This week, several North Bay groups are getting outdoors for distanced live events, while other organizations stay in for online offerings. Here’s a sample of what’s happening.
Virtual Lecture
Step outside anywhere in the North Bay, and local birds will be somewhere nearby, singing the soundtrack of spring with their calls and birdsongs. Yet, few understand how such little animals make so much noise, and why. Find out this week when the Corte Madera branch of the Marin County Free Library and Marin County Parks co-host an online illustrated lecture, “Spring Birdsong,” featuring Marin County Parks interpretive naturalist Shannon Burke, who offers examples of local bird songs and what they mean. The virtual talk takes place on Thursday, May 27, at 1:30pm. Free; registration required. Marinlibrary.org.
Virtual Reading
One of the most complex and fascinating webs of wildlife in the North Bay and beyond is the Oak tree, which houses animals like woodpeckers—who collect and store hundreds of acorns in the trees—and caterpillars who feed on the trees’ leaves. This week, author Doug Tallamy will introduce his new book, The Nature of Oaks, with a virtual presentation in cooperation with the Marin Art & Garden Center. The book reveals what is going on in the trees month by month, and Tallamy shares advice on caring for Oaks on Thursday, May 27, at 5pm. $10. Maringarden.org.
Live Event
Spud Point Marina, located in Bodega Bay, is one of Sonoma County’s busiest commercial and sport fishing hubs. This weekend, the public can get in on the fishy fun with “Feelin’ Crabby.” The immersive experience welcomes participants to the pier to learn about crabs, experiment with using crabbing nets and cages, and try a hand at catching some tasty crustaceans while enjoying the fresh sea air. Participants can also take home the crabs they catch. This program is popular and spots will fill quickly, so register now. Saturday, May 29, at 11am. $20. Parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.
Live Event
First introduced in 1978 by artist and gay rights activist Gilbert Baker, the rainbow flag is now the most iconic symbol of LGBTQ pride. With Pride month (June) approaching, the North Bay is preparing for several online and safely distanced live events, and Sonoma County Pride opens its month of activity with its Pride Flag Raising. Members of the community come together to raise the Pride Flag on top of the Rosenberg Building on Tuesday, June 1, at 11am. Mendocino Avenue and Fourth Street, Santa Rosa. Free. The event will also stream live online at Facebook.com/SonomaCountyPride.
Virtual Reading
Fifty years ago, Alice Waters opened Chez Panisse, the Berkeley restaurant that would make “farm to table” a household phrase. Since then, she’s advocated for simple and organic cooking that’s become known as the Slow Food movement. Now, Waters makes her case for radically changing the way we cook in her new book, We Are What We Eat: A Slow Food Manifesto. Waters talks about the book and the slow food movement when she appears online in conversation with author and foodie Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto), presented by Point Reyes Books, Bookshop Santa Cruz and Book Passage on Tuesday, June 1, at 6pm. Tickets are $34 and include a signed copy of We are What We Eat. Ptreyesbooks.com / Bookpassage.com.
