Bird Walks
Spring and Fall (free; donations welcomed). Schedule here.
Meet at the north parking lot.
Our docent and resident bird expert, Bill Cortright, will lead an easy 2 hour stroll around Bridgeport. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have one. You might spot the Canyon Wren, American Dipper, Acorn Woodpecker, Golden Crowned Kinglet, Bald Eagle, Phainopepla and more.
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Gold Panning Demonstrations
Summer (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Every Summer Sat, Sun & holiday, 11am - 2pm at Bridgeport
Free; donations welcomed
No demonstrations the weekend of the Nevada County Fair- come join us at the fair for gold panning in August.
Docents will demonstrate how to pan for gold in our troughs which are very likely to yield a bit of gold for most everyone. Practice in the troughs, then try your hand in the river. Remember, only pans and hands allowed in the park.
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Bridgeport History Station
Summer (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Every Sat and Sun, 11am - 2pm (free; donations welcomed)
You will find a history station staffed by friendly docents who will explain the history of the bridge, barn, wagons, and the pioneers who lived here. |
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Calling Back the Salmon Ceremony
Second week of October
11am - 3pm at Bridgeport
This Maidu ceremony commemorates humans’ age-old relationship with the salmon and the interdependence of all living things. Salmon once made an annual migration up the river, a journey that is recreated by running a single salmon upriver to Bridgeport, followed by a traditional meal. No photos of the sacred ceremony.
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Pine Needle Basket Weaving Class
Offered twice yearly in Spring and Fall
Pre-registration is required. $20
Bridgeport Visitor Center
This class will be taught by docent Judy Nichols. Judy has been teaching pine needle basketry since 1991. Several of Judy's baskets are on display at the Gene Speck Silver State Art Gallery in Reno, Nevada. All participants can expect to complete one small basket in class. Contact Judy at 530-274-3608 to register.
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Wildflower Walks
Mid-March through Mid-May
Saturdays and Sundays, 11am (suggested donation $3)
Meet at the Bridgeport north parking lot.
The Buttermilk Bend trail is well known among locals for its spectacular explosion of wildflowers most springs. The display changes every week, so come more than once! Docents will identify the flowers and explain some of their natural history and traditional uses. Plan on 1.5 hours and 2 miles. No dogs. |
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Independence Trail Nature Walks
Celebrate Springtime on the Independence Trail! Join our knowledgeable docents to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Independence Trail and South Yuba River. Tours are wheelchair-accessible and last about 2 hours. Call the Visitor Center for the schedule. |
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Spring Festival
Last Sunday of April
11am - 4pm at Bridgeport (free; donations welcomed)
Docents in period costume demonstrate blacksmithing, basket weaving and tell tales of days past. Local artisans display their nature-themed art for sale. Live music, wagon rides and snacks. Click here for more info.
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Fall Festival
Last Sunday of October
11am - 4pm at Bridgeport (free; donations welcomed)
Docents in period costume demonstrate blacksmithing, basket weaving and tell tales of days past. Local artisans display their nature-themed art for sale. Live music, wagon rides and snacks. |
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Auto Tours
Call to schedule
Your guide will give a personal tour about the history of transportation at Bridgeport to your car club or group . You will then drive on a piece of the historic Virginia Turnpike and pose for a photo with your car at the entrance to the covered bridge.
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School and Group Tours
Call to schedule
Bring your group of children or adults to Bridgeport for a diverse day of history, nature and hands-on activities, or for a wildflower walk. Our docents will explain the covered bridge, our collection of historic wagons, local plants and animals, and teach how to pan for gold. Children may keep the gold they find.
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