NEWS FROM THE NEST - Ducks Unlimited Ducks Unlimited Page 3 CHAPTER SPOTLIGHTS Half Moon Bay –...

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

California Ducks Unlimited

NEWS

FROM THE NEST

The 0fficial Member Newsletter of California Ducks Unlimited

SeptemberFall 2010

MESSAGE FROM THE STATE CHAIRMAN

Eric Rudgers Greetings! I sincerely hope all of you had a wonderful summer. DU California for sure did! Our summer was filled with successful fundraising events, District Chairman training, Volunteer leadership workshops, Volunteer appreciation gatherings and growth. That’s right – growth. A number of new chapters were formed, we had a rise in DU memberships and sponsorships, and more Greenwings are attending events.

California established 21 new chapters during the the past 18 months – now that is truly growth! In addition, eight dedicated and energized volunteers assumed District Chairman positions in the state to oversee and help chapters with their fundraising efforts.

Our fall calendar is filling up with banquets and other fun activities, and that is so great to see. Your attendance at these fundraising events is crucial for DU’s mission of conservation and protection of key waterfowl habitats. Your attendance and support is vitally important to the welfare of our Ducks. Please check out the events in your area by visiting the California DU Website at www.ca.ducks.org. We have also listed the upcoming events in this newsletter so look and see if there is an event being planned in your area. Don’t forget to call a friend and invite them to join you and become a Ducks Unlimited Member. In closing, I want to share that we have started planning for our 2011 State Convention and I encourage each of you – especially those of you who have never attended a state convention before - to put the date on your calendar. Join in the fun, fellowship and recognition. We’ll return to the Peppermill Casino and Hotel in Reno Nevada, April 15 and 16, 2011. We welcome ALL of you to come and join in the fun and celebration. If you have any feedback or thoughts to share, please contact me at [email protected]. Thank you again for your DU membership and all you do for the ducks!

http://www.ca.ducks.org/

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


YOUR CALIFORNIA

DU STATE COMMITTEEE

State Chairman

Eric Rudgers Lake Almanor, CA (530) 259-3945 [email protected] Assistant to the State Chairman

Mark Low Susanville, CA (530) 249-3286 (cell) [email protected] State Secretary

Rick McGlone Sebastopol, CA [email protected] State Treasurer

Dawan Lee San Jose, CA (408) 644-4872 [email protected] State Recruitment Chairman

Tony Pinheiro Modesto, CA (209) 551-1930 [email protected] State Ladies Chairman

Ann Bakey Cupertino, CA (408) 737-7410 (home) (408) 219-2578 (cell) [email protected] State Sponsor Chairman

Rick Saenz Fairfield, CA (707) 425-2213 (home) (707) 631-9242 (cell) [email protected] State Publicity Chairman

Rich Dengler Cupertino, CA (408) 737-7410 (home) (408) 368-6018 (cell) [email protected] Vacancies

State Greenwing Chairman State Membership Chairman State Major Donors Chairman

NAPA-SONOMA MARSHES WILDLIFE AREA RESTORATION

PROJECT

Water from the Napa River is gently turning 1,000 acres of abandoned salt ponds on Cargill property into wetlands, beginning with the breach of a levee north of American Canyon on August 25. The area is part of a 1,400-acre restoration project, the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area Restoration Project, land the California Department of Fish and Game owns off Green Island Road north of American Canyon.

Two amphibious excavators breached a levee to allow the river to gradually flow into the southernmost pond of the former Cargill property where salt was once harvested. The breach, which will eventually be 200 feet wide, will be cut in phases to prevent highly concentrated saltwater from entering the river.

Nearby, old levees will be lowered to allow the river to return, along with a variety of waterfowl, fish, and other species.

Larry Wyckoff, a senior wildlife biologist with the

California Department of Fish and Game

watches excavators

breach a levee on August 25 to restore former Cargill salt ponds into tidal

wetlands. The property is north of American Canyon.

