Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park in nearby Fairfield offers 1,800 acres of rolling hills, oak woodlands, grasslands and riparian corridors. This open space offers visitors an opportunity to explore untouched landscapes while honoring the heritage of the Patwin people who have stewarded this land for generations. Map courtesy of Solano Land Trust

SOLANO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Join the docents and staff of Solano Land Trust to explore the outdoors and experience the beauty of Solano County. 

For information on meeting locations, directions and registration, visit Solano Land Trust’s online events page at solanolandtrust.org/events-news. For additional questions, call Di Holokahi at 707-420-1041.

Opportunities in August follow.

On Aug.8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lynch Canyon Open Space, a community science volunteer opportunity will be available. Join Solano Land Trust for a “Free the Tree” themed Community Science volunteer activity. At the beautiful Lynch Canyon, participants will work on tree cage maintenance, monitoring tree health and survival, upgrades to bigger cages and weeding. Solano Land Trust will provide gloves and have extra water but bring your own gloves if you prefer. Be sure to wear layers and bring sunscreen, water and knee pads if you use them for gardening. Meet at Lynch Canyon parking lot at 9:30 a.m. No experience is necessary and training will be provided. Registration is recommended.

On Aug. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park, explore the hills between Suisun Valley and Green Valley and see sweeping views of Solano County and beyond with a nature hike. The park’s scenic blue and live oaks, chaparral, native wildflowers and fascinating geology make this a beautiful hike full of unique plants and birds to see. Make sure to pack water, snacks, sun or rain protection as needed, and walking sticks if you use them. The hike is rated moderately strenuous at four to six miles and will be canceled if there is rain or extreme weather. Registration is recommended.

On Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rush Ranch Open Space, Get the Rush at Rush Ranch. Get the Rush is a series of fun, free activities for the entire family, offered on the third Saturday of each month at Rush Ranch. Guests can try blacksmithing at the forge, explore pop-up shops and exciting exhibit tables, take guided hikes through the marsh and ride the wagon.

This is also a great time Aug. 16 to get involved and sign up for Solano Land Trust volunteer opportunities such as Trail Crew, Community Science, the Docent Program, Blacksmith Shop and the Rush Ranch Outfitters Shop. The special August theme is Back to School. Meet Solano Land Trust’s community partners and visit the Solano Library mystery van.

The park is open until sunset and registration for the Marsh Walk is recommended.

On Aug. 22 from 8 to 10:30 p.m. also at Rush Ranch, experience Astronomy Night. Join astronomer Jon Pannier for Astronomy Nights at Rush Ranch. These popular nights of informational star gazing occur monthly between May and September. Visit solanolandtrust.org/events-news/recurring-events for the full list of dates in this series.

Each month has a different presentation topic to begin the night and then participants go outside to stargaze. Wear layers as Rush Ranch gets chilly when the sun goes down and bring strong bug spray for mosquitoes. If you have your own telescope and are familiar with setting it up and using it, you can bring it but arrive before dark. Those arriving after sunset are asked to dim their headlights and registration is required.

On Aug. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lynch Canyon Open Space, a nature hike will take visitors westward along Middle Valley Trail leading to Prairie Ridge. Expect a five-mile hike at a moderate but even pace over uneven ground. There are steep climbs over several hills with the longest at Prairie Ridge but the views are worth it. Note that there is a parking fee of $5 at Lynch Canyon (cash or check) and registration is required.

On Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at King Swett Ranches, experience Plein Air Painting. Join Solano Land Trust for a plein air painting event at King Swett Ranches. Enjoy the outdoors and paint the beautiful landscape, plants and animals with other artists of all experience levels. This property is owned and protected by Solano Land Trust and is not open to the public. Bring your own painting supplies, a folding chair, easel (if you choose), sun protection and water. At the end of the session, paintings will be shared. See solanolandtrust.org for meeting location details.

A $5 donation to Solano Land Trust per participant will be collected upon arrival and registration is required.