Among the two dozen nature adventures at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve this season is “A Celebration,” a fundraiser for the trails and the nature programs at the UC Davis-managed reserve.

The 638-acre Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, part of the UC Natural Reserve System, is at the southeastern tip of Lake Berryessa off Highway 128 west of Winters. The drive from Davis is about 45 minutes.

Jeff Falyn, who coordinates the nature programs, announced the fundraiser in fairy tale fashion — hoping for a happy ending.

“Once upon a time there was a beautiful nature spot loved by many,” he wrote in the spring calendar of events. “There was something about being outside, walking the trails and participating in a Nature Outing that inspired people to appreciate this place called Stebbins Cold Canyon.

“But then one day, budget cuts threatened to end the Nature Outings program and significantly reduce the trail maintenance.”

The story doesn’t have to end there, Falyn said. The public is invited to keep the story going, by attending the celebration that is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21.

His fairy tale announcement continued: “People came to listen to their favorite local musicians, (Keith Cary, Wyatt Hesemeyer and more) play bluegrass, hillbilly and jazz tunes. People came to partake in a silent auction and taste delicious appetizers.”

Yes, and people came to donate money, Falyn said. “For they knew, a donation to their local nature spot would not only be good for them but it would be good for everyone — especially the children, who need nature experiences, now, more than ever. “

People planning to attend are asked to send RSVPs by e-mail to Falyn, jfalyn@ucdavis.edu. He also would appreciate hearing from people who wish to volunteer, or people who have items to donate for the silent auction or have ideas for additional entertainment.

Donations also are welcome via the Giving to UC Davis website.

The new season

Now, for this season’s nature adventures, which actually begin at Bobcat Ranch next weekend. Then, on the first day of spring, March 20, Stebbins itself will host its first outing of the spring season.

And, on March 13 and 20, Stebbins will present Nature’s Theatre training, for people interested in helping with children’s programs that are scheduled from March 27 to June 5.

As always, Falyn is reminding people to sign up early; most outings are limited to 15 people and usually fill up quickly (especially two evenings of stargazing). Here is how to sign up: Send an e-mail to Falyn, jfalyn@ucdavis.edu, with your name, address, event date, and phone number and-or e-mail address, and indicate whether you need directions.

For most outings, Stebbins Cold Canyon asks for suggested donations of $5 for person or $10 per family.

Click here for the complete schedule, or read the descriptions below.

NATURE OUTINGS

• Bobcat Ranch: Up Bray Canyon — A moderate hike on the 6,800-acre Bobcat Ranch, northeast of Stebbins. The ranch is owned and managed by California Audubon, and, at this time, public access is limited. This outing will focus on California Audubon's work to restore the land, what research is taking place there, and on the ranch’s habitats and wildlife. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12.

• Nature’s Theatre training — A two-day program, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, March 13 and 20. “If you’d like to learn how to inspire children to develop a love of nature, this training is for you,” Falyn said. Nature’s Theatre presents interactive walking stories, with costumed characters who help the children explore and learn about nature. People who complete the training will be eligible (but not required) to participate as a character in one of the spring season’s Nature’s Theatre outings scheduled at Stebbins. No charge for the training. More information on Nature’s Theatre.

• Follow a Raindrop — About a raindrop’s journey through the reserve, in a program exploring such topics as the watershed’s hydrologic cycle, water resources management and water quality. A 1.5-mile (round-trip) walk on the Homestead Trail along Cold Creek and then a two-mile (round-trip) hike up to an overlook with views of the reserve’s watershed, Lake Berryessa, Monticello Dam and Putah Creek. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday. March 20.

• A Gentle Stroll Up the Canyon — With so many kinds of plants in Cold Canyon, you would have a hard time identifying them all. Unless you happened to be botanist Glenn Holstein of the California Native Plant Society, who will lead this leisurely walk on the Homestead Trail. 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 26.

• Words Into Images — Look at a scene in nature and allow words to join the images in your mind. Take those words and use them in a pattern to create images. Artist Alison Kent leads this program on the creative process of thought and expression. Please bring your favorite media (pens, or colored pencils and sharpener) and a blank journal. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, March 27.

• Discovering Creek Critters — Hands-on exploration and other activities, focusing what types of things are living in local creeks, how to assess water quality by looking at bugs in the creek, and, most important, how to play safely in the water. A three-hour hike. All ages welcome, with the organizers saying this program is great for children 9 and up. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 2.