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, was invited to speak because of his support of the project over the years; he addressed the importance of saving the wetlands to preserve wildlife, fish, clean air and clean water. Also present were Mark Biddlecomb, Director of DU’s Western Regional Office (left), and

Paul Bonderson, Chairman of the Conservation Programs Committee for Ducks Unlimited (right).

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


CHAPTER SPOTLIGHTS

Half Moon Bay – July 30

By Gabriel Tabib, Dinner Chairman

The 5th Annual Half Moon Bay Dinner was held on July 17 in downtown Half Moon Bay. More than 200 participants attended, including 50 Greenwings. A delicious prime rib dinner was prepared, cooked and served by our committee, other volunteers and family members.

Committee members (standing left to right): Ronny Melo, Gary Costa, Paul Placido, Joe Placido, Gabriel Tabib, Darrel Miguel, Cheryl Coruccini, Vince Coruccini, Jim Cozzolino; (front) John Patton, David Costa.

I am very proud of our committee and very thankful that they and other volunteers come together twice a year to support DU. Our annual dinner generates an average of $45,000 each year. In addition, we put on an annual Greenwing event that is well attended. We believe that it is important for children of all ages to develop a sense of responsibility for waterfowl and the wetland environments that are essential to their survival. The future of wetlands and duck hunting is why we do what we do each year. Our event is family oriented and well attended by Greenwings. All of our Greenwings are given a raffle ticket and each ticket is drawn for a special prize. No Greenwing leaves without something in their hands.

Greenwings smiling for the camera. The Kelly family (left to right) – Katherine, Glenna,

Dan, Victoria and Diana. Dan taught family members to hunt, and each enjoys DU events.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Karen and Mike Migliore from Winters. Vincent Cozzolino, Greenwing supporter who donates

the use of a park for the Half Moon Bay Chapter to hold its annual Greenwing event, and Gabriel Tabib, Dinner Chairman.

North State Sponsor Event– July 30

By Jason Rounsaville, Northern California DU Regional Director The North State Sponsor Event was held on July 30 at John Bessolo’s Centerville Estate in beautiful Butte Creek Canyon, Chico. A delicious jumbo shrimp and bacon wrapped filet mignon dinner was catered by Outback Steak House and JB’s Beverage & Bar Service provided spirits and other beverages. Following dinner was a live auction of DU merchandise.

Pictured left to right: Leighann Bessolo, Darrin Bessolo, John Bessolo (host), Jason Rounsaville (DU Regional Director), Frank Leonardi (DU Regional Director), Eric Rudgers (DU CA State Chairman)

Centerville Estate sits on 25 acres and is known for being a spectacular, natural setting for outdoor private events. What a beautiful setting for a DU sponsor event!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


The Centerville Estate’s Wildlife Museum was open for sponsors to tour during the event – truly a one-of-a-kind must see private museum! If you are a North State DU Sponsor and missed this event, mark your calendar now to attend in 2011. Centerville Estate has more than a quarter acre of lush landscaped grounds and features paved pathways through tall shade trees, flower gardens, elegant fountains, a rock waterfall and private sitting areas at the edge of Butte Creek. For more information about the estate, visit www.centervilleestate.com.

Cameron Park – September 10

By Jan Young, District Chairman Cameron Park's first annual banquet was held September 10 at the Elk's Lodge in Cameron Park. Approximately 40 people attended the event. Other chapters in the area including Placerville and Sacramento came to show their support! It was encouraging to see their smiling faces and they even helped support our auction and raffle! Cameron Park's committee was small with only seven members (two of them Greenwings) and they all worked hard to put on the event. We had the help of the Regional Director, Frank Leonardi, in set-up and take-down and, of course, during the event he was greatly appreciated. The event overall was a success with net/net around $4,000. It is our hope that next year will be bigger and even better.

Committee member Dave Bergman with the "pluck-a-goose" game.

