Date & Time: Saturday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Big Hill Preserves, North Auburn
What creatures and crawlies lurk in the dark when people aren’t usually around? Join us to find out!
The hike begins while it’s still light so you can watch how the preserve transforms as the night grows darker. We’ll try and get to a viewpoint to watch the sunset, then continue as the moon gets higher. You’ll gain a new appreciation for our natural world through this unique experience. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp, preferably with a red bulb.
Distance and difficulty: ~4 miles and takes approximately 3-4 hours. This is a moderate hike with some rough terrain and an elevation gain of around 500 ft. It can be more difficult to navigate as it gets darker.
Who should attend: This hike is recommended for ages 12 and older, who can hike at a slow to moderate pace with a group in a reduced visibility setting. Sorry, no dogs allowed unless they are service animals (due to the potential conflicts with livestock and wildlife).
Cost: This is a free event; however, donations help make these activities possible! Plus, your donation of any size makes you, and everyone in your household, a Placer Land Trust member for one year. We suggest a donation of $10 per person (or $25 for family) made online when you register for the event. We can also accept checks at the event, or cash in an envelope with your name written on the envelope.
Registration:
• You may only register yourself and members of your household.
• People outside of your household must register themselves.
• Deadline to sign up is 5pm on Thursday prior to the event (unless the event fills first.)
• Space is limited! Please only register if you will be attending so that you don’t take a spot away from someone else.
• Only registered guests are allowed to attend.
• If you signed up and can no longer attend, please contact Elia by email.
Participants must sign a release of liability available here. Please print and bring it with you the day of the event. One form per household. Parent signature is required for children under 18.
Please thoroughly read the 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 Taylor Ranch / Big Hill Preserves: These preserves protect critical unfragmented oak woodlands in the Raccoon Creek and Bear River watersheds and are part of one of the last relatively “wild” areas in western Placer County. The trails on these preserves meander past spectacular rock formations, the gently flowing Raccoon Creek, and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada foothills and Sacramento Valley. Learn more about this beautiful preserve here.
This activity is a wilderness outing in a natural setting. PLT reserves the right to cancel an event in cases of extreme weather, bad air quality, rain, or other conditions beyond our control.
Directions to the Preserve and a list of what to bring will be emailed after registration. Check your spam folder if you do not receive the email within 15 minutes of registering.
Important Note: Our Big Hill, Harvego and Laursen 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.
