Please take a moment to read our field trip policies here.
In an effort to ensure everyone gets an opportunity, we ask that you please limit yourself to registering for no more than 3 FREE field trips during our centennial celebration.
Field Trip: Bird and Plant ID Walk with Grassroots Ecology
Join SCVBA and Grassroots Ecology for a close look at the intricate relationships between native birds and plants at the Byrne Preserve! We'll be joined by the restoration team of Grassroots Ecology for this walk, where we'll be paying just as much attention to the fascinating plants that create the habitats the birds we love need to survive. Close out your work week with some time in nature!
Trip Type: Beginner-focused
Age Limit: All Ages; Young birders, ages 18 and under, must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Capacity: 15
Price: Free
Notes: 1-2 miles, dirt trails, less than 300 ft elevation change, some shade
Other Trip Notes: bring binoculars, optional: download Merlin Bird ID or Seek to your smartphone (https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/) (https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/seek_app)
Tags: Beginner Friendly
Meet: Enter the preserve through the green gate adjacent to the driveway. We will meet by the brown tool shed at the top of the hill.
Directions: From I-280, take exit 16 (El Monte Rd) to Foothill College/El Monte Rd. Keep left to stay on El Monte. Turn left onto Moody Road. Continue straight onto Altamont Rd, and drive for 1.2 miles. The Westwind Community Barn dirt parking lot is used by the preserve and will be on the left-hand side of the road. Please park on the side of the parking lot closest to Byrne Preserve. There are horses onsite; please drive slowly and quietly as you enter and leave the parking lot. Latitude/Longitude: 37.365479, -122.159218
Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, cell phone service is spotty
Parking Type and Fees: dirt parking lot, please drive slowly as this area is shared by horses
Additional Languages: English will be the primary language of this field trip, but other language spoken by our trip leader include Spanish
Leaders: Carolyn Knight (408)857-0109 (please text), Siena Watson
Banner Photo: Violet-green Swallow by Sarah Chan
Questions? Email general questions to centennialevents@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.