Outdoor Experiences   

This class is for both beginning and experienced birders. Through observation and the use of your binoculars, field guides, and birding apps, class participants learn to identify birds in their natural habitat. We will meet once a month at different birding locations for field trips that may involve 1-2 miles of walking.

This class is for students who have taken the "Birding in the Chico Area" class more than once. We will not cover birding basics and will spend more time in the field. We will meet once a month at different locations for field trips that may involve 2-3 miles of walking.

The University Farm is a "living laboratory" for agricultural education, literacy, and research in Northern California. Join us for a guided tour showcasing our fields, labs, and hands-on learning spaces, including the new Agricultural Education Center and Jay Gilbert Farm Store. This state-of-the-art facility features modern classrooms, collaboration areas, and a student-run retail space with farm-produced goods. Explore how the farm supports experiential learning, community engagement, and the next generation of leaders in sustainable agriculture.

Join us for a rare opportunity to visit the Dye Creek Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy, with a resident scientist. Melding ethnobotany, geology, birds, flora, and fauna in the Park Fire burn scar, this uneven, rugged at times, moderately challenging trail is rocky in spots yet gentle uphill with one small creek crossing. The hike is 5 miles round-trip with 725 feet of elevation change over two miles. With a steady pace, we will reach the welcoming destination of Campo Seco Ridge.

Join experts from River Partners for walking tours of the landscapes they've transformed from flood-prone farmland into native habitat for ecosystem, community, and economic wins at the Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park and Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge. You'll learn how restoring California's historic floodplains improves habitat and biodiversity for an array of imperiled species, boosts flood safety for vulnerable communities, supports clean and abundant water supplies, provides important outdoor recreation that improves public health, stores greenhouse gases naturally to improve California's climate resilience, and more.

Sutter Buttes State Park is one of the newer state parks in California and has no public access. We will meet with park staff for an exclusive tour of the beautiful Peace Valley where we will learn about the unique geology of the land, explore several historic and prehistoric cultural features, and observe and identify abundant wildflowers and birds. This is a 3-4 mile moderately difficult cross-country hike over uneven, rocky terrain with some short, steep hills and possible stream crossings.

California's temperate climate allows an amazing array of plants to be grown locally. Edible gardens, pollinator gardens, native gardens, contemplative gardens, and demonstration gardens are some of the many varieties to tour. Inspired by the successful model of the "Arts & Eats" OLLI class, "Garden Gourmands" will focus on touring the art of garden landscapes combined with eating locally. Join Master Gardeners as we explore different area gardens followed by a no-host lunch at various local eateries to enjoy the bounty of Butte County.

California's temperate climate allows an amazing array of plants to be grown locally. Edible gardens, pollinator gardens, native gardens, contemplative gardens, and demonstration gardens are some of the many varieties to tour. Inspired by the successful model of the "Arts & Eats" OLLI class, "Garden Gourmands" will focus on touring the art of garden landscapes combined with eating locally. Join Master Gardeners as we explore different area gardens followed by a no-host lunch at various local eateries to enjoy the bounty of Butte County.

Joy for seasoned hikers! This hike of 5-7 miles begins with a drive in of 8-10 miles on dirt and gravel road. The hiking trail has good switchbacks on this steep, uneven terrain along with unstable rocks. We will start at about 6,000 feet of elevation with approximately 1,800 feet of elevation change throughout the hike. The Dixie Fire of 2021 burned this beautiful landscape, but it is showing lovely signs of regeneration. We will learn about this area as part of our adventure.

A half-hour walk immersed in nature prepares us to sit with our sketchbook journals and observe, question, draw, paint, and write about what we see, hear, and feel – focusing on our senses, curiosity, and the observation process over perfecting an end product. We'll explore Upper and Lower Bidwell Park, Indian Fishery, and the Genetic Resource & Conservation Center (Chico Tree Farm). Participants provide their own art materials and choose their subjects. There is no official art instruction. Some basic techniques and many online supplemental materials are provided.

The Butterfly Valley Botanical Area is located just north of Quincy, elevation 3,800 feet. The area includes the California pitcher plant, a rare and unusual insect eating plant that only grows in scattered boggy areas from southern Oregon down through Northern California, as well as 4 other species of insectivorous plants, 12 species of orchids, and 9 species of ferns. Get an introduction to California native plants and basic botany in the field as we saunter in search of California native wildflowers.

The Doon Grade Trail is part of the old railroad bed that went from Chico, through Magalia, and all the way to Stirling City. We will be on the middle part east of Magalia. Get an introduction to California native plants and basic botany in the field as we saunter in search of California native wildflowers.

In this class, you will explore essential water safety skills, discover how watercraft design influences performance, and practice proper techniques for entering, exiting, and maneuvering the vessel. The class also covers paddle design and a range of effective paddle strokes. It's an excellent introduction for anyone looking to build confidence and have fun on flat or slow-moving water.

This low-impact, physically active kayak adventure is a great way to view the ecology of the area. There is abundant wildlife, including many species of waterfowl and raptors. We will be paddling on open flat water in either a single or tandem kayak. Our paddling trip will take us to an island in the Thermalito Afterbay.

This low-impact, physically active kayak adventure is a great way to view the ecology of the area. There is abundant wildlife, including many species of waterfowl and raptors. We will be paddling on open flat water in either a single or tandem kayak. Our paddling trip will take us to an island in the Thermalito Afterbay.

If you haven't visited the Butte College Campus recently, here is your chance to join us on a wonderful campus tour. A student guide will help us explore various buildings, educational programs, and a bit of Butte College history. The tour will end at the new Science Building, where we will be given a sneak peek at the adjacent planetarium. Participants must be comfortable navigating steps and walking or standing for up to two hours. All walking paths are paved.

Join us for an outdoor adventure exploring an interesting town. We will meander at a leisurely pace for 2 miles. Participants must be comfortable walking and standing for up to two hours. This class will include viewing and discussing murals that depict events, people, and sights that have been drawing people to Oroville since the Gold Rush.

Join us for a leisurely hike of 3-6 miles with no elevation change at the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge Rio Vista Unit. We will observe native and other vegetation and wildlife. The trail borders the Sacramento River so we may see some birds and otters in the river. There will be information about the history of this and other units, as well as the change from riparian habitat to cultivated land and back to riparian habitat.

Join us for our Wednesday morning park walks! If you want to start a walking habit, add to your daily step count, spend a morning with old and new friends, or just enjoy beautiful Lower Park, lace up your shoes and join us. Each week, you have the opportunity to choose a 1-mile route looping at Hwy 99 or a 2.8-mile route looping at the 2nd bridge (Cedar Grove).

We'll hike a moderate 4.5 miles with 450 feet of elevation gain along Colby Creek, on forest trails, and through meadows filled with wildflowers. The trailhead is at 4,750 feet, high enough to escape the valley heat. Our pace will be leisurely, with time to take photographs, observe and identify wildflowers and birds, enjoy the views, and make new friends. Team up with other women to enjoy a fun day outdoors!

HOOFers unites women seeking a hiking community. This is not for beginners; we hike 3-6 miles on uneven terrain with moderate elevation changes, lasting 3-6 hours including travel. The emphasis is on safety, navigation, knowledge-sharing, and building connections among like-minded hikers. A mandatory in-class meeting introduces members, reviews packs and equipment, and includes a short trail safety presentation. Three subsequent meetings are hikes.