News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Spring and Summer 2011 Park Ranger Interpretive Programs at Lake Berryessa

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5105, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: March 14, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation's Central California Area Office announces spring and summer 2011 interpretive programs at Lake Berryessa in Napa County, Calif. All activities will be held rain or shine, are free of charge and do not require reservations. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather and bring plenty of water and sunscreen for daytime activities. Children of all ages are welcome, but those under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Topic:              A Natural History of the Lake Berryessa Shoreline
Date/Time:     Saturday, March 26, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Location:        Smittle Creek Day Use Area, Parking Lot

Explore the natural history of the Lake Berryessa area with Ranger Mike, and learn about native plants and animal life along the way. Appreciate these natural wonders as if looking at the area for the first time during this enjoyable walk along the Smittle Creek Trail. This outing is perfect for those wanting to get acquainted with the lakeshore environment and its vast beauty. Visitors will meet at the south end of the Smittle Creek parking lot, next to the trailhead. This is an easy 1.5-mile round-trip hike (3/4 mile each way) with a slight elevation change. Attendees may choose to hike the entire 2.6-mile trail (5.2 miles round trip) after the program.

Topic:              Birding 101
Date/Time:     Saturday, May 14, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Location:        Smittle Creek Day Use Area, Parking Lot

Having trouble telling a titmouse from a wren or a raven from a robin? This hike is designed to help participants make heads or tail feathers of the complex avian world. Join Ranger Todd and Ranger Greg for an informative bird-watching hike along the Smittle Creek Trail. Birders of all levels are welcome to attend this delightful hike. Bring binoculars, bird guides and, most of all, enthusiasm. Visitors will meet at the south end of the Smittle Creek parking lot, next to the trailhead. This is an easy 1.5-mile round-trip hike (3/4 mile each way) with a slight elevation change. Attendees may choose to hike the entire 2.6-mile trail (5.2 miles round trip) after the program.

Topic:             Stargazing
Date/Time:     Saturday, July 30, 8:00-9:30 p.m.
Location:        Oak Shores Day Use Area, Acorn Beach Parking Lot

Come enjoy Lake Berryessa after dark during this leisurely exploration of the night sky. See the sky as the ancients did as Ranger Victoria shares mythologyand astronomy facts. Participants will learn about stars, planets and constellations as they look through telescopes at the wonders above. Bring lots of questions to this informal and informational event!

Topic:             Various Ongoing Activities
Dates:            Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Location:       Oak Shores Day Use Area and the Water Education Station

Keep an eye out for the Park Rangers at Oak Shores on summer weekends. Throughout the day, they will share games and fun presentations on water safety and the natural history of Lake Berryessa. Visit the Water Education Station in Oak Shores to learn more about the lake and borrow life jackets at no charge. Kids 'caught' wearing life jackets in or near the water can win prizes! The Water Education Station at Oak Shores is open 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends, Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Topic:             Displays and Exhibits
Dates:            Weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Weekdays from 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Location:       Lake Berryessa Visitor Center

The Lake Berryessa Visitor Center offers displays and exhibits on the history of Lake Berryessa, the Monticello Valley and the construction of the Solano Project. It also houses an exhibit of local wildlife (stuffed and mounted), showing the common and not-so-common animals found around the lake. Park Rangers are available to answer questions about natural resources, recreational opportunities, wildlife and the area's history. Brochures, maps, trail guides and other educational information are available free of charge. 

Families or groups who reserve a shade shelter in the Oak Shores Day Use Area for birthday parties or special events may want to schedule a Park Ranger to join them, bringing fun activities and interesting information. Rangers must be scheduled in advance. To reserve a shade shelter - and schedule a Ranger, if desired - please contact the Lake Berryessa Outdoor Recreation Planner, Jason Jordan, at 707-966-2111 ext. 143 or e-mail jgjordan@usbr.gov. 

For additional information, please contact Ranger Mike McGraw at 707-966-2111 ext. 112 or e-mail mmcgraw@usbr.gov, or call the Lake Berryessa Ranger Department at 707-966-2111 ext. 113, or visit the Lake Berryessa website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/index.html. 

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Lake Berryessa Website