Good reads

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Author: Mike White

Publisher: Wilderness Press

Eight years ago, White penned separate guides on Sequoia and Kings Canyon. This updated edition packs and updates all that information into one 458-page text. It's certainly the most comprehensive hiking guide available on the southern Sierra Nevada.

More than 120 hikes, ranging from easy hikes to rugged multiday treks, are mapped and described in detail. White also knows that some of the best hikes into the parks begin and end in adjacent wilderness areas, so these don't get short shrift. List price is $24.95.

The author will make a Fresno appearance Wednesday evening at REI. Space is limited. Register at rei.com/fresno.

Events

Alyssa Samansky Track Challenge

When: Wednesday

Where: Clovis West High track

Put your track skills to the test and bring your unwanted books for a book drive benefiting the Fresno County Library. Field events start at 5:30 p.m. with running events at 6 p.m..

The meet honors Alyssa Samansky, who died in 2005 at age 7 after being hit by a car in a Fresno supermarket parking lot. Donations of $20 are requested. Details: www.runsierra.org.

News & notes

• The SAR Wild Run, a fundraiser for Fresno County Search & Rescue, is Sunday morning on the southern shore of Shaver Lake. Events include five- and 10-kilometer trail runs, a 15k mountain bike race and a 2-mile family hike. Both runs are chip timed, and winners receive an engraved brass compass. Go to sarwildrun.com for details and directions to the starting line.
• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Survey has proposed a 107-day long waterfowl hunting season in the Pacific Flyway, including a full season on pintail with a two-bird daily bag limit. The 2012 total duck population estimate for the north-central United States, south-central and northern Canada and Alaska is 48.6 million birds, an increase of 7% over last year.
• Dove season is a month away, and hunters who wish to apply for special access on controlled properties through the Department of Fish and Game must do so by Wednesday at nrm.dfg.ca.gov/DFGSpecialHunts/Default.aspx. Participants will be selected by lottery.
• Like to scramble up mountains? Join ranger Dick Ewart on Aug. 19 for a day hike to the summit of Tenaya Peak. Fees are $82. Register at yosemiteconservancy.com.