News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Spring 2016 Events and Park Ranger Interpretive Programs at Lake Berryessa

Media Contact: Shane Hunt, 916-978-5100, shunt@usbr.gov

For Release: March 15, 2016

NAPA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation’s Central California Area Office announces spring 2016 park events and Park Ranger interpretive programs at Lake Berryessa in Napa County. All activities will be held rain or shine and are free of charge. Some programs have group size limitations, so please contact the Park Ranger Office regarding availability. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather and bring water and sunscreen. Children are welcome, but those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Dufer Point Visitor Center April 1 through September 11: Weekends and holidays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Weekdays Noon-3 p.m. 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. Contact the Park Rangers at 707-966-2111 ext. 113 for information about park events, hikes, kayak tours and educational programs.

Meet a Park Ranger at Monticello Dam! Saturdays (Starting April 23) 12-3 p.m., Monticello Dam Overlook Parking (Highway 128, 9 miles west of Winters) Ever wonder why Lake Berryessa was created? How much water it holds? What was there before the reservoir? Where the water goes? Get answers to these questions and more when you meet a Park Ranger at Monticello Dam every Saturday throughout the summer. Stop by any time between 12 and 3 p.m. to learn fun facts about this essential water resource. Please contact a Park Ranger at 707-966-2111 ext. 113 with questions.

Paddle with a Park Ranger Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Oak Shores Day Use Area Experience the beauty of Lake Berryessa from a unique perspective during a 2-3 hour, Park Ranger-led paddle tour. Watch for bald eagles, ospreys, otters and other wildlife as the Ranger introduces you to the natural and human history of the reservoir. These outings are open to experienced swimmers with a kayak or canoe. Coast Guard-approved life jackets will be available. Participants should bring their kayak, life jackets, paddles, sunscreen, hat, water and food. Pre-registration is required. Kayaks may be available for participants on a first-reserved, first-served basis. For more information, please contact Ranger Victoria Payan at 707-966-2111 ext. 113 or vpayan@usbr.gov.

C.A.S.T. for Kids Fishing Event Saturday, May 14, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Meet at Oak Shores Day Use Area The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation is a national, non-profit organization whose goal is “to provide disabled or disadvantaged children with the opportunity to enjoy quality outdoor recreational experiences through the sport of fishing” (http://castforkids.org/event/lakeberryessa). Pre-registration is required as this event is currently limited to 40 children. Reclamation is seeking boaters and anglers who wish to volunteer their time and use of their boat and other volunteers for shoreline support. For more information, please contact Ranger Victoria Payan at 707-966-2111 ext. 113 or vpayan@usbr.gov.

Bird Inventory Saturday, May 21, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at Monticello Dam Overlook Parking Lot Get a little exercise, learn some local history and tally Berryessa’s bird species all at the same time! Join Ranger Todd Eggert and visit Berryessa’s three dominant vegetation regions while inventorying resident and migrant bird species. Participants will carpool or caravan the length of the lake, stopping for short walks. Experienced and beginning birders are welcome. Bring binoculars and water, wear sturdy shoes, and dress in layers. For details, directions and/or to RSVP, please contact Ranger Todd Eggert at 707-966-2111 ext. 113 or reggert@usbr.gov.

World Environment Day Sunday, June 5, registration at 9:30 a.m., Group Clean Up 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Meet near Markley Cove Resort, past Monticello Dam Join Reclamation Park Rangers and the Lake Berryessa Watershed Partnership for a fun lakeshore clean-up event. Volunteers will help clean up trash and debris along trails and the shoreline at the south end of the reservoir. This is a great opportunity to earn volunteer hours while spending the afternoon in a beautiful outdoor setting! Please wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots and bring work gloves, a hat and sunscreen. Those who pre-register by May 22 will receive a free World Environment Day shirt. To pre-register, please contact Marianne Butler, Environmental Education Program Manager at the Solano Resource Conservation District, at 707-678-1655 ext. 114 or marianne.butler@solanorcd.org.

If you would like to participate in a program and need accommodation, please contact the Lake Berryessa Park Ranger Office at 707-966-2111 ext. 113 at least 14 days in advance.

Please visit the Lake Berryessa website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/index.html for additional information.

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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.