In celebration of Valentine’s Day and National Kite Day

Where: Laursen Bear River Preserve, North Auburn

When: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Check in: 10am and after. Best to arrive before 12:00 to give yourself enough time for activities! 

Check out: by 1 pm. Gates close shortly thereafter.

Let’s throw caution to the wind! This Open Preserve Day is for you to come out and enjoy the Laursen Bear River Preserve without a guide. With a wide-open meadow close to the parking area, it’s the perfect spot to fly a kite and a great way to celebrate National Kite Flying Day! You can even bring your own Valentine’s Day picnic (don’t forget a blanket or chairs)!

Or make a day of it by joining our Beginner’s Birding Walk at 9am! If you wish to attend that event as well, please register for it here.

**Please note – this is a day without volunteer docents or guides, so you will be out on the trails on your own. 

If you feel like taking a walk, the trails on this preserve meander through meadows, manzanita tunnels, and impressive oaks. You can catch glimpses of the Sierras through the trees and walk along a peaceful canal. Maybe you’ll even spot a deer or a red-tailed hawk! We will provide you with a trail map when you arrive, and from there you are free to walk the beautiful preserves at your own pace. The entire trail system is about 2 miles (1.92 mi) in length with minor elevation changes. Please note, there are narrow canal crossings that can make strollers a little tricky.

Some of the activities you might choose include:

• Fly a kite!
• Enjoy a leisurely nature walk
• Have a picnic!
• Get creative!

Please thoroughly read the PLT Safety Guidelines.  If you are not comfortable or able to comply with the safety guidelines, we respectfully ask that you don’t sign up. Our goal is to offer these open preserve day events quarterly.

This is a free event; however, donations help make these activities possible! We suggest a donation of $10 per person or $25 for a family. You can donate during registration, and we’re happy to accept cash or a check at the event in an envelope with your name written on it.

Registration:

• You may only register yourself and members of your household. People outside of your household must register themselves.
• The deadline to sign up is 5 pm on the Wednesday before the event unless the event fills first.
• If you signed up and can no longer attend, please contact Elia by email.

Participants must sign a release of liability. Please complete it by noon the Friday before the event. One form per adult. Parent signature is required for children under 18. **Important: this does not register you for the hike. To register please scroll down.

• English
• Español

Important Information and Directions will be emailed after registration. Check your spam folder if you do not receive the email within 15 minutes of registering.

What is not allowed at this event: 

• Mountain bikes or other bikes
• Motorized vehicles
• Horses
• Dogs (unless leashed service animals)
• No smoking, vaping, open flame or ignition source, or firearms

Important Note: Our Big Hill and Harvego Preserves, including the roads surrounding them, are not open to the public. Please help us respect the neighborhoods around these preserves by only visiting during scheduled guided activities that you are registered for. Trespassers will be prosecuted.