Ducking Home Chores
Volunteer Orientation at the Yolo Basin Foundation
I think about what I could have done on this cold and rainy morning. I had a warm invite for pancakes and a World Cup match. Chores are always waiting. Instead, Julie and I spent two hours with five new friends and 2.5 million migrating birds at the Yolo Basin Foundation.
My infographic captures a little of the magic from the wetlands driving tour, a highlight of our orientation.
"Covering 25 square miles and home to nearly 200 species of birds, the Wildlife Area is located in the heart of one of the country's richest agricultural areas, alongside one of America's busiest people throughways I-80, and next to a bustling metropolitan area, Sacramento.
The 16,000-acre Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is one of the largest public/private restoration projects with 3,700-acres of land in the Yolo Bypass floodway restored to wetlands and other associated habitats, with more restoration in the works." From the Yolo Basin Foundation (YBF) website (link).
My takeaways:
Today's weather was much more fit for a duck than a human. But the rain and temps in the 40s were no match for the quiet beauty of the wetlands and the profound concentration of life.
I had an overwhelming sense of pride and awe. Human people like me had a vision, then armed with determination and intent, created a space that respects the harmony between conservation, agriculture, and hunting.
What was to be MY orientation for the organization became OURS. I love that Julie, my wife, accepted my invitation to help at the wetlands. So now, the Basin gets two new volunteers. Take action, and others will follow. Follow people who take action.
It's easy to feel intimidated when you raise your hand to support a mission. But Juliana, the volunteer coordinator, made it clear there is space for everyone to help at YBF. Serving as a docent, working in the office, or digging out invasive plants: hands muddy or hands clean, they'll help you find a spot to support the big picture.
There were lots of laughs and smiles. And we got to use walkie-talkies!
Visit the wetlands! Support them if you can. Skip some chores and volunteer or take a walking or driving tour. The ducks will thank you. "Do something!" I say with a big smile.
Our Camino
I selected the Yolo Basin Foundation because Gypsy and I will be walking over the wetlands on the first day of our Camino, a two-week, 140-mile walk from Sacramento to the ocean in May of 2023. To better serve my clients, I'm volunteering and learning more about stewardship through the organizations on our route. Next weekend, camping and a kayak tour of Lake Solano with the Putah Creek Council, our Day 2 destination.