Outdoor Experiences   

We will spend more time trying to sight interesting birds in varying habitats with advanced identification tips. We will meet once a month at different locations for field trips that may involve 2-3 miles of walking. Prerequisite: participants must have taken "Birding In the Chico Area" more than once.

This class is for both beginning and experienced birders. Through observation and the use of binoculars and field guides, 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.

The University Farm serves as the center for agricultural education, literacy, and research for a significant portion of Northern California. We welcome opportunities to show off our "living laboratory" to students, youth, farmers and ranchers, and the public. Please join us for a guided tour!

This is an OLLI-exclusive opportunity to learn from the Chico State Ecotherapy Program. Learn about the healing benefits of nature; enhance our knowledge and connection to our local environment; build skills for resilience, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation; complete volunteer stewardship; and learn how to practice nature and forest therapy. Inspired by shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, research shows that forest therapy can restore attention, decrease stress hormones, improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, decrease anxiety and depression, and improve mood, creativity, and immune function.

This class is designed for women who regularly hike and walk but want a shorter, easier hike. Hikes will be limited to approximately 4 miles with limited elevation gain and loss. Our focus will be on having fun and getting to know other hikers.

Beginning at the Diversion Dam, we'll hike to the end of the Yahi trail (U ford) and back, approximately 5.25 miles. This upper portion of the Yahi trail offers the most interesting views, features an array of wildflowers in spring, and is less traveled than the lower portion. This hike is moderately challenging, with uneven terrain and some steep sections. Our pace will be leisurely, with time to take photographs, observe and identify wildflowers and birds, and enjoy the views.

Join us in hiking for enjoyment, beauty, learning, and a good amount of exercise. The three hikes are 3-5 miles, with a mix of fairly flat terrain and steep, uneven ground. Each hike has its own learning component, including visits to the Oroville Dam, the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve, and Divide Ranch.

HOOFers brings together women who are interested in participating in a hiking community. We focus on trail safety, basic navigation skills, sharing our love and knowledge of local trails, aligning our expectations and abilities when planning hikes, and building a community of informed, like-minded hikers. The mandatory first meeting covers introductions, packs and equipment, and evaluation and review of our existing skills in the classroom. A short PowerPoint presentation covers the basics of safety on the trail. Three subsequent meetings are hikes.

This moderate out-and-back hike in the Sacramento River Bend Area is six and a half miles with 500' elevation gain. We'll hike through varied landscapes, meandering along a bluff overlooking the Sacramento River with excellent views of Lassen Peak. After a short climb up to Paynes Creek Point, we'll eat lunch and enjoy more views. We'll look and listen for birds (perhaps we'll see the beautiful Lewis's Woodpecker), and learn about the flora and fauna along our path. The return route takes us through the picturesque Perry Ravine.