Field Trip: Paddle the North Forebay

Field Trip: Paddle the North Forebay

$60 Adult; $35 Youth

Friday, Jan 26, 2024 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Meet at Forebay Aquatic Center (Map)

Walking, could involve distance but largely flat Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

Description

Participants will meet the trip leaders at the North Forebay Aquatic Center, at 9:00am, and be on the water from 9:30 am to 11:03am, with experienced guides who are familiar with the abundant and diverse wildlife. These ecological tours will educate flat-water boaters on safe boating practices and the ecology of the area. We will also do a short walking tour of our beautiful habitat. There are 15 seats available in either a single or tandem sit-on-top kayak or if you choose a stand-up paddle board. Guests will be provided with all boating equipment and fundamental paddling instruction for novice to experienced. Guests are advised to bring appropriately warm and waterproof clothing, cameras and binoculars. The Forebay Aquatic Center (FAC), is a facility in a State Park Recreation Area, that supports recreation throughout the Thermalito complex and the Feather River Watershed. It is an approximately 30-minute drive from Chico to the center. Floats are appropriate for ages 8 and up and are a low impact, physically active, great way to view the wildlife and migratory waterfowl prominent during this time. Our trip has access to the non-motorized State Park areas which are inaccessible to motorized vehicles and boats. No need to stop and pay the State Park entrance fee, it's included in the price. Keep left after the front entrance kiosk and park near the big metal building. This trip is also offered on Friday 12pm - 2:30pm and a Saturday Thermalito Afterbay paddle field trip 9:30 - 2:00 pm

Field Trip Leaders

Brad Cooke

Brad Cooke has a California Chico State University degree in Recreation Administration. Since 1999, he has been an associate faculty at Butte Community College in outdoor education and has worked for 25 years in Butte County supporting natural history, native ways, and environmental education with an appreciation and knowledge for the hidden gems in Northern California. He has been a consultant for National Wildlife Refuges and an education programs director throughout Northern California. He has served as an experiential educator for thousands of students and teachers throughout Northern California. Brad is a eco-tour and raft guide with a huge variety of knowledge on our amazing North State.

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Dave Garcia

Dave Garcia is a retired 28 year veteran of California State Parks. He worked on Lake Oroville as a boating safety officer for 20 years and led kayaking, biking, and hiking tours at the 6 state parks he worked at. Dave is an environmental advocate who has worked on local issues with Frack Free Butte County, Chico 350 Crude Oil Bomb Train Committee, and Save Oroville Trees.

Dave was also a National Sierra Club Outings Leader for 10 years, leading week long service trips to the Channel Islands; Pt Reyes National Seashore; Cayo Costa Barrier Island, Florida; rafting down Utah's Green River; Big Sur; Hells Canyon; Devils Postpile; and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Join Dave and learn about some of the wild and wacky nature experiences he's had.

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