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April 2019
Take the Bay Ridge Challenge
Wherever you are, the Ridge Trail isn’t far away. This long-distance trail circumnavigates the Bay Area through all nine counties. And you can too! Walk, run, bike, or horseback ride your way through selected local adventures and explore the many beautiful miles of the Ridge Trail for 360 degrees of inspiration. For 30 years, the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and people like you have been building and taking care of the Bay Area’s very own long-distance trail. Celebrate our…
Find out more »May 2019
Nest: Creating Home
A three-part exhibition about the people, animals and plants that created a home on the Filoli estate. -Filoli is proud to announce its innovative new exhibition, Nest: Creating Home. The exhibition weaves together the formal and informal places in the estate, and explores the stories of the people who lived and worked at Filoli. The exhibition runs from May 10 to November 10, and integrates interpretive stories through an exhibit and guided tour: “The People of Filoli,” a mixed media…
Find out more »October 2019
Regal Eagles
Raptor Biologist Ryan Phillps will present a morning of birding focused on raptors at Regal Eagles–A Raptor Adventure. Coyote Valley is a renowned spot for migrating, wintering and breeding raptors and one of the last wildlife linkages between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range. Attendees will have an opportunity to observe more than 10 raptor species, including Prairie Falcon, Golden Eagle, and the county’s only breeding Swainson’s Hawk pair. Adults and children 12 years and older. Monday, Oct.…
Find out more »Badger Hills Hike. 6 miles
This is a simple CONDITIONING hike. Hiking Route: Up Guidotti (225m) to Skyline. Right on Skyline to Oil Well to Toro Creek Road; back 1-1/2 miles to Badger Hills parking. We must be off-trail by half-hour past sunset. Directions: Badger Hills is on Highway 68 across the street from Toro Restaurant between the stoplight at San Binancio and the junction of Hwy 68 and River/Reservation Roads. Notes:Park in the marked spaces.Layering is recommended.Cancel in the event of rain.We will wait…
Find out more »Power Walk Woodward Park (6:30 pm)
READ for LOCATION!! LOCATION: Parking lot in front of Starbucks of Fort Washington. TOTAL MILES: 5.1 miles or so . . . DIFFICULTY: Moderate due to intensity and distance although we often break into multiple groups depending on how fast each of us want to walk. WHO CAN GO: Adult hikers of all abilities and well-mannered trail dogs obedient to their owners HIKE DESCRIPTION: For many of us, this is a BRISK, NOT LEISURELY, walk/jog for fitness of about 5…
Find out more »A Seaweed Sanctuary – Art Exhibition
Josie Iselin and Ellen Litwiller come together with delightful visions of seaweed and the wonders that live within. Although they work in different mediums, both have extensive experience bringing art and science together, Josie’s newest book recently out ’The Curious World of Seaweed” and Ellen’s exhibit/illustration work for Natural History Museums/publications. Their work engages and challenges the way we can observe, appreciate and learn about the underwater world of seaweed. October 8 – November 16, 2019
Find out more »Exploring Big Basin
Learn about redwoods, forest plants, fires, geology, history and more on these fun, varied hikes with docent Diane Shaw. Hikes are 5-8 miles and last up to 5 hours. Meet at park headquarters. Rain or shine, but strong winds may cancel. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 338-8883.
Find out more »Andrew Molera State Park Hike
This hike will involve a lovely coastal forest, fantastic views of the Big Sur mountains and coastline, and lunch on a small beach. This hike is located entirely on the west side of Hwy 1 within Andrew Molera State Park in the Big Sur area. We will first cross the Big Sur River and then proceed uphill for a few miles, reaching the high point with great ocean views, to be followed by a descent to a small beach for…
Find out more »Bay Currents free talk: (Green) Power to the People
Bringing sustainable energy, low carbon emissions, and green jobs to low-income people is the passion of Zach Franklin of Bay Area non-profits Grid Alternatives and Rising Sun Center for Opportunity. Stories of struggle and success illuminate why these efforts matter for workers, volunteers, and all of us affected by global warming. Bay Currents free talks on Bay Area natural history and environmental issues are sponsored by Friends of Five Creeks, [email protected] Full fall schedule at www.fivecreeks.org.
