Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve announces Spring schedule:

March 26, 2011 (Saturday) 10 a.m. — “FINDING YOUR WAY — NAVIGATING WITH GPS” — GPS, global positioning system, is now available in our vehicles and our telephones. Take advantage of this opportunity to share a couple of hours with John Wilson, GPS consultant and teacher. This presentation will be understandable and fascinating, and should pique the curiosity of all. Bring your own hand-held GPS or use one of John’s to see how it works. No charge.

April 17, 2010 (Sunday) 10 a.m. — “CLEAR CREEK WILDFLOWERS AND WILD PLANTS” — Come walk with David Ledger from the Shasta Chapter of California Native Plant Society. Enjoy the beauty of blooming wildflowers, the stimulation of a walk in the country, and learn about plants and nature. Sunday mornings don’t get any better than this. David is a long time member of the CNPS and very knowledgeable about plants in our area. No cost.

April 23 (Saturday) 10 a.m.-3 p.m. — “2011 WHOLE EARTH AND WATERSHED FESTIVAL” — Join us at Redding City Hall & Sculpture Park for this annual event organized in part by our friends at the Western Shasta Resource Conservation District. For more information see www.wholeearthandwatershedfestival.org. It will be a fun and educational event! Music and food.

May 1 (Sunday) 8:00 a.m. — “EARLY BIRD WATCHERS” — Enjoy early morning bird watching with local expert Barbara Peck. Barbara has a Masters in Wildlife Biology and Ecology. She will point out birds and fascinate us with information about them. Bring your curiosity and (if possible) binoculars. FREE EVENT.

May 15 (Sunday) 1 p.m. — “NATIVE PLANT IDENTIFICATION AND USES”

Join native Wintu Ted Dawson on a spring walk while he locates, identifies, and explains medicinal and general uses of native plants. Ted has been a consultant and provided technical support at Turtle Bay Museum for Native American exhibits. Today’s presentation will include making a natural poison oak remedy. Bring a jar/container to take some home in. No Cost.

May 22 (Sunday) 11 a.m. – “BUGS ON THE BOTTOM – A LOOK AT STREAM

BOTTOM ECOLOGY IN CLEAR CREEK” — Wade the stream with Shasta College instructor Morgan Hannaford, PhD — or watch from shore — as he gathers strange and fascinating insects from their underwater homes. Dr. Hannaford has a passion for teaching all ages, from kindergartners to retirees, and the topic is intriguing. Don’t miss this family event. Bring sneakers if you want to wade. FREE EVENT.

May 29 (Sunday) 9 a.m. -- “BUTTERFLY BONANZA” – Join butterfly expert Chris Gray on a walk in search of local butterflies and the plants that sustain them. A great combination — a springtime stroll spiced up with intriguing facts and anecdotes about a beautiful creature. Bring close focusing binoculars if available. Children welcome! Free.