Outdoor Experiences   

Join us for a leisurely walk of up to four miles along the tree-lined shore of Paradise Lake. 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 back seat 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 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 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.

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.

360-degree views will be one of the highlights of this moderate hike (4.5 miles round trip, 650' elevation gain). Our path will follow the Pacific Crest Trail into fir forest and then onto the ridge between Cub Creek and Butt Creek. Along the way we'll take opportunities to enjoy and learn about the flora and fauna. From our lunch spot atop the ridge we'll have beautiful views of Lassen and other nearby and distant mountains. Our pace will be leisurely. Bring your camera!

We will explore the beautiful Bobelaine Audubon Sanctuary, hiking 5-6 miles of gorgeous, pristine riparian habitat. Mostly flat, but can be uneven and muddy depending on the weather. You should be fit for moving at a quick pace. We will hike through mature oak forest, open grassland, sloughs, a small lake, mixed riparian woodland, and the west bank of the Feather River with over 200 bird species reported.

This class is for women who have completed the initial HOOFers class and are now part of the ever-expanding women's hiking community of HOOFers. Skipping the required lecture component of the initial class, we will practically apply and expand our skills during our scheduled hikes. We will focus on problem-solving skills, expanding our navigation skills, and discussing and practicing safety and emergency skills.

Get an introduction to California native plants and basic botany in the field as we saunter in search of California native wildflowers.

Get an introduction to California native plants and basic botany in the field as we saunter in search of California native wildflowers.

This is an introductory class for the those with little to no experience. Topics covered will be equipment; safety; entering, exiting, and maneuvering the vessel; and self rescue. You can choose to focus on kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, or both. The class will include a short lecture, followed by on the water instruction, supervised practice, and a paddle up the shoreline. You will have ample opportunity to use your newly learned skills while enjoying the peace, beauty, and wildlife on the Forebay.

Join us for an outdoor adventure exploring an interesting place in our community. Our walk will be approximately 1-3 miles on relatively flat, even surfaces. We will meander at a leisurely pace. Participants should be comfortable walking and standing for up to two hours. We will be visiting the Mendocino National Forest Chico Seed Orchard where Vickie Stoll will lead us on a tour focusing on the flora, fauna, and history of the Chico Seed Orchard.

Join us for an outdoor adventure exploring an interesting place in our community. Our walk will be approximately 1-3 miles on relatively flat, even surfaces. We will meander at a leisurely pace. Participants should be comfortable walking and standing for up to two hours. Lynn Haskell will lead us on a tour to view and learn about a variety of Downtown Chico artworks, including sculptures, murals, tiled benches, and fountains.

An adventurous way to travel through Oroville! Wildlife abounds on this section of the Feather River. Numerous types of birds, waterfowl, raptors, and even otters can be observed while paddling downstream. You will learn some water safety signals and moving water boat handling skills. We will then travel downstream through the local riparian landscape in either a single or double inflatable kayak.

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.

Where safety meets socialization! Join Butte County Public Health for walks around Chico and learn 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.

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!