Find out more »A Seaweed Sanctuary – Art Exhibition
Josie Iselin and Ellen Litwiller come together with delightful visions of seaweed and the wonders that live within. Although they work in different mediums, both have extensive experience bringing art and science together, Josie’s newest book recently out ’The Curious World of Seaweed” and Ellen’s exhibit/illustration work for Natural History Museums/publications. Their work engages and challenges the way we can observe, appreciate and learn about the underwater world of seaweed. October 8 – November 16, 2019
Find out more »Sutro Native Plant Nursery Volunteer Day
PROPAGATION AND TRANSPLANTING at Mt. Sutro Native Plant Nursery Every Wednesday, 9:30am – 12:30pm Come enjoy a morning of Stewardship at the Sutro Nursery! Nursery activities include sowing seeds, transplanting plants, tending to our demonstration gardens, planting out on the mountain, and more, depending on the needs of the day. No experience necessary, tools and instruction provided. Please bring water and wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty, sturdy shoes, and layers. Long pants and closed toe shoes are required.…
Find out more »Tree Planting!
HELP PLANT TREES!NO SKILL NEEDEDHOLES ARE DUG! Join City Urban Forester Leslie Keedy in planting 43 canopy trees. Bring gloves and closed toe shoes. This is not a Sierra Club event but may be of interest to our members.
Find out more »Yerba Buena Island Habitat Restoration Volunteer Work Day
Join us on the third Wednesday of each month from 1P-3P and learn about Yerba Buena Island’s natural habitat while “getting your hands dirty” restoring native habitat, propagating native species and removing invasive plant species with guidance from SFE and TIDA natural areas management staff! All ages and abilities are welcome! Bring suncreeen, a hat, closed toed shoes and a water bottle. Tools, work gloves and water is provided!
Find out more »Power Walk Woodward Park (6:30 pm)
READ for LOCATION!! LOCATION: Parking lot in front of Starbucks of Fort Washington. TOTAL MILES: 5.1 miles or so . . . DIFFICULTY: Moderate due to intensity and distance although we often break into multiple groups depending on how fast each of us want to walk. WHO CAN GO: Adult hikers of all abilities and well-mannered trail dogs obedient to their owners HIKE DESCRIPTION: For many of us, this is a BRISK, NOT LEISURELY, walk/jog for fitness of about 5…
Find out more »Alexander Humboldt’s Web of Life – Birds of Colombia and Ecuador
Alexander Humboldt traveled in northern South America for almost five years from 1799-1804, meeting Thomas Jefferson in Washington before returning to Europe. His many scientific observations at all geographical elevations of living organisms contributed to his theory of the unity of nature – a holistic method of combining geology, geography, magnetism, volcanism, botany, biology, meteorology, and how everything interacts. He was the first to recognize human induced climate change. He is the father of the field of biogeography and geomagnetics…
Find out more »A Seaweed Sanctuary – Art Exhibition
Josie Iselin and Ellen Litwiller come together with delightful visions of seaweed and the wonders that live within. Although they work in different mediums, both have extensive experience bringing art and science together, Josie’s newest book recently out ’The Curious World of Seaweed” and Ellen’s exhibit/illustration work for Natural History Museums/publications. Their work engages and challenges the way we can observe, appreciate and learn about the underwater world of seaweed. October 8 – November 16, 2019
Find out more »A Walk Honoring Loss and Resilience
Are you missing your sense of trust, safety, your home or beloved trees? This event is for anyone who still feels they are suffering negative effects from our recent fires or floods. This walk honoring loss and resilience is a gentle Forest Bathing Walk designed to help those recovering from the traumatic impact of our natural disasters. This sensory immersion experience, inspired by the Japanese practice, Shinrin Yoku, has the potential to restore a sense of calm, safety and inner…
Find out more »Fort Ord (Creekside Entrance)
This is an easy 3 to 5 mile hike, depending on heat, with a few hundred feet elevation gain. Easy and very scenic. We will start and return to the Creekside Terrace parking lot. Specific route to be determined. This is a group hike and we cater to the slower hikers. Others are expected to allow catch-up at junctions. Eats at Mos River Road Grill afterwards. Directions: From Marina, or Hwy 1, take Reservation Road to Portola Drive. That intersection…
Find out more »Loma Prieta Earthquake: 30 Years of Recovery Hike
Where were you on October 17, 1989? Observe the 30th anniversary of the 6.9 magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake by hiking to its epicenter near the ghost town Loma Prieta in the Forest of Nisene Marks. Share your memories of that day or hear others’ stories while learning about the forest’s recovery and resilience since the quake. Bring water, snacks, and sturdy shoes. Meet at entrance station 30 minutes before hike start time. No pets. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is…
Find out more »VWA presents the Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Join the Ventana Wilderness Alliance in Santa Cruz on Thursday, October 17th for fantastic films about wild things and wild places, guaranteed to inspire you to get outside and give back! This seventh annual VWA presentation is the first Monterey Bay stop on the Wild & Scenic world tour. All proceeds benefit wilderness conservation in the Big Sur Backcountry. EVENT DETAILS: Thursday, October 17th: Doors at 6:00pm, showtime 7:00pm Show up early to check out our raffle. Tickets COMING SOON!