Committee members Maunda and Hailey Howeson, Dave Bergman and Auctioneer Matt Wolters.

http://www.centervilleestate.com/

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Quincy – September 11 By Rich Dengler, Volunteer and Newsletter Editor

I had the pleasure of attending the Quincy banquet on September 11 which was put on by a very small committee of six dedicated volunteers. More than 75 people were in attendance and helped the committee raise needed dollars for Ducks Unlimited’s conservation efforts. A delicious chicken and tri-tip dinner was served buffet style with salad and beans as side dishes. The dinner was provided by Bryan Roccucci of Big Daddy’s Guide Service. Quincy Elks managed the no-host bar and everyone seemed to have a great time.

Committee members George Garcia, Dustin Vert, Don Hamilton, Lori Pini, Bobby Meeks and Gary Pini (Dinner Chairman).

Thirteen Greenwings were in attendance and all went home with a Greenwing raffle gift.

Attendees Lindsay and Dustin Vert with their Greenwings Ty, Devin and Quinton.

Attendees Jeanette and Ed Cammack of Plumas Motor Supply in Quincy. The Cammack’s are major donors to this event and enjoy attending!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Pictured here are Craig Stokes, Northern California DU District Chairman and his father, Orville

Stokes. Craig attended and worked the dinner and continues to be a very dedicated volunteer throughout Northern California helping chapters and their committees put on successful events. Orville explained that he is the oldest DU volunteer in the state and attends as many DU events as he can every year.

The Pini family (left to right) – Lori, Betty, Gary III, Gary, Cheryl, Gary Sr. and Johnny standing in front of his father. The entire Pini family was in attendance to help put on this event.

SUPPORT DUCKS UNLIMITED The ducks need you!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Sacramento Pig Feed – September 18 By Jan Young, District Chairman

The Sacramento Pig Feed was held September 18 at the MacKay Ranch. This is a "must attend" event that is extremely unique because of the huge transformation this horse arena goes through to become a huge BBQ Pig feed! One of the highlights of the evening was the auctioning of eight wood duck boxes which were handmade by the committee and included the DU logo on the front. Each person who purchased a wood duck box was entered into a drawing to win a gun safe and shotgun. The items raised more than $3,000. Also popular was a wild game dinner for eight, a Napa overnight trip and Alan Jackson tickets - all donated by our generous sponsors.

The Sacramento Pig Feed's Committee consists of a dozen committed volunteers including the dinner chairman, Colby Craig, pictured on the left. The set up for this event starts the day before preparing the ground, setting up tables and chairs, moving hay bales, and bringing tractor trailers in to prepare a place for the live auction display and a place for the live band! The pig feed would not be complete without the pig! It was BBQ'd to perfection with all the trimmings. This is a must-see event and was truly one-of-a-kind for the second year in a row!

Committee member Dave Bergman directing traffic in the parking lot.

Early attendees enjoying a beverage and each other’s company.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Modoc – September 25

By Jim and Linda Irvin, Co-Dinner Chairmen The Modoc dinner was held on September 25. The event was loads of fun and well executed by a great committee of 20 volunteers.

(L-R) are seated Monica Irvin, Sheila Jacques, Linda Wistos, Jeri Martin, Barbie Read & Linda Irvin; standing in middle row are Debby & Marty Yamagiwa, "Doc" Martin, Dick Read, & Dina McElwain; standing in the back row are Robert Trujillo, Buck Silva, George Wistos, Billy Jacques, Ron Privette, Don Demsher, & Jim Irvin. Not pictured are Lynda Demsher & Carol Callaghan. Attendance was up from 71 last year to 97 this year. We are very grateful to all who attended to help make this event successful. We especially want to thank the Modoc Red Hatters for selling raffle tickets and helping with the event.

(L-R) Dina McElwain, Linda Wistos and Debby Yamagiwa

Modoc Red Hatters

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


GREENWING KIDS COUNT 2! By Tom Rusert and Darren Peterie, Co-founders of Sonoma Birding, Sonoma Valley, CA.

