When: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Where: Laursen Bear River Preserve, North Auburn
Check in: Come any time during the event window of 10:00 am – 1:00, but make sure to give yourself time to enjoy the day!
Check out: Any time before 1:00 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 picnic lunch (don’t forget a blanket or chairs)!
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
- Bring a blanket and have a picnic
- Photograph nature or paint plein air
- Do yoga or meditate
- Get creative! Please plan your day accordingly so that you are back to the parking area by 1:00 pm. Gates close shortly thereafter.
What is not allowed at this event:
- Mountain bikes or other bikes
- Motorized vehicles
- Horses
- Dogs (unless leashed service animals)
Registration:
- Only register yourself and members of your household. People outside of your household must register themselves.
- The deadline to sign up is the Thursday 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 available here (in English) or here (in Spanish).
Please complete the online waiver by noon the Friday before the event. One form per adult. Parent signature is required for children under 18. Please note, this does not register you for the hike. To register please scroll down this page.
Cost: 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.
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.
About Laursen Bear River Preserve
This preserve, which includes a working cattle ranch, protects critical unfragmented oak woodlands in the Bear River watershed, and is part of one of the last relatively “wild” areas in western Placer County. The preserve is comprised of 361 acres of blue oak woodland and about 1.5 miles of riparian habitat along the banks of the Bear River on the far north side. Learn more about this beautiful preserve here.
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.
Important Note: The Laursen Bear River Preserves, including the roads surrounding it, are not open to the public. Please help us respect the neighborhoods around this preserves by only visiting during scheduled guided activities that you are registered for. Trespassers will be prosecuted.
