A third hunting season for geese, Feb. 18-22, has been approved by California's Fish and Game Commission.

One of the stranger waterfowl hunting seasons in recent memory closes after this weekend for the majority of the state, including the San Joaquin Valley.

Last weekend in Lake Tahoe, more than 200 Native Americans held a traditional "Round Dance" asking the Great Spirits to finally produce some snow.

George Mallory has gotten a lot of mileage out of his famous quote ("Because it's there") when the British mountaineer was asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest.

Fresno-area bird enthusiasts counted 134 species of our feathered friends during last week's Lost Lake Christmas Bird Count, said organizer Kevin Enns-Rempel of the Fresno Audubon Society.

Looking for something highly unusual and incredibly scenic to do over the holiday weekend?

TRAIL MIX

Mavericks surf contest delayed by one month

Citing a lack of early-season swells, organizers of the Mavericks big-wave surfing contest announced a one-month delay in the opening window.

Yellowstone grizzlies keep federal protection

Grizzly bears in and around Yellowstone National Park will enjoy continued protection under the Endangered Species Act due to a decline in one of their main food sources.

Tour of California lets you be like Lance, Levi

Recreational cyclists and amateur racers who dream about riding a fully supported Amgen Tour of California stage can fulfill that fantasy.

Parking Lot Jib Jam

When: 11 a.m. Saturday

Where: Herb Bauer Sporting Goods

Ten tons of snow will be trucked in and more than $3,000 prizes will be up for grabs at this seventh annual snowboarding event at the Herb Bauer parking lot, 6264 N. Blackstone Ave., Fresno.

Fish and Game sets workshop on new striper regulations

At last, some clarity for one of California's most controversial fishing issues.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

When: Saturday

Where: Fresno State, Maple Avenue Mall

Public input sought for 007 trail usage

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Intersection of Road 274 and Central Camp Road, north of North Fork in Madera County

Cross City Race
When: Sunday
Where: Chukchansi Park
One of Fresno's oldest running events takes to the streets for the 29th year benefiting the Saint Agnes Men's Club. Events include a 2-mile run/walk at 8:30 a.m., a 10-kilometer run at 9:15 and kids' races starting at 10:30.

Grizzly Century
When: Saturday
Where: North Fork
Experience one of California's most scenic bike rides, designed to promote the Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway.

Busy opening weekend for hunters, wardens
The opening weekend of deer and bear hunting season in zone D7 (eastern Fresno and Madera counties) proved a busy one for both hunters and game wardens, who made 3,092 enforcement contacts and issued 43 citations.

Yosemite hiking trails get $13.5m upgrade
Hiking trails in Yosemite National Park have recently undergone $13.5 million in improvements and restoration thanks to a campaign funded by the Yosemite Conservancy and National Park Service.

Race for the River
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Where: Lost Lake Park, Friant
Help celebrate the revived San Joaquin River by racing your kayak or canoe 8.5 miles from Lost Lake Park to Fort Washington Beach. Flows are expected to be around 350 cubic feet per second – perfect for boating. There are separate races for competitive and recreational paddlers.

Public's help sought in recent bear poaching
Game wardens are asking for the public's help to provide any information on a poacher who shot and killed a female bear with a bow and arrow near the High Sierra Ranger Station on Aug. 20 and left her to die.

Buck Rock Lookout hosts Labor Day gala
Buck Rock Lookout in the Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument will be the site for a Labor Day Weekend Celebration and Open House.

Woman makes tracks on Appalachian Trail
Jennifer Pharr Davis set the unofficial record for the fastest hike of the entire Appalachian Trail, yet she said she never ignored the beauty of the 2,180-mile trek from Maine to Georgia.

Guided San Joaquin canoe trips resume
Now that flows have been reduced to summertime levels, the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust is resuming guided canoe trips.

Long ski season boosts nationwide resort visits
The National Ski Areas Association says a season that stretched into July helped U.S. resorts set a record for skier and rider visits.