Personal Stuff

A Gulf fritillary rests on a Zinnia in the garden of author Steven T. Callan.

January 17, 2020

An Island of Our Own

Annuals, like Zinnia, attract several species of butterflies to the island, including tiger swallowtails, monarchs, pipevine swallowtails, buckeyes, painted ladies, and this gorgeous Gulf fritillary. Photo by Steven T. Callan.

Over the years, Kathy and I have often dreamed of escaping today’s fast-paced, hectic world and moving to an island of our own—an island of trees, flowers, and abundant wildlife, where we could experience the joys of nature without leaving the confines of our own property. Realizing that buying an island wasn’t a realistic option, we decided to do the next best thing and create one on our three-acre patch of oak woodland in the foothills of Northern California.

Rocio Nesbitt, author John D. Nesbitt, author Steven T. Callan, and Kathy Callan celebrate at the Orland Alumni Association Awards Dinner.

February 24, 2019

in Personal Stuff, Recognition and Awards

by Steve

Orland Alumni Association Awards Night

Rocio Nesbitt, author John D. Nesbitt, author Steven T. Callan, and Kathy Callan celebrate at the Orland Alumni Association Awards Dinner.

Just like in the Statler Brothers’ song, the Orland High School Class of ‘66 had its dreams. In June of 1966, all 138 of us spread to the wind and set out to live our dreams, much like the Orland High School classes before us. Some went on to college, some served in the military, some pursued occupations elsewhere, and some remained in this wonderful little Northern California farm town for the rest of their lives.

Author Steven T. Callan and his wife, Kathy

October 27, 2017

in Personal Stuff

by Steve

Thank You

Hi, Everyone,

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for supporting my writing adventure. Kathy and I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking with so many of you during our book tours throughout Northern and Central California. Thanks to you, Badges, Bears, and Eagles and The Game Warden’s Son have done extremely well. It’s because of your support, kind words, and encouragement that I’m now working on Book Number 3.

Our front yard in early spring, showing just a few of the 200 blue oaks on the island. Photo by Steven T. Callan.

September 24, 2016

in Personal Stuff

by Steve

An Island of Our Own

Our front yard in early spring, showing just a few of the 200 blue oaks on the island. Photo by author.

Orland Free Library Welcomes Award-Winning Orland Author Steven T. Callan

September 4, 2016

in Personal Stuff

by Steve

Going Home

I’ve often said that the reason I enjoyed the old Andy Griffith Show so much was because I practically grew up there. Growing up in Orland was as close to living in Mayberry as you could get without being a member of the cast.

My family moved from the Los Angeles area to Orland, a small farming community at the northern end of California’s Sacramento Valley, in 1960. By the end of our first day in school, my brother Kenny and I felt as if we’d lived there all our lives. The following Saturday, we joined several of our new friends and walked the railroad tracks to Stony Creek, where I caught my first smallmouth bass and began a childhood adventure that would last until I left for college years later.

Steven T. Callan and Orland High School Class of '66 Classmates

August 12, 2016

in Personal Stuff

by Steve

Two Nights to Remember

I have to admit that I was more than a little apprehensive about my upcoming Orland High School class reunion. I hadn’t seen most of my classmates since we crossed the stage and received our diplomas on that fateful night fifty years ago. Would I recognize anyone? Would anyone recognize me? I sure hope they provide name tags.

The McCloud River Preserve encompasses 2,330 acres surrounding this iconic mountain stream. Photo by author Steven T. Callan.

July 23, 2016

in Personal Stuff

by Steve

The McCloud River: Relief from the Dog Days of Summer

The McCloud River Preserve encompasses 2,330 acres surrounding this iconic mountain stream. All photos by author.

Nothing picks up my spirits like a walk along a mountain stream during these hundred-degree days. The McCloud River is as good as it gets.

I hope these photos from our recent hike through the McCloud River Preserve with the Shasta Land Trust will pick up your spirits during these dog days of summer.

Rock Creek, Feather River Canyon, California

March 13, 2014

in Personal Stuff

by Steve

A Tribute to Streams

Rock Creek, Feather River Canyon, California

The other day I came across a thirty-year-old photograph I had taken of my younger brother Matt. Matt was diving into Rock Creek, a tributary to the north fork of the Feather River, located about an hour southeast of Chico. Kathy and I had picked Matt up for a day of hiking in Northern California’s Feather River Canyon.

January 3, 2014

in Personal Stuff

by Steve

Game Wardens and Ghost Towns

While working on a sequel to Badges, Bears, and Eagles, I recently returned to my old stomping grounds near Orland, California, and the ghost town of Newville. Located twenty-two miles west of Orland, Newville thrived from the early 1850s until 1929, when all but a few buildings burned to the ground. During its heyday, Newville boasted a general store, two livery stables, two saloons, a blacksmith shop, two hotels, a post office, and at least one service station. I mention the service station because as of this week, it remains the only building left standing.

The fish rescue crew in Orland, circa 1964

October 29, 2013

in Conservation Issues, Personal Stuff

by Steve

The Fish Rescue Crew

The fish rescue crew in Orland, circa 1964
Driving south on Interstate 5 a few weeks ago, I crossed the Stony Creek Bridge, just north of Orland, California. The experience brought back vivid memories of my childhood—fishing, swimming, and exploring every inch of that wonderful Sacramento Valley stream.

Personal Stuff

An Island of Our Own

Orland Alumni Association Awards Night

Thank You

An Island of Our Own

Going Home

Two Nights to Remember

The McCloud River: Relief from the Dog Days of Summer

A Tribute to Streams

Game Wardens and Ghost Towns

The Fish Rescue Crew

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