More than a century ago, people engaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas "Side Hunt." They would choose sides and go afield with their guns, and whoever brought in the biggest pile of feathers and furs won. Conservation was in its beginning stages around the turn of the 20th century, and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. On Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank Chapman, an early officer in the newly budding Audubon Society, proposed a new holiday tradition know as the "Christmas Bird Census" that would count birds during the holidays rather than hunt them. So began the Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

Today there are more than 2,100 bird counts and nearly 60,000 participants in North America during the holiday season. This event was slowly evolving approximately 35 years prior to Ducks Unlimited’s founding. Today DU is a major conservation and habitat leader, conserving more than 12 million acres while Audubon has some 100 wildlife sanctuaries and nature centers throughout the United States.

All of this is very significant, but there continues to be a lot of hand ringing in both camps about a sustainable future and how we involve kids. Maybe, by working together with Greenwing members we can do something to help change this paradigm. Yes, it does seem like strange bed fellows... until you look down the road. How can we sustain all of this great conservation effort without somehow engaging kids and the family? Opportunities that encourage families to be out in nature together may be the key. Many years ago, Rachel Carson said, "If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” As sponsors, we learned during the traditional 110-year-old CBC that young kids with their families were often not included in this important 24 hour rigorous “citizen science” effort. In Sonoma Valley's first CBC in 2005, we had to turn away a dozen kids because the 36 birding teams and leaders felt that their hands were full. We did find a silver lining in this unfortunate situation though. Four years ago in Sonoma

Valley, we decided to create a community based CBC 4 Kids and their families. This new celebration is rapidly taking hold in several U.S. locations and has now become an exciting half day stand-alone family and community-based event that instills important basic ingredients of its century-old parent event. The CBC for Kids (aka New Year’s Bird Count for Kids) might spark a partnership with the Greenwing families that have similar goals. The objective is to educate kids and celebrate the outdoors over the holidays. Hopefully we create a “hometown team” of young birders, hunters, hikers, conservationists and potentially even spark future related careers. We are all in the same boat today when it comes to getting kids out in nature. We can provide a helpful 10 step formula for anyone interested. Start simple and have fun. It only takes two or three teams to begin. Target a holiday date between the second weekend in December through the third weekend in January that works best in your community outside legal hunt days. It is a wonderfully simple, healthy holiday celebration for almost any duck club, school, youth group, Audubon chapter, nature center, wildlife refuge or local community organization. The event needs

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


a good local sponsor, planned birding routes and a few knowledgeable birders that will guide the kids (ages 8-15) in this wonderful half day experience that culminates with a tabulation and brown bag lunch celebration with presentations by the kids to each other. It can happen anywhere.

We started the event in Sonoma, California four years ago with 34 kids and 60 adults. Now we have more than 50 kids participating annually in Sonoma Valley. Today the holiday celebration has spread to five states with nearly 20 events involving about 1,000 kids and adults. The seed is planted and the idea is easily customized with some local creativity. The great news is that everyone attends because they want to be a part of it. It is important that we build bridges to non-traditional allies engaging in education and sustainability in the sports of hunting and birding. We have more in common than some may think. We would be happy to coach and share what has worked for us with Ducks Unlimited and

the Greenwing members. Why not learn from each other? John Muir said "Tug on anything and you will find it connected to everything else." Our collective future depends on it. Tom Rusert and Darren Peterie pioneered the CBC 4 Kids (aka New Years Bird Count 4 Kids) in Sonoma Valley, California in 2007. Contact sonomanature@ gmail.com or visit www.sonomabirding.org for a packet or coaching. Pictures courtesy of Christine Hansen and Duy Nguyen.

http://www.sonomabirding.org/

http://gmail.com/

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME PILOTS NEW AUTOMATED LICENSE DATA SYSTEM

FOR HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES

California Department of Fish and Game Director John McCamman announced that Californians will soon purchase hunting and fishing licenses using a real-time automated system. Especially developed for DFG, the Automated License Data System (ALDS) is already in place at DFG license sales offices. The system will be piloted at select license agent locations with full statewide implementation expected between November 2010 and early January 2011.

