Outdoor Experiences   

Join us for a leisurely walk of up to four miles on a mostly level path. Let's connect with nature in a way that stimulates our senses and unclutters our minds while enlivening our bodies with easy walking. Let your to-do list take a backseat for a while and allow the nurturing energy of Mother Nature to slow you down as you appreciate the tranquility of your surroundings.

This class is for students who have taken the "Birding in the Chico Area: All Levels" 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.

This class is for both beginning and experienced birders. Through observation and the use of 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 is a moderate out and back hike totaling 4 miles along picturesque Deer Creek. The trail meanders under a forest canopy, which we will admire in its seasonal beauty. Features to enjoy along our journey include stream crossings, some short steep rocky ascents and descents, waterfalls, and basalt cliffs towering above us on the walls of the canyon. We will hike at a leisurely pace, enjoying the flora and fauna along the way.

The North State is home to rich, diverse public lands: refuges, parks, forests, and reserves. Your public lands provide vital wildlife habitat and protect our natural resources. On this field trip, we'll explore Gray Lodge with guidance from a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Naturalist and enjoy an easy 2-mile nature walk on level paths. We will identify birds, enjoy stunning views of the Sutter Buttes, and learn about this haven for over 300 species of wildlife. Come explore your public lands with us!

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.

Join us for history and a hike. We will be treated to viewing the Jonesville Hotel with a local historian and resident. We will then hike in the meadows near the creek in Jonesville for about 5 miles at roughly 5500' elevation. Be prepared for uneven ground.

We'll start at Green Gate and hike through Upper Bidwell Park into Lower Bidwell Park, coming out near Five Mile at Centennial Avenue. Binoculars are suggested for views, landmarks, and bird viewing. Expect elevation changes of approximately 1,000 feet and a hike 5+ miles in length. Our pace will be steady with occasional stops. The trail is rigorous; expect hills and uneven ground.

Participants will learn about the importance of water safety, how the design of the watercraft affects how the vessel performs, how to enter and exit the vessel, paddle design, and a variety of paddle strokes. This class is a great way to gain the necessary skills to have fun and be confident when participating in other kayak adventures on flat water and slow-moving water.

Participants will learn about the importance of water safety, how the design of the watercraft affects how the vessel performs, how to enter and exit the vessel, paddle design, and a variety of paddle strokes. This class is a great way to gain the necessary skills to have fun and be confident when participating in other kayak adventures on flat water and slow-moving water.

Join us for two outdoor adventures, each approximately 1-3 miles on flat, even surfaces, as we explore interesting spaces in our community. We'll meander at a leisurely pace learning about the flora, fauna, history, and other highlights in the areas we are visiting. Participants should be comfortable walking at least a mile and standing for about two hours.

Observe the Chinook salmon, or king salmon, spawning season up close as we kayak beside them in the Feather River. We'll start with a brief safety and how to paddle lesson. Then we'll travel downriver to view the spawning salmon. You'll learn about the lifecycle of the salmon and the Feather River, and have a chance to see Oroville in a whole new way.

Observe the Chinook salmon, or king salmon, spawning season up close as we kayak beside them in the Feather River. We'll start with a brief safety and how to paddle lesson. Then we'll travel downriver to view the spawning salmon. You'll learn about the lifecycle of the salmon and the Feather River, and have a chance to see Oroville in a whole new way.

Where safety meets socialization! Join Butte County Public Health for walks around Chico and learn about how to be a safer pedestrian every time you leave your house. Pedestrian safety is an important topic, as everyone is a pedestrian! During this class we will go for social walks, identify how we can get around safer, and get to know each other all at the same time. Safety items will be provided to participants of the class and each walk is about 1.5 miles long.

The class will present a brief history of the disposal of trash through time, regulations affecting the disposal of trash, and the history of the Neal Road Recycling and Waste Facility (landfill). Learn about the recycling and diversion of wastes from the landfill, landfill operations, monitoring, amounts of waste disposed, as well as effects of disasters, electrical power generation, equipment used, and the future of landfill and related topics.

The class will present a brief history of the disposal of trash through time, regulations affecting the disposal of trash, and the history of the Neal Road Recycling and Waste Facility (landfill). Learn about the recycling and diversion of wastes from the landfill, landfill operations, monitoring, amounts of waste disposed, as well as effects of disasters, electrical power generation, equipment used, and the future of landfill and related topics.

Come enjoy Paradise and walk the Yellowstone Kelly Heritage Trail with us! We will walk the trail from the top to the bottom, a little over 5 miles downhill, and experience elevations from 2800-1800 feet. The trail is paved and will provide an opportunity to see the rebuild progress and the changing landscape. We will stop at Joy Lyn's Candy Shop. The last section of the path includes an art installation by muralist Shane Grammer.

Escape the valley heat and enjoy one of the lesser-known gems of Lassen Park! This moderately challenging hike begins at the Brokeoff Mountain Trailhead at 6800' elevation, and we'll steadily ascend 600 feet in 1.5 miles. Veering off the main trail we'll hike cross-country to beautiful and seldom-visited Forest Lake. 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!