News & Insights

We are excited to announce the dates for next year's Certified California Naturalist courses! Our multi-week course will be held Fridays, January 16 to March 6 with three field trips held on Saturdays. Our one-week immersive course at Wilbur Hot Springs Resort is April 12 - 17 . Tuleyome’s Certified California Naturalist (CalNat) program trains members of the public to become California Naturalists. No advanced degree or previous naturalist experience is required – Tuleyome teaches you everything you need to know to become certified. Our course is focused on the northern inner Coast Range mountains, specifically the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument region. The program, developed by the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, is designed to introduce Californians to the wonders of our unique ecology and engage the public in study and stewardship of California’s natural communities. The California Naturalist program uses science curriculum, hands-on learning, problem-solving, participatory science, and community service to instill a deep appreciation for the natural communities of the state and to inspire individuals to become stewards of their local resources. Courses combine classroom and field experience in science, problem-solving, communication training and community service, taught by an instructor and team of experts. Check out the Certified California Naturalist page for more information. -Nate Lillge (nlillge@tuleyome.org) Tuleyome Adventures and Engagement Director Certified California Naturalist

Tuleyome thanks Kim Longworth for her work as part of Tuleyome’s volunteer Board of Directors. Kim joined Tuleyome’s Board of Directors to advance our mission to conserve, enhance, restore, and enjoy our public lands in Northern California, specifically the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument region. She took on many tasks during her tenure on the Board including assisting with grant writing and educational programming. Although Kim is stepping down from the Board, she is not parting ways with Tuleyome. She will continue to support Tuleyome’s mission as an event participant and in other ways. Thank you, Kim! -Bill Grabert (Volunteer Tuleyome Board Member) and Nate Lillge (Adventures and Engagement Director)

As the tenth anniversary of the establishment of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, July 10 th , approaches, I find myself reflecting on how we got here and what our public lands mean to us as individuals and as a nation. Our lands defined, and define, our nation. “O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!” At a time when our nation is getting more partisan and we see more anger in the news, it's important to remember that our public lands are not a partisan issue. They belong to all of us, they are important to all of us, and they are for everyone. Our public lands are for hikers and bikers, hunters and photographers, people and puppy dogs, wheelchairs and OHVs. They are for Republicans, Democrats, Independents, decline to states and folks that don’t care about politics. They are for people of all colors, genders, religions, shades and stripes. They are for citizens, immigrants and visitors. They are for mountain lions and tadpoles, bears and hummingbirds, otters and spiders. They are our public lands. The belong to all of us and we belong to them. Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument represents America – a diverse community of people with different interest and beliefs who came together to protect something special. It started out as a mere idea. First, it was just a handful of kindred folks but then more and more joined in soon creating a crescendo of motivated and united voices. It grew until it was a community, a movement, fighting together to protect a place that we all love. We all fought for our Monument. People from all walks of life: hunters, politicians, decision-makers, conservationists, recreationists, scientists, businesses, veterans, community and tribal leaders. Government officials from all levels of government and all parties joined us. Dreamers and planners, lovers and fighters locked arms. We all stood together and fought for Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and Molok Luyuk. And look at what we accomplished together! We protected 344,476 acres in the heart of the Northern Inner Coastal Range. We protected a place whose geology and botany are so magnificent that people come from the world over to see and study them. We protected a place so beautiful it takes your breath away with its rare wetlands and meadows full of wildflowers, its vistas that last for hundreds of miles and its night sky that illuminates every detail of the Milky Way. We protected a place where major rivers flow and streams wander throughout the countryside. We protected tule elk, bald and golden eagles, perch, frogs, bears and salamanders. We protected a place steeped in millennia of Native American culture and history and that is one of the most linguistically diverse in California. We protected our special places, our public lands. And we did it, all of us together. This is what we can do when we remember that despite all of our differences, we are one nation, indivisible. America the Beautiful O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern, impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law! O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved And mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine, Till all success be nobleness, And every gain divine! O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! by Katharine Lee Bates Happy 4 th of July! -Sandy Schubert Executive Director