“This system is the largest of its kind in the world,” said Director McCamman. “This long-awaited, long-requested system will provide an unmatched level of service to our license-buying constituents.”

Unlike automated systems in other states, California's ALDS is a real-time system.

"A real-time system gives customers immediate access to our license inventory which will eliminate the need to visit a DFG office or wait for high-demand products to be issued via mail," said James Fong, chief of DFG's License and Revenue Branch. "For example, a deer hunter will be able to go to his or her local license agent and immediately purchase any available deer tag rather than having to mail in an application or travel to a DFG office to make the purchase."

ALDS will provide numerous advantages to hunting and fishing license buyers. License agents won't run out of licenses and stamps, for example, and customers will be able to easily replace lost licenses at any license agent for a reduced fee.

"The advantages of this system go far beyond convenience," said Fong. "Not only will we be able to improve customer service, but we will be able to use the information in the database to better manage wildlife and comply with federal grant requirements which translates into more revenue for our wildlife management and enforcement programs."

During the first year of ALDS, customers should be aware that new requirements exist. For example, items issued through ALDS will be subject to a three percent surcharge for system maintenance. Also, customers must provide some form of legal identification and a telephone number when they first make a purchase through ALDS. Customers are able to purchase licenses for other people as long as the licensee’s prior year license is provided along with a driver license number. Without the prior year license, the purchaser must provide the licensee’s date of birth, legal identification number and type, address and physical description. If the purchaser does not have all of the licensee’s personal data, they can purchase a license voucher that can be redeemed for a sportfishing or hunting license at any ALDS license agent.

The new requirements will ensure a complete and accurate customer database, reduce the risk of fraud, improve DFG's ability to better manage resources, provide more equitable outdoor opportunities and meet federal mandates that require complete customer data. Although customers may experience a slower license sales transaction time the first year, the process will be quicker in the future, as the customer's information will already be in the system. To find a license agent near you, or to learn more about ALDS, visit the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing.

Traditional hunting and fishing licenses will still be available at non-ALDS license agents until the system is fully implemented statewide. Fishing licenses also continue to be available for purchase online at www.calicensetofish.com. Hunting licenses are expected to be available for purchase online in 2011.

http://www.calicensetofish.com/

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


2010 – 2011 Waterfowl Hunting Season Summary

This table represents excerpted details from the full waterfowl hunting regulations as adopted by the Fish and Game Commission.

AREA SPECIES SEASONS DAILY BAG & POSSESSION LIMITS

All Zones Coots & Moorhens

Concurrent w/duck season

25/day. 25 in possession

Ducks Oct 9 - Jan 21

Scaup Oct 9 - Jan 2

7/day, which may include: 7 mallards but no more than 2 females, 2 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, 3 scaup. Possession limit double the daily bag.

Northeastern Zone

Geese Oct 9 - Jan 16 8/ day, which may include: 6 white geese, 6 dark geese no more than 4 white-fronts, 2 Large Canada geese, 1 Small Canada goose. Possession limit double the daily bag.

Ducks Oct 9 - Oct 31 and Nov 13 - Jan 30

Scaup Nov 13 - Jan 30

7/day, which may include: 7 mallards, no more than 2 females, 2 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, 3 scaup. Possession limit double the daily bag.

Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone

Geese Oct 23 - Jan 30 8/ day, which may include: 6 white geese, 6 dark geese, no more than 4 white-fronted geese. Possession limit double the daily bag.



7/day, which may include: 7 mallards no more than 2 hen mallards or Mexican-like ducks, 2 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, 3 scaup. Possession limit double the daily bag.

Colorado River Zone

Geese Oct 22 - Jan 30 6/ day, up to 6 white geese, up to 3 dark geese. Possession limit double the daily bag.



7/day, which may include: 7 mallards, no more than 2 females, 2 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, 3 scaup. Possession limit double the daily bag.

