This summer, in conjunction with the annual Summer Reading Program, Yolo County Library is offering a series of programs, called All Together Outside, to encourage community members to explore the natural world, learn about local wildlife and regional recreational opportunities, and explore the California State Parks with free day-use passes that library cardholders can borrow.

The series begins with a family-friendly kick-off festival on National Get Outdoors Day, Saturday, June 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Capay Open Space Park, located at 15603 County Road 85 in Capay. Festival attendees can sign up for Yolo County Library’s Summer Reading Challenge and receive a free “keeper” book. Local wildlife experts and conservation organizations, including the Putah Creek Council, Cache Creek Conservancy, Yolo County Parks, Bohart Museum of Entomology and the California State Parks Department, will be present to provide information and hands-on activities.

At 9:30 a.m., enjoy a nature walk through the beautiful oak savanna grasslands of lower Cache Creek with local environmental organization Tuleyome. Latino Outdoors volunteers will be on hand to provide Spanish language translation. Talk, sing, read and play during bilingual Spanish/English storytime at 10:30 a.m. At 11:00 a.m., dance to the sweet sounds of Mexican and Caribbean roots-based musical group Cascada de Flores. Attendees are encouraged to bring water and appropriate sun protection. Sturdy walking shoes, snacks and a blanket are also recommended.

Additional all-ages All Together Outside events will take place weekly at all Yolo County Library branches during the Summer Reading Program period, June 1 to August 15. Children and their families can:

- learn about the animals who live in the American River watershed with the Effie Yeaw Nature Center
- meet the mammals, birds and reptiles that call California their home with Wild Things
- sample honey and see live bees in their hives at the Uncle Jer’s Traveling Bee Show presentations
- learn insect facts and observe a variety of little critters with the Bohart Museum of Entomology
- explore the fascinating lives of the world’s only flying mammals with NorCal Bats; and
- enjoy a variety of art programs, including natural journaling, sculpting, watercolors, and cyanotypes (sun prints) with local artists

Select programs will be offered in Spanish. Pop-up programs at local county parks are also being planned. Check out the library’s events calendar at https://yolocountylibrary.org/events for more information.

All Together Outside is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library. Connect with Yolo County Library on Facebook at www.facebook.com/yolocountylibrary.org and on Instagram and TikTok at @yolocountylibrary.

Click here for more information