DESCRIPTION: 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 Trails as you explore this family friendly wildlife sanctuary. The tour is tailored to nature lovers, beginning and intermediate birders, photographers, and families. If you have never been to Stone Lakes, this is a great way to get acquainted. Be prepared to walk about a mile and stand for over an hour. Be sure to stay on the trails. Don’t forget your camera. A flashlight will be helpful to aide you while walking back to your car. The tour ends at sunset so it will be dark.
TIME: 3:55 – 5:55 p.m.
NOTE: THIS IS A FREE TOUR BUT YOU MUST SIGN UP HERE.
DIRECTIONS TO THE TOUR: The Blue Heron Trail at Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is located just south of Elk Grove. From Lodi, drive north on Interstate 5 and take the Hood Franklin Road exit. Turn west under the freeway and drive for about one mile to Wildlife Reserve Road. The entrance sign and turn lane will be on your left.
LANDS PASS: No Lands Pass is required for this tour
OTHER TOURS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST: You may be interested in knowing that other Sandhill Crane tours are available during the fall and winter. For more information about California Department of Fish and Wildlife tours during the season go to this CDFW website. For information about Sandhill Crane tours through the Cosumnes River Preserve, click here.
TICKETS:
This is a free tour but you must sign up here. Click on CLICK HERE TO BOOK THIS TOUR below and follow the directions. You will not be charged for the tour but your name will be added to the list of participants.
Book this tour beginning September 3, 2024
REGISTER ONLINE: September 3 – October 26, 2024
NOTE: Tour guides will receive a list of customers who have registered before the tour.
LATE REGISTRATION: Customers who register online after October 26 must present a hard copy or phone displaythe email receipt to their tour guide at the time of the tour.
REGISTRATION AT THE FESTIVAL: Unsold tickets will be available during the festival and can be purchased on this website.
This map can be used to search for the best route to your tour from your current location. Drive time from Hutchins Street Square in Lodi, California to this tour is approximately 30 minutes.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WHERE AND WHEN TO MEET YOUR GUIDE: Check in with your guide in the Blue Heron Trail parking lot by 3:45. The tour will begin shortly.
QUESTIONS REGARDING REGISTRATION: Contact the Registration Coordinator at tours@lodisandhillcrane.org or leave a message at (800) 581-6150. Notify the Registration Coordinator in advance if special accommodations are needed. Expect a response from the Coordinator within the week.
TOURS TAKE PLACE RAIN OR SHINE.
Cancellation Policy: Full refunds (minus a 3% processing fee) are available prior to a tour upon the customer’s request at tours@lodisandhillcrane.org. A full refund is automatically issued for any events cancelled by the festival organizers.
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