Southern California Zone

Geese Oct 23 - Jan 30 8/day, up to 6 white geese, up to 3 dark geese. Possession limit double the daily bag.



7/day,which may include: 7 mallards, no more than 2 females, 2 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, 3 scaup. Possession limit double the daily bag.

Geese Oct 23 - Jan 30

Balance of State Zone

Large Canada Geese

Oct 2 - Oct 6 and Oct 23 - Jan 30

8/ day, which may include: 6 white geese, 6 dark geese, no more than 4 white-fronted geese. Possession limit double the daily bag.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


UPCOMING EVENTS

Attend a local event in your area and take part in the fun while supporting the mission of Ducks Unlimited! Traveling or vacationing? You can find an event on the Ducks Unlimited Website at www.ca.ducks.org DeAnza Chapter – November 4

The DeAnza Chapter holds its dinner in the city of Santa Clara. The city is the site of the eighth of 21 California missions, Mission Santa Clara de Asís, and was named after the mission. The Mission and Mission Gardens are located on the grounds of Santa Clara University. Santa Clara is located in the center of Silicon Valley, and is home to the headquarters of many fortune 100 companies. The DeAnza dinner will be held Thursday, November 4. For more information, phone Forrest O’Brien at 408 866-5796.

Salinas Valley – November 5

Just inland from Monterey, you’ll come upon an agricultural jewel known as the Salinas Valley. In addition to serving as the backdrop for two of America’s great literary works by John Steinbeck, the Salinas Valley is today the agricultural heart of the nation for staples like lettuce, cauliflower and broccoli. The Salinas Valley banquet will be held Friday, November 5. For more information, phone James DeVincenzi at 831 754-1569.

North SLO County – November 5

San Luis Obispo County is located along the Pacific Ocean in the Central Coast of California, between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. The mainstays of the economy are California Polytechnic State University with its almost 20,000 students, tourism, and agriculture. San Luis Obispo County is the third largest producer of wine in California, surpassed only by Sonoma and Napa Counties.

The North SLO County dinner will be held Friday, November 5 at the Paso Robles Inn in Paso Robles. For more information, phone Jim Stone at 805 239-1722.

San Francisco - November 10

San Francisco is a unique and breathtaking metropolis. From the famous icon of the Golden Gate Bridge to the exquisite art galleries, the city takes pride in its unrivaled attractions, renowned museums and its unique neighborhoods which are treasures of its own.

The San Francisco dinner will be held Wednesday, November 10 at the St. Francis Yacht Club. For more information contact Grant Cleghorn at 415 336-9040.

http://goldengate.org/

http://www.ca.ducks.org/

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Stockton – November 11

Celebrate history, the arts and good food and wine in the historic city of Stockton. Stockton is located in California’s Central Valley close to San Francisco, coastal beaches and Yosemite National Park. This dynamic inland city boasts a rich heritage and a vibrant, contemporary ambiance. The Stockton dinner will be held Thursday, November 11 at the Stockton Ball Room. For more information, contact Steve McPeak at 209 969-4478.

Ventura County – November 19

Ventura County is a county in the southern part of California. It is located on California's Pacific coast and is often referred to as the Gold Coast. Ventura County has a reputation of being one of the safest populated places and one of the most affluent places in the country. The Ventura County dinner will be held Friday November 19 at the Tres Condados Girl Scount Center in Ventura. For more information, contact Bill Stevenson at 805 832-7837.

Yuba-Sutter – November 19

The Yuba-Sutter Region is centrally located in beautiful Northern California.

Known as the Gateway to the Gold Fields, Yuba-Sutter offers a rare mix of

gold-rush era communities, historic downtown shopping opportunities,

agricultural assets complementing year-round festivals and fairs. The lakes,

rivers and mountains will stimulate your senses and satisfy your camping,

boating, fishing and hunting needs.

The Yuba-Sutter dinner will be held Friday, November 19 at the Veterans Memorial Building in Yuba City. For more information, contact Frank Leonardi at 916 984-3073.

