Saturday Fun On Tap At Rush Ranch

Written by Natalie DuMont

From toddlers to grandparents and stroller users to wheelchair users, every body is invited to Get the Rush this Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rush Ranch.  Get the Rush is a series of fun activities offered on the third Saturday of every month for all ages and mobility levels.  The day is 100 percent volunteer-run and 100 percent free.

Starting at 10 a.m. and lasting one to two hours:  Enjoy a walk alongside the tidal marsh, through the upland grasses, and around the historic ranch.  Meet your guide, Joseph Hoberg, in the brick courtyard and native plant garden, next to the Nature Center exhibit.

10am to 1pm:  Travel back in time as you enter the historic Rush Ranch Blacksmith Shop.  Learn about traditional blacksmithing tools and equipment, and see the forge in the center of the ranch. Take part in an interactive demonstration with smithy Virgil Sellers and team.  You may even get the opportunity to make your own iron nail or other keepsake!

10am to 1pm:  Visit Little Bear at his table full of Native American tools and decorations, most of which he hand-crafted himself. Ask him about his life experiences and the history and culture of Native Americans.

11am to 1pm:  Visitors of all ages and mobility levels are invited to jump aboard a horse-drawn wagon ride.  Wheelchair users are encouraged and can board via a solar-powered wheelchair lift.  Michael Muir and his team of experienced drivers and highly trained horses provide these rides so that those with limited mobility can experience the freedom and excitement of exploring beautiful open spaces like Rush Ranch.

No RSVP is necessary.  These activities wind down about 1 p.m., just in time for a picnic lunch.  Rush Ranch is located at3521 Grizzly Island Road near Suisun City, about 2 miles south of the Highway 12/Sunset Avenue/Grizzly Island Road intersection. For questions, call 707-432-0150 x200 or email volunteer@solanolandtrust.org. 

Rush Ranch is owned and operated by Solano Land Trust, in partnership with the Rush Ranch Educational Council,Access Adventure, and the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.  Learn more atwww.solanolandtrust.org.