Events

Join Lodi Boathouse staff for an enjoyable paddle along the Mokelumne River. The tour will be guided by an experienced boathouse staff member. This is a great way to enjoy a day on the water while you learn about the flora and fauna found along the Mokelumne River.

The endangered California Condor population, once near the brink of extinction, has been recovering with the help of innovative management techniques and dedicated work by staff biologists and volunteers. The road to recovery has had many twists and turns for the biologists monitoring these critically endangered birds. Join Erin Lehnert for a glimpse into the life of a condor biologist.

Join us at the family-friendly Durst Winery, where local birding experts will guide you around the mature rural landscape of mature trees, shrubs and perennials in search of local and migrating birds. This tour is made even more enjoyable because you will be savoring a glass of Cassandra’s vintage and complimentary cookies. Wine tasting after the tour on your own.

If you are wanting to explore the Delta by boat, this is the tour for you. Cruise leisurely along the waterways of the California Delta through prime waterfowl habitat with a local licensed boat operator and a birder/naturalist.

Paul Tebbel, representing ICF, presents an overview of cranes worldwide, with an emphasis on those found in North America. He has spent over 45 years watching, researching, and learning about cranes.

NEW THIS YEAR! Anyone who is interested in knowing more about how modern zoos contribute to conservation of endangered species and rehabilitation of injured wildlife will find this tour fascinating. Children of all ages will enjoy a leisurely stroll around Micke Grove Zoo, which is part of a large regional park.

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SEE COSUMNES RIVER PRESERVE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. Since this is a small group tour, you will have open conversations with the Preserve's biologists and get all your questions answered. The Cosumnes River Preserve is the finest Valley Oak riparian forest and wetland in California.

A tranquil Lodi Lake and the meandering Mokelumne River provide the rare opportunity for Crane Festival participants to enjoy a leisurely sunset patio boat ride. Join a local naturalist as you glide along viewing the lake's verdant scenery, resident birds, and wildlife.

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is home to over 200 species of birds and is a roosting area for Sandhill Cranes. Join a local guide who will lead you along the Blue Heron Trail as you explore this magnificent wildlife sanctuary. The tour is tailored to nature lovers, beginning and intermediate birders, photographers, and children.

Leave the driving to us. This tour combines a crane fly-in with birding on Staten Island, a premier Nature Conservancy/Conservation Farms and Ranches location, to learn what the birds already know - this is one of the best places in the Delta to spend the winter. Experienced docents will highlight the history of Staten Island and its partnership with the Cosumnes River Preserve.

If you have never had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Gary Ivey about Sandhill Cranes, you won’t want to miss this tour. Join Gary on a bus ride around the delta to see cranes feeding in the fields.and watch them during the evening fly-in.

This tour has all the excitement of the other fly-in tours in the area, but visitors will be able to view the Sandhill Cranes (and other birds) from the comfort of a viewing shelter. Seating is provided and maps, charts, and pictorials are on display. Also, visitors will be treated to a presentation by Department of Fish and Wildlife docents.

The Woodbridge Ecological Reserve is one of the few locations where Sandhill Cranes consistently roost in the Delta. At dusk, in large groups that can number from several hundred to several thousand, the cranes converge on the South Unit’s flooded fields for the night. CDFW Docents will give a presentation on the cranes in a private viewing area. The cranes determine end times for evening tours.

Serious birders won’t want to miss this walk through the Tall Forest at the Cosumnes River Preserve. Dr. John Trochet, a well-known field ornithologist, will lead you deep into one of the finest riparian habitats left in California. There you will see a rich variety of up to 90 resident and seasonal bird species.

If you have never experienced an early morning fly-out, you won’t want to miss this. Sandhill Cranes begin their day as the sun starts to rise and you’ll want to be there to see it. Best of all, Dr. Gary Ivey will be there to share his knowledge and answer your questions.

This tour is designed for experienced photographers with a basic knowledge of their camera (aperture, shutter speed and ISO). If you are interested in learning more about how to capture high quality images in low light and fog, with the challenges of early morning set ups, this is the tour for you. You will meet at Staten Island.

If you would like to improve your photography skills while capturing the beauty of wild birds, this is the tour for you. Join Jim Dunn for a morning foray at the Cosumnes River Preserve to discuss equipment options for wild bird photography and learn some of the key skills and techniques to get good photographs. You will have a chance to practice your skills at one of the best birding areas in northern California.

Bring your binoculars and enjoy a leisurely walk on flat ground through the old growth riparian habitat at Lodi Lake Nature Trail with a local birding expert.

If you are wanting to explore the Delta by boat, this is the tour for you. Cruise leisurely along the waterways of the California Delta through prime waterfowl habitat with a local licensed boat operator and a birder/naturalist.

Enjoy your bus ride through the Sierra foothills to Pardee Reservoir, where you will board a boat with East Bay Municipal Utility District naturalists and biologists. You will have a chance to see early season Golden and Bald Eagles, hawks and many local species.

If you have never had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Gary Ivey about Sandhill Cranes, you won’t want to miss this tour. Join Gary on a bus ride around the delta to see cranes feeding in the fields.and watch them during the evening fly-in.

This paid workshop and field trip is focused on Nature drawing. With guidance from John Muir Laws and his Wild Wonder Foundation, explore new ways of looking at nature while recording your observations in words and images. Following the workshop, apply the techniques of nature drawing in an exploration of the Cosumnes River Preserve .

Join your guides on a rare walking tour of model wildlife habitat areas and adjoining vineyards, where you will see a variety of bird species and possibly even local mammals. The tour will culminate in a visit to the family winery where adults can peruse the many fine vintages that have been personally nurtured by the family from the soil to the bottle. Wine tasting on your own.

Learn origami crane folding from our volunteer “experts”.  This activity is FREE … and everyone is welcomed to give it a try.  Stop by to learn more about the cultural significance of origami cranes and the history of this unique Japanese art form. 

The Festival Exhibit Hall is open to all Festival attendees, free of charge, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 4th and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 5th. The Hall houses commercial vendors, public agencies, non-profit agencies, education organizations and activities that focus on Sandhill Cranes, and the diverse wildlife and their habitats found in the Lodi area.

A volunteer naturalist will guide you to areas that are best for viewing. The species you might see include Swainson’s Hawks, Red Tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, Red-Shouldered Hawks, and many others. Be sure to bring your binoculars and scopes. Over 250 species of birds frequent the Cosumnes River Preserve during the year, so no mater what, you will have a day to remember.

Stop by for hands on exploration that gives people of all ages the opportunity to expand their knowledge … and have fun doing it. Jay Bell, former Lodi USD Science Specialist, shares his collection of artifacts and equipment to offer a closer look, and a better understanding, of cranes and their adaptations.

If you are wanting to explore the Delta by boat, this is the tour for you. Cruise leisurely along the waterways of the California Delta through prime waterfowl habitat with a local licensed boat operator and a birder/naturalist.

Join Native Bird Connections for an intimate look at the behaviors, life experiences, and personal stories of several birds of prey. See hawks and owls up close and learn their unique stories. This presentation repeats on Saturday at 1:40 PM.

In this introduction to Sandhill Cranes, learn about their life history, behavior, migration routes, and the importance of the California Delta to cranes along the Pacific Flyway. Learn more about the California version of a great migration and the habitats that support this awesome, and very reliable, natural phenomenon.