The Lake County Land Trust offers free guided nature walks every Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Rodman Preserve. These walks provide an opportunity for residents to experience the natural beauty and open spaces of Lake County. Last weekend’s heavy rains and the warm weather are increasing lush, early spring growth. The walks during the month of February should provide many opportunities for observing wildlife, birds and native plants.
Those interested in walking should meet at the Rodman Preserve and Nature Education Center. The Preserve is located at 6350 Westlake Rd. Upper Lake, 95485. To get there take the Nice-Lucerne cut-off from Highway 29, between Lakeport and Upper Lake. Turn east onto the Nice-Lucerne cut-off, then left on to Westlake Road. The preserve entry is to the immediate right after turning on to Westlake Road.
The preserve is owned and operated by the Lake County Land Trust. The Lake County Land Trust, based in Lake County, California, is a local, 501 (c) (3) charitable nonprofit organization directly involved in protecting important land resources; wetlands, wildlife habitats, parks, forests, watersheds, riparian stream corridors, lakeside areas, and trails.
Each Saturday walk is led by a different Land Trust volunteer. Visitors often enjoy returning for walks and learning from the diverse guides. The walk on February 13th will be led by Katherine Lindsley, a longtime Lake County resident.
“I enjoy focusing on the environment in general,” Lindsley said. “There are different areas on the walk; we start out in the oak woodlands and head into the woodpecker granary. I like looking at how the squirrels, woodpeckers and baby oaks are all supporting one another. I enjoy focusing on the natural ecology with an emphasis on birds.”
The Feb. 21 Saturday walk will be guided by Roberta Lyons, current President of the Land Trust, a founding member of the Land Trust who enjoys birding, sharing about the land and identifying wild grasses. The final walk of the month on the 28th will be led by Tom Smythe, Land Trust Board Member and Friends of Bogg Mountain Board member. He works for the Lake County Department of Public Works, he will focus on water project development in Lake County as well as the latest projects and development of the Land Trust.