Find out more »VWA presents the 2019 Wild and Scenic Film Festival – Santa Cruz
Details Join the Ventana Wilderness Alliance in Santa Cruz Thursday, October 17th at the Nickelodeon Theatre for fantastic films about wild things & wild places, guaranteed to inspire you to get outside & give back! This is the first Monterey Bay stop on the Wild & Scenic world tour & features a completely unique film line-up, so even if you're attending the Santa Cruz screening, you'll still want to join us in Monterey! All proceeds benefit wilderness conservation in the…
Find out more »Conservation Science at Audubon Canyon Ranch
For 30 years, Audubon Canyon Ranch has been studying the ecology of wintering and migrant shorebirds and waterbirds in the Bay Area. Find out what they’ve learned, as well as the results of their 50 years of work on herons and egrets throughout the Bay. This will include a presentation of data on movements of the first-ever satellite telemetry-tracked Great Egrets on the West Coast of North America. Nils Warnock is Director of Conservation Science at Audubon Canyon Ranch. Nils…
Find out more »Novato Green Film Series – THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM
Join the City of Novato’s Sustainability Program as we kick off our 2019/2020 Green Film Series with a super special free screening of the hugely popular film, THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM. THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM chronicles the eight-year quest of John and Molly Chester as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with nature. Through dogged perseverance and embracing the opportunity provided by nature’s conflicts, the Chester’s unlock and uncover…
Find out more »Birding the Hill
Explore Corona Heights Park with bird walk leader Sarah Burton to check out the avian inhabitants and springtime visitors. Birders will circle the hill to look into several habitats, each of which is enjoyed by different bird species. The east canyon, the south cliffs, the north forest, and the hilltop grasslands will all be explored. 30-40 species of birds can be spotted on these walks, along with displays of seasonal wildflowers. Beginning birders are welcome! The walk lasts about 2.5…
Find out more »A Seaweed Sanctuary – Art Exhibition
Josie Iselin and Ellen Litwiller come together with delightful visions of seaweed and the wonders that live within. Although they work in different mediums, both have extensive experience bringing art and science together, Josie’s newest book recently out ’The Curious World of Seaweed” and Ellen’s exhibit/illustration work for Natural History Museums/publications. Their work engages and challenges the way we can observe, appreciate and learn about the underwater world of seaweed. October 8 – November 16, 2019
Find out more »Book Launch: The Mission Santa Cruz Mystery
Please join Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and their new That’s My Park Press for a book launch party, as they proudly present The Mission Santa Cruz Mystery: Seven Clues to Find the Site of the First Mission by Melanie J Mayer, with artwork by Ann Elizabeth Thiermann. The book launch will be Friday, October 18, 250 years to the day after the Portolá Expedition crossed the San Lorenzo River, at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park 144 School St, Santa Cruz,…
Find out more »Inside the Lives of Urban Coyotes
The Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA presents Bay Area naturalist Janet Kessler, who will speak about the fascinating lives of urban coyotes and what she’s learned in 13 years of studying them. Gain an inside view into the lifestyle and behavior of wild coyotes that have crossed the Golden Gate bridge and made their home in the urban environment. Learn to better appreciate these fascinating animals and how to safely share our communities with them. This is a free event,…
Find out more »Birding Across the Watershed – Special Event with Pepperwood Preserve
Join Pepperwood Preserve and Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation staff and naturalists for a day of birding from the wetlands to the headwaters. We will look for a variety of year-round resident birds, the first migrants passing through, and those arriving to stay for the winter. We will start the day at Laguna de Santa Rosa – heading first to Santa Rosa Creek and then on to Delta Pond. As we explore these two water features we will keep our…
Find out more »Ecology and Stewardship Day
Castle Rock State Park is home to many plants and animals, some of which are threatened or endangered. And did you know that the sandstone is sensitive too? Come enjoy educational talks and hands-on activities to learn what this region is made of and the stewardship and research underway to restore and protect this diverse habitat! Meet at new Kirkwood entrance. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 291-8273 or visit www.sempervirens.org.
