The lure of a ten-speed bike was all it took. This was no ordinary bicycle, however. This was a radiant red Schwinn with swooping sight lines, 10 gears of unfettered pedal power that would serve as a freedom chaser to propel 9-year-old Ann Hayden to explore country roads in her rural Yolo County neighborhood. And … Continue reading “Creating Habitat Through Collaboration – Ann Hayden”

Even as he dreamt of herding cattle on ranch lands in Northern California, a body of water was ever present in that cowboy fantasy. Whether a pristine lake or a rippling river, the youngster was always drawn to the beauty these waterways imposed on the landscape. Some 60 years later part of that dream was … Continue reading “Dreams of a Cowboy – Jeff Volberg”

From the time he was old enough to slip into a pair of waders, Jacob could be found down at the creek perfecting his fly-fishing technique. In those early days you would find the father and son fishing northern California together everywhere from Putah Creek, little Sierra lakes and the Truckee River. Many times, the … Continue reading “Chasing Nigiri – Jacob & David Katz”

How Meghan Hertel’s failed farming attempt was a boon for wild birds in California There wasn’t an older brother or sister. Single mother worked full time, and in an age when this was normal, the outdoors became her babysitter. Few of her friends lived in the same Pinehurst, North Carolina neighborhood, so Meghan was left … Continue reading “Birds, Farms and a Carolina Girl – Meghan Hertel”