• 4 Perspectives — Learn how to use all of your senses in the canyon. With Barbara Byrne, who uses the senses of touch and sight in exploring plants and flowers; artist Alison Kent, who looks and listens for birds and other animals; Goran Muhlert, a blind hiker and musician who tunes into sounds and smells; and Ann Noble, professor emeritus in the Department of Viticulture and Enology. Noble is the sensory scientist who developed the wine aroma wheel, which can be used by inexperienced wine tasters to train their brains and noses to connect aromas with the appropriate terms. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, April 3.

• From the Trail to the Garden: Native Plants and Wildflowers — Many of the the canyon’s plants and wildflowers can also grow beautifully in home gardens and landscapes. Ryan Deering, horticulturist with the UC Davis Arboretum, leads this stroll through the canyon, highlighting the familiar and unusual plants of the reserve with a special emphasis on their potential use in the garden. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 9

• Watercolors and the Outdoors — How to use watercolors to capture the colors and moods of natural scenery. No experience necessary, just a willingness to experiment with paints and an openness to the surrounding beauty. All painting materials, as well as tea scones, will be provided. Participants should bring blankets, sun protection and teacups. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, April 10.

• Wildflowers: The Colors of Early Spring — Each month new wildflowers bloom for a brief period and then fade away until the following year. Barbara Byrne leads this walk on the Homestead Trail at the height of the blooming season. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 23.

• Nocturnal Happenings — What happens when night falls in Stebbins Cold Canyon? On this walk, you will rely on all of your senses to experience the vibrant world of the reserve after sunset. Stories, stargazing and experiential activities along the way to help the participants appreciate the “dark side” of Stebbins. For adults and children 8 and up. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30.

• Birding 101 — This hike is designed to help you make heads or tail feathers of the complex avian world. Birders of all levels. Bring binoculars, bird guides and sunscreen. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, May 1.

• Stargazing: Tour of the Night Sky — Bryn Bishop returns to leads two evening programs, focusing on constellations, planets and deep sky objects. In addition, she will share stories on the mythology of the night sky. A 1¼-mile hike, slightly uphill, to a meadow. Wear appropriate clothing for evening; binoculars are optional. 8-11 p.m. Saturday, May 7, and 8:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4.

• By the Banks of Putah Creek — Tom and Ginny Cahill lead this hike on their property, northeast of Stebbins Cold Canyon, allowing people to explore a remote section of Putah Creek. A one-mile hike in, with an optional, longer hike paralleling the creek or climbing to a ridge. This outing is a perfect opportunity to sit by the creek, have lunch and listen to some stories about the area. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 14.

• Dance: It’s Only Natural! — A celebration of rhythm and movement and nature. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, May 15.

• Photography and Nature: Take Only Photos, Leave Only Footprints — Daniel Ng leads this tour, helping people with their film or a digital cameras (participants provide their own). 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, May 22.

• Loop Trail: Sunrise Hike — Hike the Loop Trail as the sun cimbs into the sky before the shortest night of the year. Five miles of ups and downs, with a 1,200-foot elevation gain. Many steps are interspersed with breathtaking views. Participants are advised to wear sturdy shoes, and to bring sunscreen, snack and at least a liter of water. 5-10 a.m. Saturday, June 18. (An earlier posting gave the wrong date for this adventure.)

NATURE’S THEATRE: Nature Play for Kids

Nature’s Theatre invites children to become part of the story and learn from Mother Nature, Professor Planthead and Tiny and Whiny, to name a few.

Each outing is an opportunity to play outside and learn a little bit more about the secrets of nature. All programs run from 10 a.m. to noon, except Mother Nature and the Toddlers (10-11:30 a.m.)

• Winter Won’t Go (ages 4-8) — Sunday, March 27

• Mother Nature and the Toddlers (ages 1-4) — Sunday, April 3

• Silly Ol’ Professor Planthead (ages 6-10) — Sunday, April 10

• World of the Small (ages 5-10) — Saturday, April 23

• Starwalker and the Planets (ages 6-10) — Saturday, April 30

• Consumasaurus, the Dragon (ages 6-10) — Saturday, May 7

• Nature Heroes (ages 5-10) — Saturday, May 14

• Glug, Glug and the Water Boss (water play for kids, ages 5-10) — Sunday, June 5

On the Web

Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve