Schedule of upcoming hikes, from the good people at Audubon Canyon Ranch. If you haven’t yet been out to their Glen Ellen property, or haven’t been in the

winter, I highly recommend it. Although I wonder if the main creek through the property will have any water at all in it, given our historic drought conditions.

As for me, I’ve been hiking mostly in Annadel these days – which looks as parched as I’ve ever seen it. But it’s still our jewel.

The press release:

Glen Ellen, CA – Audubon Canyon Ranch (ACR), a leader in conservation science, habitat protection and restoration, and nature education, announced today the schedule for upcoming Guided Nature Walks at its 535-acre Bouverie Preserve. Reservations are being accepted for guided nature walks on Saturday, February 1, March 1, and March 15, 2014.

The walks begin at 9:30a.m. and end at 1:30p.m. and will range from two to five miles in distance. Participants are divided into small groups and paired with a trained volunteer to explore the mixed evergreen forest, oak woodland, and rugged chaparral. Visitors of all ages are welcome.

Bouverie Preserve of Audubon Canyon Ranch is a 535-acre, private, non-profit, nature preserve. In addition to preservation, restoration and research programs, each year Bouverie provides a free, comprehensive nature education program to over 3,000 third and fourth graders in Sonoma and Napa counties.

There is no charge but donations are appreciated. Contributions support the preservation, education and conservation science programs of Audubon Canyon Ranch.

To make a reservation, email rsvp@egret.org. For questions call 415-868-9244.