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.

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.

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.

This class will provide you with basic information and support to help you explore the possibility of confidently creating your own OLLI outdoor classes. During two in-class meetings we'll cover the how-tos of planning and leading OLLI hikes, hear from a variety of current hike leaders about their approach to diverse OLLI hikes, and answer all your questions. Together we'll plan and enjoy two hikes during which the instructors will provide on-the-hike training.

This initial HOOFers class brings together women interested in participating in our hiking community. This class is for women who can hike 3-6 miles on uneven to rough trails with moderate elevation gains and losses. We focus on trail safety, basic navigation skills, and knowledge of local trails. At our first, mandatory in-class meeting we learn about each other, evaluate our packs and equipment, share our experience, and plan our hikes. A short PowerPoint Presentation covers basic trail safety. Three subsequent meetings are hikes.

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.

Join us for an outdoor adventure exploring interesting places in our community. We will meander at a leisurely pace for 1-3 miles. Participants should be comfortable walking and standing for up to two hours. A biologist from River Partners will be guiding us to visit a completed habitat restoration project along the Sacramento River. We will learn about the project's history and walk adjacent to the river with potential views of river otters, deer, and bald eagles.

Join us for an outdoor adventure exploring interesting places in our community. We will meander at a leisurely pace for 1-3 miles. Participants must be comfortable walking and standing for up to two hours. This class will include viewing and discussing outdoor public murals that depict events, people, and sights that have been drawing people to Oroville since the Gold Rush.

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.

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).

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).