posted by Catherine on May 4
If you live in California, or a planning a trip there in the next week – then look this place up.
Basically, it is a huge celebration of the landscapes, natural heritage, wildlife and rich native culture, across a huge area of the state; including walks, sea kayaking, very early birding tours and heritage trails from coast to mountain top!
There are areas of land here that can almost take you back in time to a place where humanity hasn’t interfered. A place where native Americans still practice their way of life, whether it’s salmon fishing or kayaking through their land and hunting.
The rivers run free here – and virtually untouched by dams and pollution. There are also large patches of land that are home to some very endangered species – both large and small – as well as hummingbirds, frogs and condors! Out at sea there is ample chance to see whales and dolphins as well!
The Festival 2010:
There are 69 events in total over the Friday thru Monday morning festival days, and there are plenty of experts on hand to to run workshops, run tours and offer hands-on advice.
The areas covered in this festival are wide reaching and include Redwood National & State Park, Smith River National Recreation Ground and Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge amongst many others.
And in fact it was the Castle Rock refuge that is the predescesser of this event as this refuge is home to hundreds of migrating Aleutian Geese – which formed The Aleutian Goose Festival.
What’s There?
Firstly the event will be host to it’s keynote speaker: Micheal Fay (from National Geographic) on the Friday evening, as well as offering up a whole host of active biologists, geologists, ornithologists and foresters to help you explore all the available habitats.
Whether you are studying earthquakes and owls, ecology and salamanders or condors and giant redwoods – there will be plenty of time available for you to explore and learn to work with and love these precious habitats and their vital biodiversity.
And all this in your own back yard!
Getting There:
All events are based at or start from the Crescent City Cultural Center in northern California, although some leave before 5am!
You need to register for the event and pay a 1-off fee, but this includes the keynote speech and Friday night reception – as well as all the free events and the meet-and-greet.
There is of course no way that you could attend all 69 events anyway – so make sure you take a look at the schedule of events and get your moneys worth – and really get ‘inside’ this amazing habitat in the US.
Anything Else?
As if this wasn’t enough, the festival coincides with the International Migratory Bird Day (May 8th), and is a celebration of all migratory bird species for North, Central & South America – certainly a huge event to be incorporated into this annual wildlife festival.
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