Saturday, September 26, 2026
Laursen Bear River Preserve, North Auburn
(Directions will be emailed before the event)
Join us for an outdoor fall festival at the beautiful Laursen Bear River Preserve! This family-friendly event will start with optional hikes (guided and self-guided), games, live music, a food truck, and more!
You’ll also get a chance to check out some of the auction items being auctioned off online. And you won’t want to miss the short program where we’ll share our latest conservation projects and celebrate Sarah Jones as we honor her with the 2026 Placer Conservator Award!
Tickets: You choose your price! We want this event to be accessible to all, so there is no set ticket price. If you’re able, please consider making a donation at whatever level is meaningful to you. Please note that registration is required; directions to the preserve will be emailed to you before the event. (Questions? See the FAQ below!)
Schedule (to be confirmed):
Did you sign up to attend a guided hike? If so…
3:30-3:45: Check-in
4:00: Hikes begin
If you didn’t sign up for a hike…
Main Event:
4:30-5:30: Check-in
4:30-5:45: Family-friendly activities
5:00: Food truck opens for food purchases (you are also welcome to bring your own picnic)
5:45: Short program
6:00-8:00: Live music
8:00: Event ends, drive safe!
(See FAQs below for more details regarding the schedule)
Can’t make it to the events? You can still make an investment in the future of Placer County — and have your donation doubled by our Board of Directors’ matching fund!
Attire:
This is a casual event that takes place outdoors, so please dress in attire that is comfortable for the weather, and wear shoes appropriate for trails, dirt, and grass.
Tickets:
We do not send out physical tickets for the event. Simply stop by the check-in table upon arrival.
Where is it?
Laursen Bear River Preserve, north of Auburn (directions will be emailed prior to the event). Carpooling is encouraged!
Are food and drinks included?
Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the event. Feel free to bring your own picnic (including blankets and chairs), but please leave alcoholic beverages at home. Food will be available for purchase at a food truck. To help us reduce trash and make this a sustainable event, we encourage you to bring a reusable cup (pint or wine glass) for purchased beverages!
Payment Options:
We can accept cash, checks, and all credit cards for drink purchases and donations.
Are pets allowed?
Sorry, pets are not allowed on this preserve. Service animals are allowed at this event.
Will there be seating?
There will not be seating provided, so please bring a picnic blanket or camp chair.
What should I bring?
We suggest a picnic or money for the food truck, as well as a picnic blanket or chairs. Please leave alcoholic beverages at home (drinks will be available onsite for purchase). To help us reduce trash and make this a sustainable event, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and/or reusable cup for purchased beverages!
Are there any bathrooms?
There will be a porta potty and handwashing station onsite.
Can I bid on auction items at the event?
We will have some auction items at the event for you to preview. All bidding takes place online, and you can bid from your phone at the event if you like. You may view all items and bid here.
Sarah Jones is currently the Executive Director of Placer Resource Conservation District, but she has been working to protect our lands and natural resources for over two decades. Her work has covered a variety of areas including forestry, water resources, wildlife, agriculture, and climate change. Sarah masterfully brings agencies, landowners, nonprofits, and community partners together, and guides projects that improve the health of lands throughout Placer County.
More info coming soon!
