Sunday, November 15, 2026
8:00am – 12:00pm

$35 per person

Meet at the Dwight Center 
Ages 12 and up (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)

Join avid birder and environmental educator, Nicole Barden, for a sensational morning of looking and listening for both our year-round resident birds and those who are just passing through on their fall migration. Nicole will share her knowledge of our local feathered fauna as you search for them in grasslands and woodland edges. You will learn and practice tips and techniques for identifying the birds we encounter, including what to notice in their song, habits, and appearance. By the end of our outing, you will have a diverse list of species we’ve found together, as well as improved skills for your birding practice! After returning from the field, we will conclude in the classroom for a review of further tools and resources to support your future birding adventures. This outing is great for birders of all levels: support will be provided for those new to birding, and those with more experience will have the opportunity to connect with the community and deepen their practice.

We will travel in shared vehicles to sites out on the reserve to “bird in place” in those locations. You are invited to bring your own folding chair, or to wander on foot short distances in these locations. People who use mobility aids are welcome. 

You are invited to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at our picnic tables after the class concludes. 

*Binoculars will be available to borrow. You may check out a pair to use for the excursion upon arrival. 

Instructor: Nicole Barden

Nicole Barden is a passionate naturalist and experienced educator who grew up exploring Northern California. After receiving her Biology degree at Northland College in Northern Wisconsin, she moved back to California and spent nearly 10 years at Pepperwood, working as an Environmental Educator and coordinating their annual Breeding Bird Survey. She now leads and coordinates educational programs as a State Park Interpreter at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and Folsom Powerhouse State Historical Park. She is an avid birder, usually carrying her binoculars around wherever she goes, and loves sharing her birding passion with others. 

 

Weather & Cancellations: This event WILL be canceled in the case of rain, and could also be canceled due to unhealthy air quality or other unforeseen circumstances. In the case of cancellation, registrants will be notified via email. 

Ease of Access: This event meets at an accessible facility with bathrooms. We will travel in shared vehicles, to stops on the reserve where we will get out and “bird in place”. Pepperwood’s vehicles are high-clearance, including a 10-passenger van and an SUV. If it is better for you to travel in your own vehicle (for ease of getting in & out, or for transporting wheelchairs) it can be arranged for you to drive your own vehicle in our caravan. There will not be accessible bathrooms available during the duration of the field outing, only at the meeting and ending location.

Refund Policy: Refunds will not be given for this event, aside from cancellations due to illness/medical reasons. Transferring your ticket to another person is allowed, please just contact Holland at hgistelli@pepperwoodpreserve.org to inform us of the transfer.  In the case of this event being canceled on behalf of Pepperwood due to extreme weather conditions or other reasons, refunds will be offered. 

When visiting Pepperwood, please leave pets at home for their wellbeing and that of our wildlife. Thank you.

Please, no smoking at Pepperwood.

For questions about this event, please contact Holland Gistelli, Education Program Manager, at hgistelli@pepperwoodpreserve.org or (707) 591-9310 x 124.

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TO REGISTER:

To register, click t he +Add button on the right side of the “General” level below. On mobile devices, you may need to scroll all the way to the right to find the +Add button. In the pop up window, enter your contact information and scroll to the bottom to click “Continue” (on mobile devices you may need to scroll the window around and down to see this button). Repeat this for other attendees. Next, on the main form, you may add an optional donation amount in the open field, then click the green “Continue” button to move to the final page for payment. Click the green “Process” button on this final page to complete your transaction.

If you do not see your confirmation email after registering, please check your “Spam”/”Junk” email folder as messages may be directed there. 

Registration opens for Pepperwood Donors on Thursday August 20, 2026;

and then opens for the public on Thursday August 27, 2026.