SUMMER HIKING SERIES

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association launched its hiking series, a free guided hike program that runs through the end of August.

Bring your camera. The treks will take you through flourishing meadows, host to blooming Aspen trees, abundant wildflowers and spring fed creeks, and to the Desolation Wilderness Boundary, where you'll see spectacular granite formations. Reservations are required.

For a complete list and to register, visit www.tahoerimtrail.org.

NRA FRIENDS' DINNER

Elk Grove Friends of the NRA hosts its fourth annual dinner and auction 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Elk Grove Masonic Hall, 9829 Waterman Road, Elk Grove.

The evening includes dinner, live and silent auctions, special drawings, door prizes and games. Tickets are $45 and must be purchased in advance at Wild Bill's Old West Trading, 10490 E. Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove. No tickets will be sold at the door. The event is to raise money for shooting sports in the area.

For more information: (916) 690-5428.

REI PROGRAMS

• Authors Michael Sandler and Jessica Lee will sign books and present "Barefoot Running: How To Run Light and Free by Getting in Touch With the Earth," 7-8 p.m. today at REI Sacramento, 1790 Expo Parkway.

• Veteran paddler and author Charlie Pike will share his thoughts on nearby places to paddle canoes and whitewater kayaks this summer, and the appropriate equipment for the waterways, 7-8:30 p.m. today at REI Folsom, 2425 Iron Point Road.

• Learn how to make campsite cooking tasty in an introductory class, 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Roseville REI, 1148 Galleria Blvd.; Wednesday at REI Sacramento; and next Thursday at REI Folsom.

All programs are free; registration is required at www.rei.com.

WALK QUAIL RIDGE

Ecologist Frank Maurer, executive director of the Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy, will lead an easy-to-moderate walk through the reserve, located at the southwest end of Lake Berryessa.

The interpretive walk will take place 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Donations accepted.

Reservations are required: (530) 219-4477.

RIDE FOR A CAUSE

Choose from one of several bike rides, from 20 to 105 miles, and enjoy a post-event party with fellow cyclists and spectators at the 2011 Team Livestrong Challenge Series, the signature fundraising event for Livestrong – the organization founded by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong – when it kicks off the first leg of the three-city series on Sunday in Davis.

The ride begins at 7:30 a.m. in Central Park, Fourth Street. Registration is $50.

For more information: www.livestrong.org.

MEET THE BAT

Learn more about the mosquito catchers on a Bat Talk and Walk program at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area in Davis.

The Yolo Basin Foundation and the Department of Fish and Game will host 45-minute presentations on bat natural history, followed by an opportunity to view live bats. Registered participants will carpool to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area to watch Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at sunset to hunt insects. Presentations are available at 6:30 p.m. July 19, 25 and 30, and run through August. Cost is $10 general (plus $2 processing fee), free for children younger than 16.

Advance online registration required: www.dfg.ca.gov/events.

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