April 4-7 - National Audubon Society's 1998 Western Regional Conference, Asilomar, California (Monterey Bay). Theme - "Adventures in Bird Conservation: A Century of Audubon Accomplishments". Activities include: Retrospective of Audubon's accomplishments during this century Thought-provoking sessions, excellent speakers, informative and fun workshops, great field trips Confirmed speakers include: · renowned birder, and author of The Kingbird Highway, Kenn Kaufman · distinguished photographer and naturalist Arnold Small · celebrated wildlife artist and conservationist Robert Bateman Youth programs offered for ages 3-12 and high school ($25) Adult registration $60; field trips/workshops $30-$100 Housing info - Pat Kauffman, (408) 372-8016 For general conference info and a full Conference Registration packet call Audubon Calif., (916) 481-5332

Cosumnes River Preserve near Sacramento announces free tours in March. The visitor center is open every weekend in March from 10-4, and volunteers are on hand to point out birds and answer questions. For more information, call the Cosumnes River Preserve Information Line at 916-684-2816, email crp@ns.net, or visit the website at http://www.cosumnes.org. · On Saturday, March 7, volunteers will be on hand from 9-12 on the Lost Slough Wetlands Boardwalk and Nature Trail. The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible. Tours are free, sign-ups are not required. Rain cancels. Meet at the trailhead on the east side of Franklin Boulevard, 1.3 miles south of the Franklin/Twin Cities intersection. · On Sunday, March 22, at 9 AM, a guided walk will be held on the Willow Slough Nature trail; it may last up to 3 hours. Bring drinking water and sturdy walking shoes. Expected sightings include Sandhill Cranes and local/migratory waterfowl. Rain cancels. Meet at the trailhead on the east side of Franklin Boulevard, 1.3 miles south of the Franklin/Twin Cities intersection.

Fourth Annual Heron Days Celebration at Anderson Marsh State Park on Clear Lake - Pontoon boat rides in Anderson Marsh, nature walks, slide shows, and kid's activities are all part of the Fourth Annual Heron Days Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19, at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park on beautiful Clear Lake. The Redbud Audubon Society and the Lake County Land Trust, with help from the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association, are sponsoring this event. · Pontoon boats will take visitors to a Great Blue Heron rookery in the marsh and a variety of other bird life will be viewed. Advance reservations are required for pontoon boat rides in the marsh both Saturday and Sunday; the rides are $10 donation per person and seating is limited. Trips lead from Redbud Park at 9, 11, and 1. Call the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 1-800-525-3743 for reservations. · Activities at Anderson Marsh State Park will be held on Saturday only and will include guided field trips, children's activities, information booths, and slide shows presented by wildlife photographer Philip Greene and hummingbird specialist Bill Bixby. For more information call Roberta Lyons, Redbud Audubon Society President, at 707-994-2024. For information about lodging, camping, and other events in the area, call the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 707-263-9544 or 1-800-525-3743.