probably be (depending on weather) checking water bars and adding new ones.
Guide: Shane Waddell (UC Davis Reserve Land Steward)
LEARNING TOGETHER Sunday, November 11th, 10-1pm
Parents and children learn about natural history on an interactive (and fun) outing presented by ranger Mike McGraw. For children ages 6 through 12.
Guide: Mike McGraw (Lead Interpretive Ranger from Lake Berryessa)
LOOP TRAIL--(What are you thankful for?) Saturday, November 24th 9-1:00pm
A Saturday hike after Thanksgiving with an opportunity to reflect on being thankful. Please note: The loop trail is 5 miles of ups and downs. There is a 1500’ elevation gain (with many steps), a distinctive change in plant communities and breathtaking views in all directions—look for the waterfalls after a rain. Bring: Sturdy shoes, at least a liter of water and a snack.
Guide: Stephen McCord
ANIMAL TRACKING (at Lake Solano) Saturday, December 8th 9-Noon
With people hiking all around the lake the animals mostly stay out of sight. But the animals are there or were there—we see their footprints, scat and other signs. Experienced tracker, Sean Clemenza, offers ways to identify animals by the evidence they leave behind. Note: This outing meets in the day use parking lot at Lake Solano.
Guide: Sean Clemenza
WINTER SOLSTICE(The leap from Winter to Spring) Saturday, December 22nd 10-1pm
On this outing, the group traverses the canyon and experiences the reserve on the shortest day of the year. The winter solstice is a time for reflection and optimism as the dark days of winter slowly give way to rebirth and renewal. The focus of this hike is to experience the reserve in winter and then several months later compare the reserve on a hike in spring (date to be announced).
