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9th Annual Snow Goose Festival: Jan. 25-27, 2008:
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Stretching from the Bering Strait off the coast of Alaska to the steeps of Patagonia in South America, the Pacific Flyway ranks as one of the greatest migratory pathways in the entire world. Millions of birds representing hundreds of species use this great avian highway each year. Nowhere is this abundance of wildlife more accessible than right here in the Northern Sacramento Valley. With an ideal combination of mild winter weather, abundant food and rich quantities of water, the area attracts a huge wintering population of waterfowl and raptors. A local favorite among these is the majestic Snow Goose. With the estimated overall population of Snow Geese exceeding 5 million, as many as one and a half million use the Pacific Flyway. Tens of thousands of these will winter right here in our own backyard. So it is with these things in mind that we once again invite you to come and rediscover this magnificent spectacle of nature at the 9th Annual Snow Goose Festival. This year the variety of experiences to choose from is as varied as the tastes of the many people involved. If your interest lies in the outdoors, select one or more of the over 40 birding and wildlife field trips visiting every important region of the area. Serious birders will take note of our Big Birding Day on Friday and Valley Wetlands and Wintering Waterbirds on Saturday. If indoor wildlife presentations, activities and workshops are more your style, we have two full days of events to choose from. Along with many free Junior Naturalist Activities there will be over 30 displays and vendors at the Chico Masonic Family Center. For those with a taste for the arts, our Uptown-Downtown Wildlife Art Exhibit, extended this year and running from January 18 to February 3, will more than satisfy. (Another Suggestion: For those with a taste for the arts, our Uptown-Downtown Wildlife Art Exhibit, extended this year and running from January 16 to February 3, will suit your palate.) Without a doubt, everyone will want to attend the Gathering of Wings Banquet and Silent Auction with featured keynote speaker Kenn Kaufman. It is our mission that unites and energizes all of the many volunteers, artists, trip leaders, workshop presenters, educators, community members and sponsors involved with the Snow Goose Festival. We strive to increase public awareness, understanding, appreciation and conservation of the incredible wildlife and related habitats of the Northern Sacramento Valley. So come join with us and let’s make the 9th Annual Snow Goose Festival the best and most successful festival ever. RegistrationPlease peruse our schedule of events (evening programs, field trips and workshops). Starting on December 3, 2007, participants can register online. This is a quick and easy process that saves us time in the office. The site also has full trip descriptions, sponsorship links, maps and other useful information. You can also fill out the registration form in the middle of this brochure (or download from our website) and mail or fax it to us with your total payment by Tuesday, January 22, 2008. New this year is an “at the door” charge for participants not reserving their space in advance. If you fax in your registration form, you will need to pay by credit card. Please don’t forget to fax the front and back of the registration form. Confirmation (via e-mail, fax, mail or phone) will be made in the timeliest manner possible. Please read your program description to determine the location that you are first arriving at. Your nametag will be at that first location. CarpoolingCarpooling is strongly encouraged when traveling to the Chico Masonic Family Center (CMFC). Parking is extremely limited with participants going on field trips and also those who wish to visit the exhibits and workshops throughout the day. If weather permits, walking and/or riding a bike to the CMFC is most appreciated. A special note about Field TripsPlease arrive at the location indicated 30 minutes prior to your scheduled event. This will allow us time to check you in and ensure the trip leaves promptly. We ask that you follow your field trip leader from the meeting location to the final destination. Anyone arriving after the field trip leader has left may not be able to join the group. All field trips will be limited to the first 20 reservations. After that, a waiting list will be generated by calling our office. Walk-in registration may be available for some events during the weekend of the Festival, but cannot be guaranteed, and there will be an “at the door” charge. Weather may change a trip's itinerary, but most trips will be conducted rain or shine. The weather in the valley during January is variable. It is generally cold and sometimes rainy, with daytime highs ranging from 50°-65°F. Be sure to bring the following on your field trips: rain gear, waterproof footwear, layered clothing, binoculars, camera, field identification guide, water and snack or lunch as needed. Please also check out the “Tips & Etiquette” section on page to help you enjoy your day to the fullest. Mission StatementThe Snow Goose Festival’s mission is to increase public awareness, understanding, appreciation and conservation of the diverse wildlife and unique habitats of the northern Sacramento Valley. Our goals are:
Contact information (530) 345-1865 |
