Special Marsh Walk at Rush Ranch

SOLANO COUNTY – Join local herbalist Pam Nelson for a free guided walk at Rush Ranch this Saturday, May 19.  Meet her at the native plant garden beside the Rush Ranch Nature Center at 10am. Learn why Suisun Marsh is special throughout the Bay Area and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and why Rush Ranch is unique. 

Your journey will include hiking up a small hill with sweeping views of the marsh and mountains, and visits to a Native American grinding rock and an authentic replica of a tule hut. Nelson will share her expertise on Suisun Marsh, the Native Americans and pioneers who once called this area home, the native plants uniquely adapted to survive in the marsh environment, and the health and healing values of these plants. On top of the hill you’ll compare a tidal marsh to a managed marsh, and along the path you’ll learn about plants like cattails, pickleweed, and salt grass.

In addition to the Native American grinding rock and tule hut, you’ll pass antique farm equipment, a historic barn, a genuine Sears kit house, and historic windmills. You’ll also see the modern windmill and solar panels that today enable Rush Ranch to be off-the-grid. Imagine Rush Ranch 100 years ago and 1,000 years ago, and consider how it may respond to future climate change and sea level rise. 

Expect to return from the walk around 11:30am. You’ll come away understanding why Rush Ranch is locally loved and nationally famous. Then stay to enjoy traditional blacksmithing, a display of hand-crafted Native American tools and decorations, and horse-drawn wagon rides!

Rush Ranch is owned and operated by Solano Land Trust. It is located at 3521 Grizzly Island Road, off Highway 12, approximately 2 miles south of Suisun City.  For details and directions, visit www.solanolandtrust.org.

Who: Solano Land Trust
What:  Special Marsh Walk at Rush Ranch

Where: Rush Ranch, 3521 Grizzly Island Road, Suisun, CA 94585
When:  Saturday, May 19th, 10-11:30am

Why:  Learn about the marsh, native plants, Native Americans, and pioneers of Rush Ranch
Cost:  Free!