Find out more »A Seaweed Sanctuary – Art Exhibition
Josie Iselin and Ellen Litwiller come together with delightful visions of seaweed and the wonders that live within. Although they work in different mediums, both have extensive experience bringing art and science together, Josie’s newest book recently out ’The Curious World of Seaweed” and Ellen’s exhibit/illustration work for Natural History Museums/publications. Their work engages and challenges the way we can observe, appreciate and learn about the underwater world of seaweed. October 8 – November 16, 2019
Find out more »Literature, Lore, and Life Sciences
Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet? Unpack the diverse symbolic and scientific meanings behind this and other familiar quotes from literature across the centuries and continents on this moderate hike along many of this Preserve’s popular trails. Docents Anna Lee and Chris MacIntosh will guide you on an exploration of the ways nature has inspired literature and lore throughout history, and the ways that humans have made sense and meaning of nature. (Note: Arrive early and…
Find out more »San Lorenzo River Estuary Project
Common Checkered Skipper on a native buckwheat SAN LORENZO RIVER ESTUARY PROJECT cheers you up on Sat. Oct. 19th 9am-11am!! Why? Because you will actively make a positive improvement for the Birds, Butterflies & Bees habitat.You’ll spend fun time with other volunteers & learn what makes river critters happy. What will we do?Cut down/remove weeds along the rockwall @ the Ocean/San Lorenzo Blvd. T-intersectionCut down weeds around Coyote bushMark Coyote bush growth margins w/ new soil When?Saturday, October 19,am-11am Where?San…
Find out more »Wildcat Canyon Wonder
Join us on a history and mystery hike in Wildcat Canyon. Hidden high in the East Bay hills, just up from the “road to nowhere,” lie the ruins of the Grande Vista Sanitarium. It was here that Dr. Henrik Belgum used sometimes unconventional methods to treat his patients. We’ll explore the grounds of the mysterious old sanitarium, enjoy grand views, and learn how a portion of the Wildcat Creek trail earned the moniker “road to nowhere.” TOTAL DISTANCE This is…
Find out more »Wildlife & Harvest Day
Families are invited to join Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and City of Cupertino to celebrate the fall season, nature, and wildlife. Around two dozen environmental organizations will provide live-animal demonstrations, educational presentations, free hands-on activities, nestbox and bird feeder construction, face painting, and more! For “Early Birds,” SCVAS will hold a guided shorebird walk at Charleston Slough in Mountain View at 8:00AM. Following the walk, participants are encouraged to caravan to the Wildlife & Harvest Day festivities in Cupertino.…
Find out more »Fall Harvest at Slide Ranch
Fall Harvest Celebration at Slide Ranch Fee: $35 per person in advance, $40 per person at the gate; children 24 months and under are free. Join us for one of the most exuberant days of the year at Slide Ranch. Enjoy a festival atmosphere with a variety of animal activities, nature crafts, garden cooking projects, hikes, live music, and food for sale. – Mingle with the herd of goats and sheep and milk our five lovely does – Feed the…
Find out more »Field Trip: San Bruno Mountain, Dairy Ravine-Cable Ravine
Leader: Doug Allshouse These two north-facing ravines form most of the area above the parking lot opposite the park entrance. Their names allude to dairy ranching and to cables that descend from the communication towers on the summit. The two ravines share similar plant communities that are dotted with eucalyptus plantings threatening endangered butterfly habitat. To explore both ravines we’ll walk the Eucalyptus Loop to the Dairy Ravine and Summit Trails ascending to the mountain’s summit. Then it’s on to…
Find out more »Third Saturday Nature Walk at Edgewood Park: “Falling” for Edgewood
Well it’s October at Edgewood and there’s a cool crisp nip in the air which can only mean one thing. It’s time to get out on the trails. Come join us for a brisk 2-3 hour hike through the park as we witness the seasonal transition from the long hot days of Summer to Fall. We’ll explore how the change of season manifest itself throughout the Edgewood Park’s habitat and discover another side to the Edgewood Park we all love…
Find out more »Open House at the Castro Adobe: Earthquakes and our Adobe
Our adobe’s story should have ended with 1989’s Loma Prieta earthquake, but the right choices at the right times kept our story alive. Please join us for a snack from our restored cocina, look at how historical earthquakes affected our adobe and the people who lived here, the monumental work done to reconstruct our adobe since Loma Prieta, and the efforts underway right now to ensure our story continues after our next big earthquake. Active construction site, open only during…
