News & Insights

Tuleyome welcomes our first Policy Intern, Diego Barraza. Diego is a Senior at UC Davis studying Environmental Science and Management and is from Santa Barbara, California. Diego will be joining Tuleyome for a 10 week internship to assist with Tuleyome’s policy initiatives, including supporting the work of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and Molok Luyuk working group coalition and the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act. We are excited to have Diego join our team and support our policy initiatives!

The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument region has many wonderful trails to explore and enjoy. From urban parks, like American River Bend Park, to trails that help you get away and above it all, like the Berryessa Peak Trail. Do you want to explore on your mountain bike? Head to Fiske Creek and Blue Ridge Trails. Looking for a place to take your horse? The appropriately named Cowboy Camp is the place to go! Ever hiked a volcano? Check out Mount Konocti. Tuleyome’s Trail Guide has guides to nearly 40 trails in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument region and western Sacramento Valley. This is not an exhaustive list but instead provides you with some of our favorite and most popular locations to experience this wonderful and unique location.

If you’re a friend of Tuleyome you likely know a bit about our (it belongs to all of us) newly expanded favorite National Monument - the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. You may also recognize that federal public lands are lands that are owned and/or managed by the United States federal government for the enjoyment of its citizens. And, you probably know that in addition to national monuments there are also national parks, national forests and national historic places but did you know that there are many more public land designations as well?! There are many (MANY!) different types of federal public lands. Most of them are held for conservation, resource management and public recreation. The United States Department of the Interior (DOI) oversees several federal agencies that manage various public land designations and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees other agencies that steward public lands. Federal public lands in the United States, District of Columbia and US territories total approximately 640 million acres and occupy nearly 30% of the land area. The National Park Service is an agency within the DOI and oversees not only national parks but also most national monuments and other natural, historical and recreational properties with various title designations or units. These include national preserves, national lakeshores and seashores, national rivers and wild and scenic rivers and national scenic and historic trails, among others. Today The National Park Service currently manages 433 combined parks/units including 63 national parks, 87 national monuments, 75 national historic sites, 64 national historic sites and many other designations totaling 85 million acres in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and US territories. Their management focus is preserving the ecological and historical integrity of these special places for public use and enjoyment. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency also under the direction of the DOI. The BLM’s mission is “to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.” We here at Tuleyome think that’s pretty dang good and we often partner with them on varying components of public land use and enjoyment. The BLM is responsible for the management of a substantial portion of the nation’s public lands including some of our most historic and scenic landscapes and natural resources for all to enjoy. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is another agency operated under the DOI and is the oldest conservation agency in the United States. It was established in 1871 to help monitor the country’s game fish populations. Today the USFWS manages our nation’s wildlife refuges to conserve the habitat, plants and wildlife found there. The national wildlife refuge system began with Pelican Island in 1903 and today there are over 560 refuges across the country. It’s been said that if “national parks are America’s best idea, national wildlife refuges are America’s best-kept secret”. Although, they don’t seem like a very stealthy secret since they receive over 50 million visitors a year! The United States Forest Service (USFS) was established in 1905 and is an agency under the USDA. It is the United States’ predominant forestry agency leading the world in sustainable forest and grassland use, management and stewardship, research and conservation. Today they are responsible for the management of 154 national forests and surrounding areas that total nearly 200 million acres in 43 states, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The agency also provides stewardship assistance to tribal, state and local governments, private landowners and corporations to improve conditions on about 900 million acres of forests in the U.S. Fun fact - Yellowstone was the United States’ first national park established in 1872. But, at the time Wyoming was still a U.S. territory so Yellowstone was managed by the federal government using the Army and the African American Buffalo Soldiers. Fun fact - the designation National Monument has been given to many different sites ranging from natural reserves, historic military scenes, prehistoric ruins, fossil sites AND to the Statue of Liberty. Fun fact - there is at least one national wildlife refuge in every US state and territory. Fun fact - The Forest Service obviously manages forests but did you know that they also manage grasslands? Did you know… that the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is jointly managed by both the BLM and the USFS, not the National Park Service!? Whether you’re exploring places where you won’t find a motorized vehicle or places where you might not find a parking spot, you can bet there is at least one type of federal public land just a hop, skip and a jump from you! The numerous