Bird House Days:

March 1 and 29

Sunday, March 1, is the day of Pee Wee's annual bird walk at Spring Lake. Naturalists John Klobas and Jim Kirk will will help us identify wintering birds and learn what birds are likely to nest here in the spring. We'll also check the bird houses we put out last year, and choose sites for some new ones. At the end of the program, each family will be given a bird house kit to be assembled at home.

The completed bird house can be put up in your own back yard, or you can bring it back and put it up at Spring Lake on March 29. John and Jim will join us again that day, to help set out the new bird houses and give us tips on attracting the birds we want and protecting them from predators.

Both programs will begin at 10:00 AM and end around 1:00 PM. Bring binoculars if you have them, and a picnic lunch. Meet at Spring Lake (Channel Drive entrance) parking lot below the Visitor's Center, between the Lake and the swimming lagoon. There is a park day-use fee. Be sure to call Elham at 573-1783 to reserve your place and a bird box for your family.

April 4: Wildflowers at the Van Hoosear Ranch
On Saturday, April 4, from 10 AM to 1 PM, plant ecologist Peter Warner will lead us on an exploration of the world of flowers at the beautiful Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve in the hills west of Sonoma. In addition to identifying and admiring the countless varieties of wildflowers that enrich our valley each spring, Peter will help answer such questions as why flowers have color and what a flower's shape can tell us about the creature that pollinates it.

After the walk we will picnic on the grounds. The fields will be extra muddy this year so rain boots are advised. For reservations call Elham at 573-7183. For questions about directions or last minute weather advisory call Carol at 938-2899.

Directions: From eastside Santa Rosa take Highway 12 south to Glen Ellen. Turn right on Arnold Drive and follow it south for about 5 miles to Grove Street. Turn right and follow Grove about 11/2 miles west. Pass the Westerbeke Ranch on the right, then take the next left on a dirt road about 100 yards further on. Follow the road over a bridge and to the left through the woods to the parking area, where we will meet.

From Petaluma and west county: Take 101 south to Highway 116 east. Turn left under the freeway and take 116 (Lakeville Highway) to Frates Road. Turn left, then go straight at stop sign, where you will be on Adobe Road. Follow it over Stagegulch Pass and as you come down from the hills turn left on Watmaugh Drive. At the next traffic light turn left onto Arnold Drive. At the fourth traffic light turn left onto Grove Street and follow above directions to the Preserve.