When the word “safari” is mentioned, most people conjure up mental images of hot jungles, wild plains, exotic animals and Africa, in general.

According to most dictionaries, Africa does indeed have a strong claim on the word, but most also define a safari as being “a journey to observe and hunt for wild animals,” which are a large part of Explorit’s Nature Safari field trip.

Although the word “hunt,” which can have negative connotations, was used in the above definition, please be assured that when field trip visitors go “hunting,” they are not out to harm any animals.

The Nature Safari program is active every spring and fall, and the Mace Ranch Community Park plays a starring role in getting kids and parents alike excited about nature.

The safari begins at Explorit, 3141 Fifth St., with a brief overview of the “nature of nature,” followed by a guided trek around the park with many fun stops along the way, such as one of the oldest oak trees in Davis where, frequently, an active bee colony can be seen hidden high in the branches.

Another stop of note is the fenced-in conservation area originally created as a home for burrowing owls (now gone), but that is now a place to observe ground squirrels, jack rabbits, various birds, sheep and goats in the springtime, and native grasses and other local plants.

Next on the tour is the collecting area where children will open up the safari kits they have been patiently lugging around and use the wide array of tools within (like nets, shovels, containers, etc.) to look high and low for living and non-living parts of nature.

Finally, they will be able to share their finds with one another in the last section of the safari: the magnifying area.

When collecting, only minibeasts — like insects and arachnids — are picked up, to be released back into the wilds of the park after everyone takes a turn using magnifying containers to see their finds up close and sharing the excitement of what they found with their fellow safari-goers. The larger animals, of which there are many in the park, stay safely inside memories.

A big thank you goes to Yocha Dehe Commmunity Fund for providing much-needed support for these wonderful nature-based education programs!

You are all invited to visit Mace Ranch Park whenever you like, so you can embark upon your own safari. While visiting, come by Explorit’s building at the park’s entrance off Fifth Street check what we have to offer in the way of programs.

Explorit will offer summer camps starting June 13, and there are still spaces available, but time is running out, so sign up today.

Coming events:

* Summer Camp, June 13-Aug. 19: More information about themes and registration can be found at http://www.explorit.org/camp.

• Today through May 20: Those interested in volunteering as a science teaching assistant during summer camp may contact Explorit’s volunteer coordinator at [email protected] Applicants must be at least 12 years old before June 13. Volunteer orientations and trainings will take place this month and next for accepted applicants.

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Explorit Science Center, 3141 Fifth St., is the location for field trips, programs for groups and Astronomy Club meetings. The center also is the hub for Explorit’s traveling programs that reach an 18-county region. The center is open to the public for special events and to groups by reservation; call (530) 756-0191 or visit http://www.explorit.org

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