designations within the National Park System sometimes confuse visitors. The names are created in the Congressional legislation authorizing the sites or by the president, who proclaims "national monuments" under the Antiquities Act of 1906. Many names are descriptive—lakeshores, seashores, battlefields—but others cannot be neatly categorized because of the diversity of resources within them. In 1970, Congress elaborated on the 1916 National Park Service Organic Act, saying all units of the system have equal legal standing in a national system. National Park These are generally large natural places having a wide variety of attributes, at times including significant historic assets. Hunting, mining and consumptive activities are not authorized. National Monument The Antiquities Act of 1906 authorized the President to declare by public proclamation landmarks, structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest situated on lands owned or controlled by the government to be national monuments. National Preserve National preserves are areas having characteristics associated with national parks, but in which Congress has permitted continued public hunting, trapping, oil/gas exploration and extraction. Many existing national preserves, without sport hunting, would qualify for national park designation. National Historic Site Usually, a national historic site contains a single historical feature that was directly associated with its subject. Derived from the Historic Sites Act of 1935, a number of historic sites were established by secretaries of the Interior, but most have been authorized by acts of Congress. National Historical Park This designation generally applies to historic parks that extend beyond single properties or buildings. National Memorial A national memorial is commemorative of a historic person or episode; it need not occupy a site historically connected with its subject. National Battlefield This general title includes national battlefield, national battlefield park, national battlefield site, and national military park. In 1958, an NPS committee recommended national battlefield as the single title for all such park lands. National Cemetery There are presently 14 national cemeteries in the National Park System, all of which are administered in conjunction with an associated unit and are not accounted for separately. National Recreation Area Twelve NRAs in the system are centered on large reservoirs and emphasize water-based recreation. Five other NRAs are located near major population centers. Such urban parks combine scarce open spaces with the preservation of significant historic resources and important natural areas in location that can provide outdoor recreation for large numbers of people. National Seashore Ten national seashores have been established on the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts; some are developed and some relatively primitive. Hunting is allowed at many of these sites. National Lakeshore National lakeshores, all on the Great Lakes, closely parallel the seashores in character and use. National River There are several variations to this category: national river and recreation area, national scenic river, wild river, etc. The first was authorized in 1964 and others were established following passage of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. National Parkway The title parkway refers to a roadway and the parkland paralleling the roadway. All were intended for scenic motoring along a protected corridor and often connect cultural sites. National Trail National scenic trails and national historic trails are the titles given to these linear parklands (over 3,600 miles) authorized under the National Trails System Act of 1968. Affiliated Areas In an Act of August 18, 1970, the National Park System was defined in law as, "any area of land and water now or hereafter administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the National Park Service for park, monument, historic, parkway, recreational or other purposes." The Affiliated Areas comprise a variety of locations in the United States and Canada that preserve significant properties outside the National Park System. Some of these have been recognized by Acts of Congress, others have been designated national historic sites by the Secretary of the Interior under authority of the Historic Sites Act of 1935. All draw on technical or financial aid from the National Park Service. Other Designations Some units of the National Park System bear unique titles or combinations of titles, like the White House and Prince William Forest Park . Types of federal public lands National Parks : Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), these lands are preserved for their natural and cultural resources for future generations to enjoy. National Forests and Grasslands : Managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), these areas are used for multiple purposes, including timber, recreation, and wildlife management. National Wildlife Refuges : Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), these lands are primarily for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, but many also allow compatible wildlife-dependent recreation like hunting and fishing. National Conservation Lands : These are public lands designated for their conservation value and are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM manages more public land acreage than any other agency. Management and use Management: Federal lands are managed by various agencies, with the U.S. Forest Service (Department of Agriculture) and the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (all under the Department of the Interior) being the primary ones. Resource Extraction: Some federal lands are available for resource extraction like oil, gas, and mining, which can be a source of controversy and debate over conservation versus extraction. Recreation: The lands offer a wide range of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing. Information: You can find information about specific public lands, including maps and regulations, on the official websites of the managing agencies.

