2026 Conference Field Trips

Field Trip Description:
Judy and George Waegell Working Lands Preserve is a newly protected property southeast of Sacramento that includes 191 acres of agricultural farm land, small plots leased to Hmong growers, and 0.85 miles of Laguna Creek that includes portions that remain in a natural riparian oak woodland and portions that could be restored and enhanced with seasonal wetlands.

The preserve lies within the Laguna Creek Watershed, which encompasses approximately 65 square miles of land starting in northeastern Sacramento County and flowing southwest through Elk Grove to its confluence with Morrison Creek near the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Near the project site, Laguna Creek becomes perennial, sustained by agricultural irrigation return flows, urban runoff, and surrounding land uses. As an urban creek, Laguna Creek is challenged with water quality issues from trash and urban runoff, development impacts, and potential to flood communities downstream. The trip may also visit a groundwater recharge site or constructed vernal pool sites nearby.

Accessibility Considerations: Most of the property is accessible on flat dirt, but some walking over uneven weedy terrain is optional to access the Laguna Creek Riparian Corridor. Participants will walk 1.5-2 miles. Depending on rain, conditions may be muddy. The site does not have a bathroom, but there will be opportunities to use a restroom during this trip.

Timing: The bus will depart at 8:30 AM and arrive at 9:00 AM at the site. We anticipate a four hour trip, departure to Sacramento to be confirmed.

Capacity: 45

Field Trip Description:

Yolo County is home to significant farmland that feeds local, regional, and global communities. This field trip features a 120-acre family-owned almond orchard in Davis at the height of its breathtaking bloom.

Participants will enjoy a guided tour through rows of flowering trees while interacting with project partners from Yolo Land Trust, county government, and local agriculture community.

Discussion will focus on how Yolo Land Trust partners with local governments and landowners to fund lasting protection of agricultural land that promotes the objectives of local communities. Participants will also learn about the role that farmland conservation plays in protecting working landscapes, supporting local food systems, and maintaining wildlife habitat.

This interactive experience offers a unique opportunity to see conservation in action, connect with local growers, and better understand how strategic partnerships preserve the agricultural landscapes that define the region.

Accessibility considerations: The farm venue is flat, but the surface is dirt and may be uneven. We anticipate a mile or less of walking. Depending on rain, conditions may be muddy.

Timing: The bus will leave at 9:30 AM and arrive at 10:00 AM. We will return to Sacramento at approximately 1:00 PM.

Capacity: 30

Field Trip Description:

This field trip offers an opportunity to experience one of Solano Land Trust’s guided Wildflower and Critter Walks at Jepson Prairie Preserve. Led by knowledgeable vernal pool specialists, guests will see one of the best remaining vernal pool ecosystems in California. This carefully managed Preserve allows visitors to visualize what the Central Valley may have looked like centuries ago.

Though wildlife can be unpredictable, mid-March tours usually allow visitors to see vernal pool endemics including conservancy fairy shrimp, vernal pool tadpole shrimp, clam shrimp, and California tiger salamander larvae, among others. The tour will wind through mima mounds and vernal pools, with stops to identify the wildflowers such as the fragrant fritillary, a rare endemic lily.

Discussion topics will include the natural history and ecology of claypan vernal pools; grazing to promote native plants in general and vernal pool species in particular; conservation values of vernal pools and threats to this rare habitat type; public access and education; and cultivating partnerships to share expertise and balance research, public access, and management of endangered species.

Accessibility considerations:

• Participants will be led on a mild hike (<1 mile) over mostly flat terrain with frequent stops. Vernal pool species are short, so bending and stooping may be desired to get up close to the plants. Binoculars can be used to avoid stooping.
• Depending on rain, conditions may be muddy. Waterproof shoes are encouraged.
• During the “Critter” portion of the tour, visitors will be standing in a circle, passing containers with endangered species. Docents can help anyone with unsteady hands.
• Two ADA parking spaces are available, and a short outdoor accessible trail connects these spaces to the restroom and main gathering area. Due to the sensitive habitat, the main trail is not an outdoor accessible surface. The animals featured can be brought to guests with mobility concerns and Docents are happy to do so. Prior notice is appreciated to arrange to transport the organisms safely. 

Timing: The bus will depart at 9:00am and arrive at 9:45 AM. We will depart to return to Sacramento at approximately 1:00 PM (to be confirmed).

Capacity: 45