As the old saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun! Can you believe it’s already been ten years since President Obama used the Antiquities Act to forever protect that special part of the Inner Coastal Range that we call the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument?! If you have been there, you probably understand and appreciate the importance of protecting this special place and if you haven’t been there, there is no time like the present to make the short drive to visit. The birthplace of the Monument was at the ocean floor beginning 60 to 100 million years ago. Both Snow and Goat Mountains began as Jurassic seamounts that rose from the bottom of the ocean never reaching the surface of the water. The shifting of the North American and Pacific plates first pushed the seamounts back down below the ocean floor before once again pushing them back up, finally becoming the mountains we see today rising into the sky. California’s state rock, serpentinite, is visible throughout the Monument. It is the source of the region’s unique soils that support rare and endemic plant species contributing to extraordinary biodiversity. Due to the remarkable geology, the region’s hydrology is also notable; hosting multiple geothermal, mineral, carbonated and freshwater springs. The region sustained Native Americans and their culture by providing nuts, seeds, grains and meat as well as shelter and materials used to make tools and assets for trading with other tribes. Traditional burning practices maintained the skillful balance between nature and man. Still evident to the experienced eye are many cultural resources sites within the Monument; mineral gathering, hunting and trading routes, camps and villages all preserved and protected. Later came explorers, fur trappers, gold miners and ranchers. Shortly after, sawmills and railroads were constructed for timber harvest and around the turn of the 20th century people from all over came to steep in the therapeutic mineral-rich hot spring waters of the region. The native inhabitants of the Monument were displaced by the actions and activities of European settlers in the early to mid 1800’s yet the landscape still retains deep cultural significance for the 24 federally recognized tribes that call the region their indigenous home. In 2015, President Obama recognized the need to preserve and protect, in perpetuity, this unique location for public welfare and enjoyment. The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument (Monument) is the quintessence of California’s wild Inner Coast Range hosting the headwaters of the Eel River, Cache, Putah and Stony Creeks. The region was once under ocean waters where geologic forces shaped and fashioned it into one of the most biologically diverse regions in California - a biological hotspot. The original boundaries established in 2015 included 330,780 acres of unbroken wildlands that sustain wildlife corridors and rare plant habitat. In 2024, President Biden extended the protection by including the 13,696 acres of Molok Luyuk. The Monument is a place sacred and significant to the Native American tribes including the Yuki, Nomlaki, Patwin, Pomo, Huchnom, Wappo and Lake Miwok that make up the very history of the Monument. Paleontological studies have not only helped date the region but have also shown how tectonic plates have moved. A walk in the Monument is a stroll through millions of years of geological processes that have helped shape California. The dramatic topography is stunning from all angles. From nearly sea level in the valley, rolling hills, steep canyons, breathtaking ridgelines, to the East and West peaks of Snow Mountain that rise to more than 7,000 feet. Because of the diversity of habitat types, the Monument is also home to a variety of special-status wildlife species including Bald Eagles, Northern Spotted Owls and Tule Elk. All of these combined have contributed to why the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument has been called the Crown Jewel of Northern California’s Inner Coast Range! Please join us on July 10, 2025 at the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake at 5 pm for a Monumental celebration to commemorate the 10th anniversary of our favorite monument! We can’t wait to celebrate with you! -Kristie Ehrhardt ( kehrhardt@tuleyome.org ) Tuleyome Land Conservation Program Manager

