Friends of China Camp

Park Champion Work Day
2019-11-09 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join us for another day of trail repairs. We’ll be continuing our work on Shoreline Trail, rebuilding it to state standards, compacting the tread, replacing split rail fencing and wattling the edge. The work will be moderately strenuous, and we’ll be working around large equipment.
Lunch is provided. