LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – For 23 years, Redbud Audubon has provided Lake County residents and visitors an unique educational nature experience watching the springtime courtship, nesting and parenting behaviors of some of the county’s most beautiful and interesting birds.

By taking people out on Clear Lake in pontoon boats with an experienced Audubon guide on board, Redbud gives the public a close-up view of nature. Heron Days is the chapter’s only major fundraising event to support its conservation and education activities throughout the year.

Heron Days would not be possible without the volunteer help of local pontoon boat-owners and drivers willing to go through the procedures of becoming licensed. Their generous gift of time, skills, and equipment is essential to the event. Audubon provides liability insurance coverage for the boat-owners and reimburses for fuel.

In recent years, the number of boats and drivers declined. Owners sold their boats, people moved away, or boats became non-operational. Redbud is at the point that, without more boats, the future of Heron Days is uncertain.

That is why the group is reaching out broadly to the Lake County community seeking additional boats and drivers.

Heron Days is held on two spring weekends at opposite ends of Clear Lake. Dates and locations for 2019 are:

– April 27-28, Lakeside County Park, Kelseyville.

– May 4-5, Clear Lake Campground, Lower Lake.

If you own a pontoon boat in good condition and/or you are an experienced boat driver (or you know a friend or neighbor who is), please contact Redbud Audubon to request that we email you the information sheet describing exactly what is involved in this volunteer work.

Requesting the information is not a commitment to participate, just to learn the details. Redbud assists drivers who need to obtain the necessary state license from the Department of Boating and Waterways.

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the chapter at 707-263-8030.