LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The first field trip of the Redbud Audubon season will be out to the McVicar wildlife preserve at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park on Saturday, Sept. 17.

The park is located off of Highway 53, between Lower Lake and the city of Clearlake.

The walk will start promptly at 9 a.m. Meet in the parking lot at the park, pay the parking fee and join the group.

The preserve was originally donated to the National Audubon Society many years ago and for years the Redbud Audubon Society managed it.

Now, the preserve is part of the State Park system and included in Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

The park maintenance personnel do a wonderful job keeping the trails groomed and it is still a very special place to walk.

Expect a long, but relatively easy walk. They will walk to the border of the preserve and further depending on those attending and how far they want to go.

Expect to see songbirds, raptors, and water birds. They might even spot a pileated woodpecker or two. Bring water and a snack, binoculars, and wear sturdy walking shoes.