Field trip to Archer Taylor Preserve with Potluck Picnic Afterward

DATE: Saturday, Jun. 14, 2008

LEADER: Murray Berner (contact David Takeuchi with questions about Picnic)

COORDINATOR: David Takeuchi, (707) 643-5544 (if calling and want a return call, leave the city of your return phone number); davidtakeuchi AT aol DOT com (enter: “Subject: Field Trip”)

DESTINATION LOCATION AND TIME: 9:00 AM in the parking lot of Archer Taylor Preserve, in the western hills on the outskirts of Napa.

CARPOOL LOCATION AND TIME: From Vallejo: 8:00 AM. From Cordelia/Suisun: 8:00 AM. From Napa: 8:15 AM. Click here for details on our carpool locations.

Archer Taylor Preserve is nestled in a picturesque redwood grove, with a winding stream lined with ferns. It has an almost tropical atmosphere. In some ways it reminds me of inaccessible Green Valley Falls. Come and bird this wonderland with Murray. The bird walk will be followed by our gourmet picnic in the redwoods. Please bring a potluck dish to share with five people.

Directions. From Highway 29 (freeway) take the Trancas Street/Redwood Road Exit (Exit 19). After exiting take Redwood Road west for approximately 8 miles following the signs to the Hess Collection Winery. Please note the following important points along the way: At about 1 mile from Highway 29, the LEFT LANE will continue towards the Preserve; the right lane veers to the right to Dry Creek Road. Stay in the left lane following Redwood Rd. At about 4.5 miles from Highway 29, you'll see a bridge and sign for the Hess Collection Winery on the left side of the road. You must make a deliberate LEFT turn to continue on Redwood Rd. (If you continue straight, the road name changes to Mt. Veeder). Continue past the Hess Collection for about another 2 miles, past the “End of County Road” sign, and through two stone pillars along the steep, one lane road. Continue past the second stone entrance and follow the signs to the Preserve. When you reach the stone house, veer RIGHT along the dirt road around the house and then turn RIGHT down into the orchard. There is a kiosk and visitor sign-in along the woods to your LEFT. You may park in the orchard or along the woods near the kiosk.

A reminder from the Field Trip Coordinator: Car-poolers will share driving expenses (recommended $.30/mi to be split by the number of riders).