The stewards of Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve are inviting people to experience the canyon in the morning and at dusk and in the dark of night. On winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. And even in the rain.

Nature outings at all these times are among those planned this fall and winter at the 638-acre reserve, managed by UC Davis as part of the UC Natural Reserve System. Stebbins Cold Canyon is at the southeastern tip of Lake Berryessa off Highway 128 west of Winters. The drive from Davis is about 45 minutes.

Outings and Nature's Theater programs for children are free and open to the public. But be advised that activities fill up fast, so respond quickly if you are interested, said Jeff Falyn, coordinator.

NATURE OUTINGS

Music, Friends and Cold Canyon -- 4-7 p.m. Oct. 11. A hike to the old homestead for a program of plays and songs inspired by the quiet time of dusk. Gradual hike (with steps); about three miles round trip.

Basic Botany as a Way to ID Plants -- 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 25. An easy hike with instruction in basic plant anatomy to help in identifying major plant families.

Botanical Drawing -- 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A step-by-step process to draw what you see at the reserve. No experience necessary. All materials provided.

Nocturnal Happenings -- 5-7 p.m. Nov. 8. What sort of things go bump in the night? A walk for children ages 8 through 12, and adults.

Photography and Nature: Take Only Photos, Leave Only Footprints -- 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 15. Bring a camera -- film or digital -- and a sense of wonder.

Loop Trail: What Are You Thankful For -- 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 29. Annual day-after Thanksgiving hike. Five miles with a 1,200-foot elevation gain (with many steps), offering distinctive changes in plant communities and breathtaking views (including waterfalls after a rain). Bring sturdy shoes, a snack and at least a liter of water.

Animal Tracking -- 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 6 at Lake Solano (meet in the day-use parking lot).

A Hike in the Rain -- 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 13. See how nature copes on a rainy day along the Homestead Trail. Organizers said the hike will be postponed in the event of sunshine.

Winter Solstice: Renewal -- 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 21. Traverse the canyon on the shortest day of the year.

NATURE'S THEATER

Birdman -- 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 18. For ages 4-8.

World of the Small -- 10-noon Oct. 26. For ages 6-10.

Summer Won't Go -- 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 1. For ages 4-8.

To Be a Tree -- 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 2. For ages 4-8.

Naming Day -- 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 16. For ages 6-10.

All activities are free and open to the public. Activities fill up fast; reservations are required. E-mail Jeff Falyn, jfalyn@ucdavis.edu, with your name, address, event date, and phone number and-or e-mail address, and indicate whether you need directions. More information.