Find out more »Open House at the Castro Adobe: Earthquakes and our Adobe
The whitewash had barely dried when the Fort Tejon Earthquake shook our adobe in 1857. Just half a century later it was rocked by the same earthquake that practically destroyed San Francisco. Through a combination of sound construction, wise renovations, and perhaps some luck, enough of our adobe survived a direct hit from the Loma Prieta Earthquake in 1989 for us to reconstruct as the Pájaro Valley’s own state park. Check in on the reconstruction, enjoy a snack from the…
Find out more »Heritage Harvest Festival
Celebrate! The harvest is in! See historic tractors, living history demonstrations, and live music, make crafts, and participate in harvest-time activities and games. Draft horse wagon rides available. Food available for sale, including hand-cranked pumpkin ice cream and apple tasting, or bring a picnic lunch. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.
Find out more »Monarch Butterfly Tours
Stroll through the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve on a 1-hour guided tour. Monarch migration is variable, so be on the lookout for every splash of orange on the walk! Meet at the visitor center. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www.thatsmypark.org. Event free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 423-4609.
Find out more »Monarch Butterfly Tours
Meet at the visitor center for a free 1-hour guided tour of the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve. Monarch migration is variable, please check the website or contact the park to find out the current population at www.parks.ca.gov or (831) 423-4609. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www.thatsmypark.org. Parking is $10.
Find out more »Castle Rock Loop Hike
On this 1-mile, 1-hour interactive journey we will discuss the various park ecosystems, Ohlone history, Black Oak ecology, wildfire, and more. Bring water, closed toe shoes, snacks, and a camera. Meet at kiosk. No pets. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 291-8273.
Find out more »Redwood Grove Loop Walk
How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 1.5-hour walk. Bring water and good walking shoes. Meet at park headquarters. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 338-8883.
Find out more »Heritage Harvest Festival
Celebrate! The harvest is in! See tractors, draft horses, living history demonstrations, live music, make crafts, and participate in harvest-time activities. Event is free; day-use parking fee is $10. This event is appropriate for all ages. For more information, please call (831) 426-0505.
Find out more »Saturday Science Drop-in Workshops
Drop by the Randall Museum’s Science Studio and discover the wonders of science. From building rockets to making polymers, the project-based activities explore a different science topic each week. Most classes produce a fun project to take home for continued discoveries. *On the third Saturday of each month there will be a special Astronomy Science activity in the Pop-up Planetarium in the Randall Theater.
Find out more »Tolay Fall Festival
The Tolay Fall Festival presents two weekends of old-time, nature-based fun from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 12-13 & 19-20, 2019 at Tolay Lake Regional Park southeast of Petaluma. More than just a pumpkin patch, the Tolay Fall Festival is a seasonal celebration of the beauty and history of this special park. Fall Festival activities are low-key, hands-on and educational by design. Explore the “Nighttime Creatures Barn” full of native and exotic snakes, birds of prey, tide pool animals, and taxidermied wildlife Venture into…
Find out more »Old-Growth Redwood Tour
Are there different kinds of redwoods? How do coastal redwoods grow to become the tallest organisms on earth? Why are there so few old growth trees left? How important are banana slugs to the redwood ecosystems? Answer these questions and more every Saturday on our Redwood Grove Walks. One of our knowledgeable and friendly docents will lead you through the wondrous old growth forest and answer any questions you may have. Meet at the visitor center. Free event. Vehicle day-use…
Find out more »Ranch Tours
Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1897 Victorian home, 1859 Gothic Revival farmhouse, 1896 water-powered machine shop, barns and other historic buildings. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.