Placer County – November 20 Placer County entices not only the thrill seeker, but those pursuing a relaxing getaway, peace and quiet, with plenty of open space. Located in beautiful Northern California, easily accessible on Interstate 80, Placer County is 100 miles northeast of San Francisco and 20 miles west of Reno. From the majesty of North Lake Tahoe to the rich heritage of the Gold Rush era, Placer County offers a wealth of sensational experiences.

The Placer County dinner will be held Saturday, November 20 at the McBean Park Pavilion in Lincoln. For more information contact Tom Jones at 916 645-3073.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marysville%2C_California

http://www.suttercounty.org/

http://www.co.yuba.ca.us/

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Walnut Grove – November 20

Walnut Grove is one of the earliest settlements in California along the Sacramento River mid-way between Sacramento and Stockton. The nearby waterways provide an endless source of recreation from fishing to water-skiing. The Walnut Grove banquet will be held Saturday, November 20. For more information, phone Shuana Buzunis-Jacob at 209 601-5548.

West Sacramento – December 2

West Sacramento is in the heart of the thriving Sacramento metropolitan area, known for its rich cultural offerings and proximity to world class, year-round recreation. The city offers quaint, historical cottages along the river, hip new lofts at Metro Place, lakefront homes, golf courses, restaurants and shopping. The West Sacramento dinner will be held Thursday, December 2 at the VFH Hall. For more information, contact Gary Fredericksen at 916 203-5446.

Los Banos – December 3

Los Banos is situated on the west side of Merced County and is the county’s second largest city. The City is conveniently located in the center of California and is surrounded by agriculture. It is about two hours from the cities of San Francisco, Oakland and Sacramento, as well as Yosemite National Park.

The Los Banos dinner will be held Fiday, December 3 at the Los Banos Community Center. For more information, contact Chris Hildebrandt at 209 761-8400.

South Lake Tahoe – December 3

Lake Tahoe’s South Shore Community is located in both California and Nevada. It is a unique and beautiful national treasure that also boasts a rich and colorful historical past. Lake Tahoe is the highest lake of its size in the United States and the largest alpine lake in North America. Hotels, casinos and ski resorts draw millions of guests each year. The area's main attraction continues to be the restful silence of the wilderness and the awe-inspring beauty of the Lake.

South Lake Tahoe dinner will be held Friday, December 3 at the Embassy Suites in South Lake Tahoe. For more information, contact Kit or Diane Arlin at 530 544-8618.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Dixon – December 3

Dixon is more than just a little town on busy Interstate 80 – Dixon is within San Francisco Bay Area’s Solano County, only 22 miles from Sacramento and less than 5 miles from the University of California, Davis. Dixon is rich in agricultural roots and is blessed with thousands of acres of open space and many neighborhood parks. Dixon is the hub for miles of grain alfalfa and dairy farming. The Dixon dinner will be held Friday, December 3 at the Dixon Fair Grounds, Denverton Hall. For more information, contact Nancy Holdener at 707 446-1434 or [email protected].

EDITORS NOTE

Whether you are a longtime DU supporter, or a first time member, the News from the Nest is YOUR California DU newsletter. For any aspiring writers and photographers, what makes the News from the Nest truly ours are stories and photos by California DU members. Please take the time and send me a story or photos of your events, members, conservation projects, Greenwing activities, trips or whatever you feel is important to share. It is my goal to provide articles relating to national and local conservation news, events, outdoor adventures, hunting, regulations and much more. With your help, we can make News from the Nest a publication that we all look forward to reading.

Rich Dengler, California Ducks Unlimited Newsletter Editor [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

NEWS FROM THE NEST - Ducks Unlimited Ducks Unlimited Page 3 CHAPTER SPOTLIGHTS Half Moon Bay –...

Documents

Transcript of NEWS FROM THE NEST - Ducks Unlimited Ducks Unlimited Page 3 CHAPTER SPOTLIGHTS Half Moon Bay –...