2025 liability waiver info:
California Native Plant Society requires all field trip participants to sign an annual waiver of liability. Once signed, you will be covered for all events in 2025. Thank you!
- Shasta Chapter CNPS’s 2025 waiver can be signed here: WaiverSign.
Please join us for the following field trips, co-hosted by Shasta Chapter CNPS and Shasta Environmental Alliance (SEA).
Sloppy Joe: Spring Edition!
Sunday, April 13, 9 AM to noon
- Join SEA hike leader Juliet Malik for a spring hike on one of Redding’s newest trails. We will walk a different route than the one we took on the November trip and explore the bounty of spring green and blooms along the seasonal creek before winding our way up the ridge through the oak woodland to note emerging understory wildflowers. Along with spring plant growth comes, of course, all the wildlife that depend on it! We will keep our eyes and ears open for the many birds, butterflies, bees, frogs, and other critters inhabiting this beautiful place. This trip will cover about 3 to 3.5 miles round trip and take about 2 to 3 hours. Stream crossings now have sturdy bridges, but if there has been recent rainfall, the trail may truly be “sloppy,” so wear appropriate shoes. Some sections are steep, rocky, and uneven, so good balance is required, and poles are always a good idea. And, of course, remember sunscreen and water and a snack if you desire. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the trail, but keep in mind they might scare away birds and other sensitive wildlife. To participate, please sign up via this form so we can contact you if there is a change in plans. The meeting location will be sent once you fill out the form. Contact juliet@ecoshasta.org with any questions.
City Nature Challenge Bioblitz Walks
Saturday & Sunday, April 26 & 27
- Shasta Environmental Alliance hike leader Juliet Malik is excited to co-host two iNaturalist Bioblitz walks with local naturalist/birdwatcher Ross Schaefer for the Shasta County City Nature Challenge event between April 25 and April 28. A bioblitz is a community science activity defined as “a communal effort to record as many species within a designated location and time period as possible.” Scientists all over the world use this data for research and conservation. This is the first time Shasta County has had an official project for the City Nature Challenge since its inception in 2016. If you are asking if this is something you can do, the answer is yes! To participate:
- Join one or both of the events (listed below) by clicking “the form” link and be sure to sign the waivers. (Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.)
- Download the iNaturalist app on your mobile device, create an account, and familiarize yourself with how it works. Check out this page for tutorials.
- Bring a camera—a cell phone works great and makes uploading observations easy. Cameras with telephoto lenses are great for capturing birds.
Whiskeytown National Recreational Area
Saturday, April 26, 9 AM to 1 PM
- During this first bioblitz walk, participants will be guided on two or more short trail sections to observe the incredible biodiversity of this locally treasured park. Stay tuned for more information and details! We estimate that this event will last about 4 hours, including travel and a brief snack/lunch break. Be prepared to walk on potentially steep, uneven, rocky, and/or muddy trails. Bring water, sunscreen, and a snack or lunch. Please leave dogs at home as they might scare away potential wildlife observations. To participate, please sign up using this form so we can contact you with updates or any change in plans. The meeting location will be sent once you fill out the form. Contact juliet@ecoshasta.org with any questions.
Sacramento River Southside Trail
Sunday, April 27, 9 to 11 AM
- This second bioblitz walk will follow the easily accessed paved trail on the south side of the Sacramento River and will highlight the abundant biodiversity that can exist in an urban environment. A previous bioblitz walk on this trail yielded numerous observations of native plants, fungi, birds, insects, reptiles, and arachnids. There is much to observe on this popular trail, and participants will surely not be disappointed. Bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Dogs OK on leash if you pick up after them. To participate, please sign up via this form so we can contact you with updates or any change in plans. The meeting location will be sent once you fill out the form. Contact juliet@ecoshasta.org with any questions.
Waivers and sign-ups are required for all outings. For more information about the above field trips, please contact me at david@ecoshasta.org. ~David Ledger
Photo by David Ledger, taken May 3, 2023.