Find out more »Hides and Tallow
Come and see how Mission Santa Cruz participated in a world economy back in the early 19th century. We will look at some of the major products of the mission, leather and tallow, and demonstrate how they were used. You will see how a branding iron works and get to make your own candle. Rain cancels. Free event. For more information, call (831) 425-5849.
Find out more »Afternoon Art Drop-in Workshops
Drop by the Randall Museum’s Art Room and get creative with your kids. Art instructors guide a different hands-on art activity each week. All ages are welcome to participate. Afternoon Art is a great way to get a taste of the Randall Museum’s arts and crafts programs.
Find out more »Pulgas Ridge OSP: 4.0 mi Moderate Hike
CARPOOL REQUEST COMMENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED DUE TO THE LARGE SIZE OF THE GROUP. Please read below how to carpool. Level: Moderate Total Distance: 4.0 mile, loop Hiking Time: 2 hours Elevation Change: 1000 feet. MROSD Permit: 22364 Permit limit is 49 people. Therefore, please be considerate and update your RSVPs at least 24 hours before the event start time, to give someone else a reasonable amount of time to make it. I have limited the RSVPs to 90, as…
Find out more »John Reber, the Man with Grand Ideas
Back in the 1940s, John Reber would look out over the San Francisco Bay and visualize a massive civil works project of dams and locks to harvest fresh drinking water, and barriers that would support railway systems and a highway. His intention was to improve the quality of life for Bay Area business and residential communities. The Bay Model was constructed by the USACE to test the Reber Plan. What were the results? Find out more by joining Ranger Linda…
Find out more »Mt. Tamalpais – DipSea, Steep Ravine, Matt Davis loop
CARPOOL REQUEST COMMENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED DUE TO THE LARGE SIZE OF THE GROUP. Please read below how to carpool. Level: Moderate-, kind of between easy and moderate. Total Distance: 7 miles, loop Hiking Time: 3.5 hours Elevation Change: 1500 feet. Meet Time: 1:30 pm, at the Stinson Beach parking lot, behind Parkside Cafe. We will start the hike about 1:45 pm What to Bring: food, 2L water, layered clothing. Parking fee: Free. Official Trail Use: Dogs are not allowed.…
Find out more »Monarch Butterfly Tours
Stroll through the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve on a 1-hour guided tour. Monarch migration is variable, so be on the lookout for every splash of orange on the walk! Meet at the visitor center. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www.thatsmypark.org. Event free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 423-4609.
Find out more »Monarch Butterfly Tours
Meet at the visitor center for a free 1-hour guided tour of the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve. Monarch migration is variable, please check the website or contact the park to find out the current population at www.parks.ca.gov or (831) 423-4609. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www.thatsmypark.org. Parking is $10.
Find out more »Redwood Grove Loop Walk
How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 1.5-hour walk. Bring water and good walking shoes. Meet at park headquarters. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 338-8883.
Find out more »Meet the Animal Keeper
Venture into the Randall Museum’s live animal exhibit, Wild in California, and join one of the animal keepers in an open discussion about the museum’s wildlife residents. Learn how the keepers care for the animals and how and where these creatures live in the natural world. Kids and families will meet some of the animals up-close and can ask the keeper questions to find out more about their favorites. Visitors can meet a snake, check out a barn owl, or…
Find out more »Opening Art Reception: Stay on the Trail by Julie Ho Sung
Join us for the opening of Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center’s Fall 2019 Art Exhibit by artist Julie Ho Sung! Learn about the San Francisco Bay estuary and wildlife through illustrations and infographics from science illustrator Julie Ho Sung in her solo exhibition at the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center. A habitat restoration project that started in the 1970’s, the South Bay salt marshes are home to a large number of wildlife species from the native Pacific cordgrass to the endangered Ridgway’s…
Find out more »Old Tree Trail Hike
On this 1-mile, 1-hour kid friendly excursion we’ll stroll through a giant old growth redwood grove that’s over 1,200 years old, discover the banana slug’s vital role to this flourishing forest, and learn about the marvelous Marbled Murrelet and how park visitors can help save these endangered birds. Bring closed toe shoes, water, a snack, and a camera. Meet at the visitor center. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 291-8273.
