Location: Departs from Sheraton Grand Sacramento (J St.)
CFE 3 / ISA CEU 3.25 / ESA CEU .86
On the first stop of this tour, participants will visit a 9,000-acre ranch where management focuses on maintaining and enhancing native blue oak woodland habitat and ecosystems On the second stop, participants will visit a valley oak restoration project at a locally important recreation area. En route the group will view regional wildfire impacts as stressors on California's oak woodlands and wineries. Discussion will focus on challenges to preserve native hardwood and woody brush cover in an area where urbanization, grazing effects, wildfire, drought, non-native invasive plants, and oak regeneration issues abound. Winetasting at a local winery will be the capstone of the afternoon, including an opportunity to taste the effects of wildfire smoke on wine.
Recommended Clothing/Gear: Appropriate for weather; close-toed shoes or boots; long pants, hat, and sunscreen suggested Walking Conditions: Soft surfaces (mulched, gravel, grass, sand) AND hard surfaces (paved, boardwalks, concrete) Hike Difficulty Grading: Easy: Suitable for anyone who enjoys walking (under 3 miles, mostly level or with a slight incline) Note: All participants are required to be of the legal drinking age (21+) as alcohol will be served on this tour.
Learning Objectives:
Discuss the extent and biodiversity of coastal oak woodland types in California and current restoration practices.
Explain the importance of the oak woodlands in California and current sustainability issues.
Observe the effects of wildfires on the coastal oak woodland type.
Reflect on the economic impact of wildfires on wine grapes, a major crop type in California.
