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04.16.09

Wetland Wakening

Hang around low-lying marshlands this spring and you'll find a bounty of wildlife. Here are three places to go and see where the wild things are.  

Egret at Audubon Canyon Ranch

Secret Egret

The annual great egret nesting and mating season is on at Audubon Canyon Ranch's Bolinas Lagoon Preserve, and things are getting downright domestic. The lagoon's rich coastal wetland lays out perfect conditions for one of the largest heronries on the west coast. Every spring, dozens of these graceful white giants colonize the upper reaches of the Ranch's redwood trees to lay their eggs and nest awhile. To see the egrets and sneak a peek at the blue eggs they've laid, hike a short .5 mile (one-way) to Henderson Overlook, a multi-level, wooden platform viewing area. Giant umbrellas and complimentary access to binoculars and telescopes make the overlook feel like something out of an African safari. Sit for a spell and savor the spectrum of egrets in action: mating, feeding, nest-building, and gliding gracefully from tree to tree. At last count there were 26 nests, and things are just getting started. Go in the next few weeks and there'll be more nests to view. In about a month, the eggs will start hatching. Now that's a peep show.

TIP: Hikers can enjoy 8 miles of trails in the preserve. For a 3-mile loop, link together wildflower-popping Zumie Loop Trail and Griffin Loop Trail while stopping off at Henderson Overlook.

Audubon Canyon Ranch's Bolinas Lagoon Preserve is located about 10 miles south of Olema and 4 miles north of Stinson Beach on Hwy. 1. The preserve is open weekends and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until mid-July. Donations are requested upon visiting.

Activity
Hike, Relax
Region
North Bay
Hiking Grizzly Island Wildlife Area

Griz Gone Wild

Trail signs and well-maintained paths? Who needs 'em! At Grizzly Island Wildlife Area on the Delta's Suisun Marsh, the largest contiguous estuarine marsh in the U.S., you're on your own. The big draw here is chance sightings of rare wildlife. Tule elk were reintroduced in 1997, and they have prospered ever since. The preserve also a haven for pond turtles, mallards, pheasants, hawks, and even golden eagles. Your best chance at spotting wildlife is by getting into the heart of the island. Park at lot number three (a lone eucalyptus is the landmark), cross the bridge, and walk southwest along the levee road—looking westward in search of the tule elk. (Bring binoculars if you have a set, and be sure to print a map; they're not available at the preserve.) Make a left at the next obvious junction, after .75 mile, and keep walking another .75 mile toward Roaring River. Scan the banks for small bobbing river otters; they frequent this stretch of the river and are very curious about passersby. Grizzly Island lacks some of the visitor comforts of other preserves, but the truly wild environment and accessible solitude make it a great destination for Grizzly go-getters.

BONUS: After taming the Griz, grab a table on the waterfront at Suisun City's Athenian Grill and feast on some hearty Greek sandwiches or kabobs. The outdoor patio is heated on cooler evenings.

Grizzly Island Wildlife Area is about 18 miles southeast from Suisun City. From I-80, exit Hwy. 12 East and go 4 miles to Grizzly Island Rd. Turn right and go south; after 5.5 miles you'll make a right turn to cross a bridge at Montezuma Slough. Go another 3.5 miles to the kiosk area (entry is $2.50 per person). Then go another 5.5 miles to parking lot three. After walking across the bridge, continue straight on the grassy, overgrown trail and follow the route above. Return the way you came. Athenian Grill, 750 Kellogg St., Suisun City; 707-425-0500.

Activity
Hike, Relax
Region
East Bay
Elkhorn Slough Sea Otter

Slough Motion

Ah, Monterey in spring…when things are bound to get little wild. Elkhorn Slough near Moss Landing is a huge tidal salt marsh that draws birdwatchers from around the world to see the more than 300 species that thrive here. In spring, it's also the perfect place for kayaking; you're practically guaranteed to spot sea otters while paddling (just watch out for the big jellyfish; they can fill a city pothole). You don't have to be an expert to kayak this protected slough; even if you've never held a paddle before, you can learn enough in about 15 minutes to get around. Arrive in the morning, when it's less windy, rent a kayak, and explore the 7-mile-long slough on your own, or take Kayak Connection's guided tour. The otters like to pop out of the water in surprise fashion, roll on their backs, and scratch themselves as part of their grooming routine. Regulations require kayakers to stay at least 50 ft. away from these friendly sea creatures, so view from a fair distance and bring the waterproof camera. Otters like to smile when they know they're on camera.

TIP: To get the grand tour of Elkhorn Slough, arrange for Kayak Connection's shuttle to pick you up (or drop you off, depending on the tide) at Kirby Park. It's a gentle 5-mile paddle deep into the wetland.

Kayak Connection, 2370 Hwy 1, Moss Landing; 831-724-5692. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends. It's $50 for a half-day rental for two people in a double kayak. Shuttle service to Kirby Park is an additional $15 per person. Directions to the Elkhorn Slough.

Activity
Water
Region
Points Beyond
Monterey Bay Aquarium Seahorse Exhibit

Aquarium Entourage

When was the last time you had a quick weekend escape with nine of your closest friends, and it was all paid for? Been awhile?

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The weekend includes a private cocktail party, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and complimentary accommodations (with breakfast) at the elegant ocean-side Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. It's all part of a package celebrating Monterey Bay Aquarium's brand new exhibit, The Secret Lives of Seahorses—and you could win. Click here for your free chance to win the Seahorse Soirée package for 10.

Who's in your Aquarium entourage?

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