The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument (the Monument) quite literally has something for everyone who loves the outdoors. From rugged wilderness camping to glamping, from hunting to passive birdwatching and from OHV recreating to horseback trail riding; anyone who enjoys being outside can find something to soothe their souls in these nearly 350,000 acres of public land. Cache Creek is the only outlet for Clear Lake (the largest freshwater, natural lake in California) with two major tributaries being the North Fork Cache Creek and Bear Creek. It is regionally famed for its whitewater rafting and kayaking experiences. To Learn more about Cache Creek visit https://sacriver.org/explore-watersheds/westside-subregion/cache-creek-watershed/ Indian Valley Reservoir boasts some prime boating and fishing opportunities with large and smallmouth bass, Kokanee salmon, crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill and catfish. The 300,000 acres Indian Valley Reservoir was created when the Indian Valley Dam was constructed on the North Fork of Cache Creek. It offers boating, fishing and swimming but during the hot, dry summer months the lake level may drop significantly which decreases the speed limit for boats from five to ten miles per hour depending on your location. The lake is part of the Indian Valley Recreation Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) but the reservoir itself is managed by the Yolo Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The Monument boundaries also include three designated wilderness areas: Cedar Roughs Wilderness located west of Lake Berryessa, Cache Creek Wilderness located in the heart of the Monument and Snow Mountain Wilderness Area located alongside Snow Mountain. Additionally the Yuki Wilderness is immediately adjacent to the far northern boundary of the Monument. Typically motorized vehicles of any sort are not allowed in wilderness areas and camping is primitive. What you will find is solitude and only the sounds of nature. The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is also bursting with recreational areas, trails and campgrounds dispersed all throughout the Monument. Just a few of the possibilities are listed below, there are many more to explore. Click here to see a cool map and to learn more about recreational activities within the Monument. Knoxville Recreation Area includes an Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) park and a wildlife area. OHV riding is also welcome on existing established roads but please keep them off of firebreaks as unauthorized activity contributes to erosion and hampers revegetation. A map of the Knoxville Recreation Area is available here . There are many (SO many!) hiking trails throughout the Monument, please see Tuleyome’s Trail Guide for a description of some of our favorites including Fiske Peak, Annie’s Trail, Judge Davis Trail, Lynch Canyon and Signal Rock among many others! Other recreational opportunities in the Monument include: Horseback Riding and Mountain Biking: There are many trails to explore the Monument from a either type of saddle! Hunting and Fishing is permitted on public lands within the Monument but appropriate licenses and permits are required. Please follow all restrictions and regulations as set forth by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Wildlife viewing, birdwatching and photography opportunities abound throughout the Monument. You may even be lucky enough to witness some special-status species such as Bald or Golden Eagles, Tule Elk or Foothill Yellow-legged Frogs. Seasonal wildflower viewing. The Monument has a stunning display of wildflowers in the spring. Keep an eye on Tuleyome’s website for upcoming wildflower hike dates next spring. Be sure to check weather and trail conditions before you head out. Summer hiking can be very rigorous with high temperatures, little shade and no available water. Be sure to plan ahead and let others know where you’re going and when you expect to return. See you on the trail! -Kristie Ehrhardt ( kehrhardt@tuleyome.org ) Tuleyome Land Conservation Program Manager