Pack it in, pack it out. You’ve probably seen signs at the trail head urging hikers to pick up their trash and any other trash they may encounter while out enjoying our public lands. Today it’s even more important to pack it in, pack it out since many of our land stewards may currently be “away from their desks” meaning they aren’t out there with us making sure everyone follows the pre-school clean-up clean-up song rules. Clean up, clean up - everybody, everywhere. Clean up, clean up - everybody do your share. Established by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics in the 1980’s, Leave No Trace is a set of seven principles and ethics established in conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service and the US Forest Service to ensure that we as beneficiaries of our public lands, are aware of our actions and the effects that we have on the environment, plants, wildlife and other people. The seven principles as written and published by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics are: -Plan ahead and prepare -Travel and camp on durable surfaces -Dispose of waste -Leave what you find -Minimize campfire impacts -Respect wildlife -Be considerate of other visitors Plan ahead and Prepare. It is important to be prepared by planning ahead because it not only helps to ensure the safety of those in your group but it also helps to reduce damage to resources that may occur in an emergency. Planning and being prepared also increases enjoyment and opportunities for learning about nature. To help you prepare, be sure to check restrictions and regulations for the area that you’ll be visiting. Check the weather and pack for extreme and hazardous conditions. Travel in smaller groups to maintain good communication and try to plan your trip when the area will be less crowded to minimize impacts to the environment. Package food to minimize waste and be sure to bring a compass, maps or a GPS so as not to need to leave marks or flagging on the trail. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces. This means utilizing maintained trails and designated camping areas. Durable surfaces may include not only trails but also rock, gravel, sand, dry grass or even snow in some locations. Using only designated areas and not altering the landscape will keep it open and available for others that may come after you. Keeping camping areas as small as possible and walking single file along trails helps limit damage and disturbance to nearby vegetation. And maintaining at least a 200 foot buffer between your camping activities and rivers, creeks, streams and lakes helps ensure water quality and safety. Dispose of Waste Properly. You’ve probably guessed that this right here is where pack it in, pack it becomes really serious. While at your campsite or even if you’re just stopping for lunch at a pretty vista, be sure to inspect the area for leftover food, trash and anything else not left behind by Mother Nature. Using toilet facilities is always best but if you’re in a wilderness area catholes should be six to eight inches deep, covered before you leave and at least 200 feet away from waterways, camps and trails. And of course packing out all plastic and paper products is essential. Using biodegradable soap to wash dishes and bathe is best and should also be done at least 200 feet away from waterways. Leave What You Find. As the saying goes, take only memories and photos. This means leaving pretty rocks and plants behind for others to admire. If you come across a cultural or historic artifact, appreciate it, photograph it but don’t touch it. Avoid altering the landscape by not building structures, stacking rocks, digging trenches or introducing non-native vegetation and wildlife. Minimize Campfire Impacts. We all know the devastation caused by wildfires and campfires can also cause lasting impacts to the environment. Using a cook stove and a lantern can be just as effective and pretty fun. Some areas also have fire restrictions so be sure to check their websites before lighting one. If allowed, keeping your fire small can help keep it under control and makes it easier to be completely extinguished. Respect Wildlife. If you get to see wildlife during your visit consider yourself lucky! To ensure your own as well as their safety, please keep your distance and do not feed them; especially during nesting or mating season or when they might have young nearby. By keeping your food and trash properly stored, you can also protect resident wildlife by keeping them from learning bad behaviors. Keeping your pets at home or on a leash also helps wildlife stay healthy as well as keeping your pet safe. Be Considerate of Other Visitors. Being respectful of other visitors helps protect their and your experience. Yielding to others on the trail, keeping voices to a reasonable level and taking breaks away from other visitors helps increase everyone’s enjoyment of nature. Each one of us plays an essential role in guarding our public lands, especially now. Keeping the principles of Leave No Trace in mind while recreating ensures that you, and those following behind you, can continue to enjoy our shared pristine places. Places that are vital to the plants and wildlife that call it home as well as those of us that visit.  To learn more about Leave No Trace, please visit their website .