Find out more »VWA presents the Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Join the Ventana Wilderness Alliance in Monterey on Saturday, October 19th at the Golden State Theatre for fantastic films about wild things and wild places, guaranteed to inspire you to get outside and give back! This seventh annual VWA presentation is the final Monterey Bay stop on the Wild & Scenic world tour. All proceeds benefit wilderness conservation in the Big Sur Backcountry. EVENT DETAILS: Saturday, October 19th: Doors at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00 PM Show up early to…
Find out more »VWA presents the 2019 Wild and Scenic Film Festival – Monterey
Details Join the Ventana Wilderness Alliance in Monterey on Saturday, October 19th at the Golden State Theatre for fantastic films about wild things & wild places, guaranteed to inspire you to get outside & give back! This is the final Monterey Bay stop on the Wild & Scenic world tour & features a completely unique film line-up, so if you attended in Santa Cruz, you'll still want to go to Monterey! All proceeds benefit wilderness conservation in the Big Sur…
Find out more »The Road Less Traveled: A Dog-Friendly Walk
On this dog-friendly walk, we travel North Escape Road, a paved road closed to traffic. We tour stunning old-growth redwood groves along beautiful Opal Creek. We’ll discuss redwood ecology and park history while exploring the deep shade of the redwood forest. This is a fun and easy, 3-mile, 2-hour walk with docent Diane Shaw. Dogs not required, but welcome! Bring water. Meet at park headquarters. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 338-8883.
Find out more »Loma Prieta Earthquake: 30 Years of Recovery Hike
Where were you on October 17, 1989? Observe the 30th anniversary of the 6.9 magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake by hiking to its epicenter near the ghost town Loma Prieta in the Forest of Nisene Marks. Share your memories of that day or hear others’ stories while learning about the forest’s recovery and resilience since the quake. Bring water, snacks, and sturdy shoes. Meet at entrance station 30 minutes before hike start time. No pets. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is…
Find out more »Monarch Butterfly Tours
Stroll through the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve on a 1-hour guided tour. Monarch migration is variable, so be on the lookout for every splash of orange on the walk! Meet at the visitor center. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www.thatsmypark.org. Event free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 423-4609.
Find out more »Monarch Butterfly Tours
Meet at the visitor center for a free 1-hour guided tour of the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve. Monarch migration is variable, please check the website or contact the park to find out the current population at www.parks.ca.gov or (831) 423-4609. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www.thatsmypark.org. Parking is $10.
Find out more »Redwood Grove Loop Walk
How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 1.5-hour walk. Bring water and good walking shoes. Meet at park headquarters. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 338-8883.
Find out more »Third Sundays Soberanes State Park Weed Bash, CNPS
This is a CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY event. The ocean side of Soberanes weed bashes are every 3rd Sunday including March 17 and April 21, 2019. Here, Soberanes Creek falls into the ocean and needs our help continuing to remove various invasive weeds— primarily Cape ivy. All supplies provided. Bring a friend, water, and a snack. Bruce Delgado is the leader. Photo by Hal Grotke.
Find out more »Sequoia Audubon Trail
Enjoy an easy 2-mile hike along the California coast into the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve with popular spots for good bird watching. Bring water and snacks. Close toed shoes, layered clothing, sunscreen, and binoculars recommended. Meet at the Pescadero State Beach central parking lot on Highway 1, 0.25 miles north of Pescadero Creek Road. Children age 7 and older are welcomed, accompanied by parent. No pets. Rain cancels. Free event. For more information, please call (650) 726-8814 or emailHMBparksvolunteer@nullparks.ca.gov.
Find out more »Loma Prieta Earthquake: 30 Years of Recovery Hike
Where were you on October 17, 1989? Observe the 30th anniversary of the 6.9 magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake by hiking to its epicenter near the ghost town Loma Prieta in the Forest of Nisene Marks. Share your memories of that day or hear others’ stories while learning about the forest’s recovery and resilience since the quake. Bring water, snacks, and sturdy shoes. Meet at entrance station 30 minutes before hike start time. No pets. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is…
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