Sunrise Sundays
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Date(s): First Sunday of the month, May - October 2023
Time(s): 15 minutes before Sunrise (see below)
Location: Cache Creek Nature Preserve (see map)
Sponsored by: Cache Creek Conservancy. Funding for this event is provided by Teichert Inc., Granite Construction, CEMEX, and Vulcan Materials.
Cost: Free
Cache Creek Nature Preserve is now open early on the first Sunday of the month so that photographers, birders, early morning hikers and wildlife watchers can enjoy the unique opportunities found at that time.
Photographers and birders know the magic of observing nature during the ‘Golden Hours’, that hour just after sunrise and just before sunset. By popular request, we’ve arranged for people to have access to the preserve for Sunrise on a regular basis.
Photographers are encouraged to share their favorite photos on the Conservancy’s Facebook Page. Use #lovecachecreek so we can find and share them.
Scheduled Days and Times
Beginning on May 7, 2023, the CCNP will be open just before sunrise on the first Sunday of the month. This will continue through September and, depending upon popularity and the weather, continue throughout the rest of the year.
- May 7, 2023 Sunrise: 6:04 a.m. Gates Open: 5:45 a.m.
- June 4, 2023 Sunrise: 5:44 a.m. Gates Open: 5:30 a.m.
- July 2, 2023 Sunrise: 5:47 a.m. Gates Open: 5:30 a.m.
- Aug. 6, 2023 Sunrise: 6:14 a.m. Gates Open: 6:00 a.m.
- Sept. 3, 2023 Sunrise: 6:39 a.m. Gates Open: 6:15 a.m.
- October 1, 2023 Sunrise: 6:47 a.m. Gates Open: 6:45 a.m. (probably the last Sunday this year)
Some Logistics
Please park in the parking lot, then you are on your own. Notice there are portable restrooms are available to the public. You’ll need to bring your own gear (camera, binoculars, etc.).
Remember! This is a wildlife preserve and wildlife is most active during the Golden Hours.
- Stay on the trails for your own and nature’s safety.
- Keep children with adults at all times.
- Don’t feed wild animals.
- Look and listen for rattlesnakes. They like the tall grass and hide under low hanging branches, under logs, and in holes.
- Wear closed-toed shoes.
- Bring your own drinking water.
- Wear weather appropriate clothing; hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Leave your pets at home.
Leave no trace. This means no litter or disturbance of the habitat. Leave the Preserve as you found it.
Tips for Seeing Wildlife
Move as gently, quietly and slowly as possible. Better yet, choose a comfortable spot and remain still. Blend with your environment. Dress in earth-tones colors and forgo colognes and scented products. Use ‘soft eyes’; allow your observations to include the subtle movements out of the side of your eyes.
Let us know what you see and experience on our Facebook page. #lovecachecreek