Whether you’ve just walked to the mailbox or hiked through the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument you’ve probably experienced the joy of having at least one stringy spider web seemingly appear out of nowhere and gently traipse across your face and stick. Nearly invisible, there it settles, tenderly caressing your cheek and irritating you beyond measure. Ahhh, welcome to Spider Season. Spider season is just one of the many intervals of the Sacramento Valley that make our region so endearing. Let’s discuss them, shall we? Winter - “cold”, sometimes wet, sometimes not Fool’s Spring - a lovely period in late winter that tricks everyone into thinking its over Second Winter - an abrupt turnaround and right back into Winter we go Spring of Deception - a few pleasing days just before all hell breaks loose Pollening - We’ve all seen the comparison of a pollen grain and the Death Star. Accurate. Summer - hang on, here we go Hot like Fire - days and days of hotness, no Delta Breeze, sometimes accompanied with wildfire smoke Road Construction - This is my least favorite and unfortunately the longest season in Sacramento. Seriously. False Fall - a couple of 80 degree teasers but then the air conditioner kicks back on Actual Fall - ahhh, pumpkin spice and sweater weather Spider Season - ➡️HERE. WE ARE HERE. THIS IS WHERE WE ARE⬅️ So, now that we’ve clarified what season we’re in, let's explain why spider webs magically float through the air just waiting and hoping to land on something sturdy. Often that’s you or me but more often than that it’s a tree, bush, car, light pole, or anything that happens to intersect it. 

Spring Lake Elementary 4 th graders playing a game as part of the Adaptations Trail. Fall field trip season is getting busy at Woodland Regional Park Preserve! Tuleyome did four field trips at the Preserve in October, serving 5 classes and nearly 140 students, with more to come to come in November and December!  Our first trip of the month came on October 22nd with two classes of 4 th graders from Spring Lake Elementary in Woodland visiting the Preserve to complete the Adaptations Trail. The students learned about sensory adaptations, including how ear shapes impact sound perception and got to play a game where they learned about the impact of noise pollution on the ability of predators to hear their prey.

Our October Nature and You Lecture featured Marc Hoshovsky and Tuleyome co-founder and Advisory Council member Bob Schneider. Marc and Bob are authors, with Peter Schiffman and Tim Messick, of “Exploring Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument,” due out in late Fall 2025 from Backcountry Press. In their talk, Marc and Bob presented highlights from the book, including geology, ecology, and history of the region. You can watch the full recording here . Tuleyome is accepting donations to help cover the costs of publishing the book – if you would like to make a donation, you can do so via our donation page . Please be sure to make the donation in honor of the “Eldridge Moores Book Fund” – once the book publishing costs are covered, any additional donations will do into Tuleyome’s general fund. This lecture will be our last of 2025 before our annual hiatus for the holidays. Our next lecture will be on January 22 nd and will feature Tuleyome co-founder Andrew Fulks, who will discuss trails and hikes in the region. If you have any questions about our Nature and You lecture series or suggestions for topics or speakers, please reach out to Education Associate Geoff Benn at gbenn@tuleyome.org .

At the end of September, Tuleyome taught a Certified California Naturalist (CalNat) course to 17 corpsmembers from the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps (SRCC). Participants were able to take the course thanks to a Career Pathways Grant project titled “Bridging Corpsmembers to Careers in Parks Through the California Naturalist Course.” The purpose of this grant project was to offer a CalNat course that highlights knowledge and skills related to park interpretation, natural resource management, and an introduction to park planning. The course was held at the CCC – Sacramento Center, right next to the American River Parkway. This location allowed the class to take daily field trips along the river to highlight the biodiversity that can be found in urban environments. Common observations included magpies, poison oak, cottonwoods, egrets, Canada geese, and even sea lions! Corpsmembers heard from professionals from California State Parks, UC Reserve System, Tuleyome, and McCord Environmental, Inc, highlighting the diversity of careers available. The California Naturalist course was developed by UCANR to introduce “Californians to the wonders of our unique ecology and engages the public in study and stewardship of California’s natural communities.” Tuleyome has offered at least one CalNat course per year since 2018 and has provided training to Bureau of Reclamation – Lake Berryessa Rangers, US Forest Service staff, Napa County Regional Park & Open Space District staff, as well as SRCC and CCC corpsmembers. In 2026, Tuleyome will be offering two CalNat courses: our traditional 8-week program and a one-week intensive course at Wilbur Hot Springs. Both courses focus on the northern inner Coast Range Mountains, specifically the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. The 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. For more information about our upcoming courses, visit our website or contact Nate ( nlillge@tuleyome.org ).