A California quail at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. CDFW photo by Travis VanZant.
All calendar items are subject to change.
Wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires or storm damage. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to check for closures before leaving on any recreational trip.
Various Days — Wetland Meet & Greet at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley (95948). Meet with a wildlife naturalist from the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. This 15-minute interactive orientation may include information about Gray Lodge’s origins, assistance with identifying wildlife or behavior patterns, or a brief explanation of conservation management. Reservations are required but group size can vary. For more information, call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
2 — Invasive Plant Removal and Flower Walk, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, 2488 Cherokee Road, Oroville (95965). Join two CDFW California Climate Action Corps fellows for a flower walk to remove invasive plants at the beautiful North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve during its famous wildflower season! Help protect native wildflowers by pulling invasive plants such as Italian thistle and milk thistle. A flower walk will be given on the way to the weeding site, Ravine Falls. This event requires approximately 3 miles of hiking to and from Ravine Falls. The trail is mostly flat with sections that are very rocky or muddy. Long sleeves, long pants and hiking boots are recommended. Gloves and tools will be provided. This event is open to ages 18 and over. To register, visit the event registration page. For any questions, contact sara.benavidez@wildlife.ca.gov.
2 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3-5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon’s Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2025/5/2/friday-habitat-restoration.
4 — Salt Marsh and Dunes Tour at Ballona Reserve, 10 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Explore the wonder of nature in the middle of urban Los Angeles! Friends of Ballona docents will lead the tour through the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve and teach participants about its history and ecology. Enjoy all the special and unique native plants on the journey through different habitats. Participants might even meet some of the local wildlife. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon's Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/5/4/2025-saltmarsh-tour.
4 — City of Davis Wetlands Tour, 9-11 a.m., 45400 County Road 28H, Woodland (95776). Yolo Basin Foundation offers tours of the City of Davis Wetlands, located at the City of Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant. These tours offer a great outdoor experience to learn more about local and migratory bird species, mammals and native ecosystems. It is also an excellent opportunity for photography. Prepare for unpredictable weather by dressing in layers and bringing a water bottle. To register, visit yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours.
5 — Archery-only Spring Wild Turkey and Additional Junior Spring Turkey Seasons Open (extending through May 18). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
10 — Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Kids’ Fishing Day, 7-11:30 a.m., 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley (95948). Youths 15 and under can angle for catfish at this free event. Registration is required for fishing. Shuttle service, beginning at 6:30 a.m., is available during the event from the entrance parking lot to nearby parking lot 14, followed by a 2/3-mile walk to the pond. A limited number of fishing poles and bait will be available for loan. The event will include prizes for participating youths and lunch for all family members. Anglers aged 16 and over who have a valid California Sport Fishing License may fish from this location after 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Gridley Recreation Department at (530) 846-3264 or Gray Lodge Wildlife Area at (530) 846-7505.
10 — Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW for a free, family-friendly guided tour to explore the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and neighboring American River on the second Saturday of each month! Learn about the amazing life cycle of salmon and steelhead, walk along the American River and discuss hatchery operations. Participants may see fish and other wildlife, such as migratory birds, signs of mammal activity and cool insects. The maximum group size is 25 people, first-come, first-served. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain. The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages. For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
10 — Ballona Creek Cleanup at Ballona Reserve, 9:30 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands clean up the last coastal wetland in Los Angeles. Did you know that 130 square miles of storm drain flow into Ballona Creek? Gutter trash from as far away as North Hollywood can end up right in the wetlands. The time and effort put into clearing out debris means less trash in the wetlands, on beaches and in the open ocean. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon’s Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/5/10-creek-cleanup.
13 — Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Creating an Unbeatable Mindset Through Hunting, 6-7 p.m. Does Vince Lombardi's famous quote, “Winners never quit, and quitters never win," apply to hunting? This webinar will discuss how hunting can create mental toughness. The presenter will discuss practical ways to increase mental/ physical resiliency and show how a mentally tough hunter is not only a better hunter, but that the "grit" learned by persevering will help in other areas of life. For more information and to register, visit the event registration page.
