Events

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.

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.

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.

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 LSCA welcomes everyone to the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival with a reception and awards ceremony. Light snacks and wine tasting are included. An awards ceremony will recognize individuals who have contributed to Sandhill Crane conservation and environmental protection.

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.

Early morning fly-outs are special. If you have never experienced one, you won’t want to miss this. It is so peaceful at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve as the night gives way to scarlet colors in the east. Best of all, Paul Tebbel will be there to share his knowledge about Sandhill Cranes and answer your questions.

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 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.

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.

This is your chance to see one of the most unique wetlands habitat in the Delta. You definitely will want to see the “Black Hole.” Trevor Carlson will meet you at the clubhouse for an introductory discussion before loading a small bus for a tour of the grounds. You will see areas of habitat restoration that have been specifically designed for Wood Ducks and Mallards.

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.

Each fall and winter, thousands of Sandhill Cranes migrate along the Pacific Flyway and make a seasonal stop in California’s Central Valley—especially around Lodi. These elegant birds are known for their distinctive calls, graceful courtship dances, and easily recognizable features.

Haiku is an ancient poetry form originating in Japan and now enjoyed and written world-wide. It is well known for its focus on nature and the natural world, and its brevity—each poem a bare 17 syllables, a single breath of observation, a word-sketch, a poetic field-note.

Stop by for hands on exploration that gives people of all ages the opportunity to expand their knowledge … and have fun doing it. San Joaquin Audubon Society shares a collection of artifacts and equipment to offer a closer look, and a better understanding, of cranes and their adaptations.

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. 

Gabe Kerschner with Wild Things! returns with some of their special animals for this fun and educational program.  In past years he has shared a mountain lion, brown bear, raccoon, Golden Eagle, Barn Owl, rattlesnake, and other rescued animals that could not be returned to the wild.

Welcome back Denis and James Kurata, who will perform this ancient form of Japanese music that has been a Festival highlight for 25 years.

Get inspired and join artists from the Lodi Community Art Center to create your own mini painting on paper or canvas to take home.  Supplies and encouragement provided, open to all ages. Also on Saturday from noon to 3 PM.

Dr. Ivey’s presentation will focus on issues facing the Sandhill Crane populations that winter in California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, sharing insights from his extensive research.  He will discuss the behavior, distribution, biology, and conservation requirements of the three Sandhill Crane subspecies in the Pacific Flyway that we see locally.

THIS TOUR IS FULL AND NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR REGISTRATION. 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.

Gabe Kerschner with Wild Things! returns with some of their special animals for this fun and educational program.  In past years he has shared a mountain lion, brown bear, raccoon, Golden Eagle, Barn Owl, rattlesnake, and other rescued animals that could not be returned to the wild.

Did you know there is a nesting pair of Bald Eagles at Lake Natoma? Meet Kathy Kayner, a wildlife photographer and an amazing storyteller, to learn about a pair of Bald Eagles that have been nesting on the American River Parkway within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The Bald Eagle family consists of an adult pair, “Mama and Papa”, who have, since 2017, successfully hatched 21 eaglets from a nest in a gray pine tree that overlooks Lake Natoma.

Join this year’s Featured Artist, Jennifer Anderson, for a lively demonstration of two timeless printmaking techniques: drypoint relief printing and drypoint intaglio. Using her portable tabletop etching press, she’ll walk you through the steps of each process – from carving and inking a woodcut to pulling a print from a hand-drawn drypoint plate.

Join Chris Llewellyn and Jessica Furtado, Education Specialists from the Sacramento Zoo, to learn about Western Pond Turtle conservation currently work being done locally. Threatened by habitat loss, pollution, invasive species and urbanization, the Western Pond Turtle is currently being considered for listing as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.  With declining numbers - up to 99% in some areas - recovery efforts are urgent. Learn how everyone can help to prevent this species’ population decline and ensure their survival.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.