Eagle's Nest Walk and Talk + Sac Tree Events

Photo captured on the day of the hike by FOLFAN’s lead Eagle Docent, Kathy Kayner.

With summer approaching, planting season is winding down. Sac Tree has you covered with some cool events!

Sac Tree’s Arborist, Pam Sanchez, leads participants to the eagle observation viewpoint through the valley oaks.

The Sacramento Tree Foundation does more than deliver free shade trees to SMUD customers or host planting events. Our organization takes each step with environmental education and community engagement at our forefront. We offer a unique blend of opportunities for all members of our Sacramento region to enjoy! To name a few upcoming Sac Tree activities: Get water wise! Join us for an educational event discussing Smart Irrigation for Trees. Need support with tree care and not sure who to ask? Sac Tree will be collaborating on a tree care event at Soil Born Farms— hear from local Sacramento tree experts on proper practices for maintaining a healthy tree! Looking for a fun, family-friendly outdoor activity? Hop on your bike at the Hagan Park and American River Bike trail for a canopy-covered ride while learning about our local trees and habitat. Be sure to check out our Events Calendar where you can register and stay in the know about some of our fun events you do not want to miss!

Moments before the eagle nest observation viewpoint!

Sac Tree, City of Folsom, and FOLFAN (Friends of Lakes Folsom and Natomas)

This event was made possible by collaborative efforts! This adventure was led by Sac Tree’s arborist, Pam Sanchez, Sac Tree’s Community Liaison, Joe DiPentino, and the City of Folsom’s arborist, Aimee Nunez. Participants were eager from the start and hopeful to catch a glance at the bald eagle pair who currently reside at their lakeside home, before their next journey begins in October. The hike was a little over a mile with a steep incline, and the views were worth it!

Don’t forget to look up!

Sac Tree event check-in: Keep an eye out for poison oak and ticks. Stay hydrated, stay on the trail, and wear SPF!

Resting at the top of the ridge, volunteers not only enjoyed the stunning views of Lake Natomas, but also the engaging lesson from Pam on the difference between valley and blue oaks! Once arrived at the observation point, Sac Tree volunteers were met by the FOLFAN volunteers, and their lead Eagle Docent, Kathy Kayner. Kathy has been with the organization for years and is quite familiar with this particular eagle pair. She frequently monitors them, their offspring, and has taken some amazing photos.

These two bald eagles have called Folsom their home for years, and although they are not chipped or monitored during their departures, each year they return to this nest! Did you know, their nest measures out to the size of a queen mattress? With that kind of room, no wonder they consistently return! Volunteers enjoyed looking through binoculars provided by FOLFAN and were lucky enough to see 2 juvenile eagles in the nest. As volunteers quietly observed the nest, “Papa”, one of the mature eagles, flew overhead. FOLFAN expects to see both juveniles take their first flight in the next couple of weeks and venture off on their own in July. After experiencing this unique viewing of the eagles, hikers continued their exploration around the lake. Pam and Aimee educated the group on the different trees, as well as fun facts about the local environment.

Join us next time!

We are grateful to have had this fascinating community opportunity and look forward to organizing a similar event in the future! As you adventure on your own, remember that many creatures call this land home. Please read all signage posted regarding noise levels and always respect the local wildlife. Do not try to climb the tree where the nest is located. This is for your own safety and for the safety of the eagles.

If you would like to learn more about FOLFAN, you can find the link to their organization here, FOLFAN – Friends of Lakes Folsom and Natoma.