14 — California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, 10 a.m., Natural Resources Headquarters Building, Second Floor, 715 P Street, Sacramento (95814). The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.
15 — California Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resources Meeting, 10 a.m., California Natural Resources Building, Second Floor, 715 P Street, Sacramento (95814). The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.
15 — Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW for Tot Time at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center for nature-themed stories and to create a fun craft! Recommended for children ages 2-7 years, with parent/guardian supervision. There is no cost for these events and registration is not required. For more information, email julia.sisneros@wildlife.ca.gov.
16 — Invasive Plant Removal and Flower Walk, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, 2488 Cherokee Road, Oroville (95965). Join two CDFW California Climate Action Corps fellows for a flower walk to remove invasive plants at the beautiful North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve during its famous wildflower season! Help protect native wildflowers by pulling invasive plants such as Italian thistle and milk thistle. A flower walk will be given on the way to the weeding site, Ravine Falls. This event requires approximately 3 miles of hiking to and from Ravine Falls. The trail is mostly flat with sections that are very rocky or muddy. Long sleeves, long pants and hiking boots are recommended. Gloves and tools will be provided. This event is open to ages 18 and over. To register, visit the event registration page. For any questions, contact sara.benavidez@wildlife.ca.gov.
16 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3-5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon’s Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2025/5/16/friday-habitat-restoration.
18 — California Bumble Bee Atlas Surveying, 9:30-11:30 a.m., North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, 2488 Cherokee Road, Oroville (95965). Join a community science collaboration between CDFW and The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to find out more about California’s native bumble bees while collecting data to help conserve declining species. Volunteers will meet with Climate Action Fellows and learn to catch and handle bumble bees, practice photographing them, collect habitat data and do an official survey. This is a free event for ages 16 and over. Equipment will be provided. Please take the Bumble Bee Atlas training in advance and get added to the project’s scientific collecting permit. For more information and to take the trainings, visit www.cabumblebeeatlas.org. To register for the survey, visit the event registration page. Contact samantha.edolmo@wildlife.ca.gov with any questions.
18 — Tour of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 9 a.m. to noon, 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis (95618). Join Yolo Basin Foundation for a guided automobile tour of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Tours are hosted the third Sunday of the month from October through June. Learn about birds of prey, waterfowl, native plants, flood management techniques and much more! Please dress in layers as weather can be unpredictable. To register, visit yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours.
21 — Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Access Permit Application Deadline for Lake Berryessa Wild Pig Hunt. Three access permits good for two hunters will be drawn for this hunt. Only archery and shotgun with slug will be allowed. A $13.50 non-refundable application fee (plus handling fees) is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.
22 — California Wildlife Conservation Board Meeting, 10 a.m., Natural Resources Agency Headquarters, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P Street, Sacramento (95814). The public is welcome. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov.
23 — Invasive Plant Removal at Nimbus Hatchery, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Nimbus Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join two CDFW California Climate Action Corps fellows as they remove invasive plants at the Nimbus Hatchery Visitor Center! Eliminating invasive species helps native plants thrive, supports local biodiversity and provides vital resources for wildlife and pollinators. All ages are welcome, but be prepared to work with prickly plants. Please wear long pants and close-toed shoes. Snacks, water, gloves and tools will be provided. To register, visit the event registration page. For any questions, contact sara.benavidez@wildlife.ca.gov.
24 — Community Habitat Restoration, 9:30 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon’s Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2025/5/24/community-habitat-restoration.
27-30 — Office of Spill Prevention and Response 11th Biennial Spill Response Technology Workshop, Marathon Refinery, 2350 East 223rd Street, Carson (90810). This event brings speakers from all over the world together with industry members, response contractors and government agencies to help ensure Best Achievable Protection for California’s resources. It’s an opportunity for learning, networking and problem-solving, with both in-person and virtual options. It is free and open to the public. More information and a registration link can be found on the event flyer. Questions can be addressed to osprtechworkshops@wildlife.ca.gov or by phone to Annie Nelson at (916) 202-1656.
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Media Contact:
Amanda McDermott, CDFW Communications, (916) 738-9641