If you’ve spent time near the water while visiting Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, chances are you may have observed one of our native raptor species nearby. Sometimes called fish hawk, sea hawk or river hawk, Osprey are found in temperate and tropical regions of every continent except Antarctica. They are the second most wide-spread species of raptor and one of only six land birds with global distribution. There are four subspecies: Eurasian, American, Caribbean and Australian, each looking remarkably similar with only minor physical differences. The subspecies of Osprey found within Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument (and the rest of the United States and Canada) are the American Osprey ( Pandion haliaetus carolinensis ). Originally classified as a species of falcon, today Osprey are the sole member of the genus Pandion and the only member of the family Panionidae. Nearly all subspecies of Osprey are migratory and travel long distances to winter in warmer climates, however, most of the individuals that call Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument (Monument) home are year-long residents. In fact, some populations from farther north may travel to our region and farther south to winter there. Osprey are smaller than a bald eagle but larger than a red-tailed hawk. They range from about 21 to 23 inches in length with a wingspan of from 50 to over 70 inches. They weigh between two and a half up to four pounds with the females being slightly larger than the males. Males and females look very similar with dark brown underparts and a white breast both which serve as field marks to help identify them in flight. Females usually have brown streaking on the upper portion of their breast. Their heads are brilliant white with a striking dark mask across the eyes and down the sides of the neck. This mask reduces glare to allow them to see fish in the water better, similar to an athlete wearing “eye black”. They have golden brown irises with black beaks, blue ceres and black feet and talons and a short, rounded tail. In flight they hold their wings form an arch, similar to a gull. Osprey are considered piscivorous meaning that their diet consists almost exclusively of fish and they have several unique adaptations to allow them to be efficient and extremely successful predators. Osprey and owls are the only two raptors (bird of prey) with a reversible outer toe which means it can face forward or backward helping them capture and control slippery fish with two toes in front and two toes in back if needed. They also have sharp spicules and barbed scales on the underside of their feet that also help grasp wet, wriggling fish and their nostrils seal tightly to keep water out when they plunge feet first after prey. Osprey also have specialized vision that helps them see prey species underwater from up to 100 feet above the surface. You may have seen them hover for a bit and dive at rates of up to 50 miles per hour, but what you may not have noticed is how they are able to adjust their flight angle to account for the distortion caused by the refracted image. Often becoming fully submerged, their dense plumage is oily to help shed water. After a successful dive, Osprey will carry their prey to a nearby perch or back to the nest. Osprey breed near lakes and rivers but can also be found nesting near coastal brackish waters. Flirting begins with the male calling while performing aerial stunts and the offering of a stick in his beak. If the female is impressed, she will accept the stick and the two begin a lifelong chick-rearing relationship. Nests or eyries are constructed in the tops of trees, on rocky outcrops, the tops of utility poles, duck blinds and platforms intended for them to nest on. Males will carry in material which may consist of sticks, driftwood, reeds, lichen, seaweed or even urban trash such as plastic bags and nylon netting while the female arranges it. Nests are remodeled and updated year after year, some have been used by different pairs for as many as 70 years. Over time they become so big - up to six feet in diameter and weigh nearly 300 pounds - and so messy that other species such as tree swallows and grackles build their own nests inside them! Two to four eggs are laid and the female stays with the chicks while the male brings food back to the nest. Chicks begin to fledge after about two months. Many Native American tribes consider the Osprey a species of eagles and give them the same reverence as Bald or Golden Eagles. Coastal tribal legends often consider Osprey a guardian and others consider them medicine birds and seeing one in a vision meant that the person had been granted spiritual power as a healer. Osprey were almost extirpated during the late 18th and 19th century due to egg collecting and hunting and then again during the 1960’s and 70’s because of the use of the insecticide dichlorodiphenytrichloroethane (DDT), which interfered with the calcium absorption in many species of bird causing fatal egg shell thinning. Fortunately, Osprey adapt well to life near humans and will readily use man-made nesting structures which has helped the population rebound following the banning of DDT use. Fun Osprey Facts: When flying with a fish, Osprey turn them so they are face first to reduce wind resistance Migrants travel individually rather than in flocks and follow the edges of bodies of water such as coastlines, lake shores, rivers and mountain ridges. The oldest known Osprey was over 25 years old and was banded in Virginia in 1973 Bald Eagles sometimes chase Ospreys to steal their catch A not so fun fact is that “Osprey plumes” were used to decorate hats in the 19th century. Despite their name, the feathers were actually from egrets which caused a sharp decline in the number of egrets. Be sure to keep an eye out for Osprey next time you visit our favorite monument! -Kristie Ehrhardt ( kehrhardt@tuleyome.org ) Tuleyome Land Conservation Program Manager

Tom and Meg were introduced to Tuleyome by joining Tuleyome co-founder, Andrew Fulks, on multiple hikes in the area that is now Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. One memorable hike, to Glascock Mountain at the northern end of Capay Valley, highlighted the variety of ecosystems and the steepness of the area's terrain. During the hikes with Andrew, Tom and Meg learned about and were drawn to Tuleyome’s focus on preserving land and encouraging folks to enjoy this wonderful area. They appreciate that Tuleyome offers guided hikes and activities, free of charge, to anyone who wants to explore the area. They are taken by the beauty that is easily accessible and love that Tuleyome leads wildflower tours that introduce others to the amazing nature that is here in our little corner of the world. Additionally, Tom and Meg have supported Tuleyome’s education programs by working to establish Woodland Regional Park Preserve. They recognize the importance of access to nature for people of all ages and abilities – especially for young kids. They are excited to have been a part of the campaign to establish Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and continue to support the Monument and Tuleyome’s mission to conserve, enhance, restore, and enjoy these special places.

The Eel River – photo by Ryan Henson. Our June Nature and You lecture featured a discussion of “Conservation Issues on the Eel River” led by speaker Ryan Henson, Senior Policy Director for CalWild and member of Tuleyome’s Advisory Council. In his talk, Mr. Henson discussed the history of the Eel River watershed and talked about the potential ramifications and opportunities presented by the proposed removal of the Potter Valley Project dams. If you missed it, the recording is available here .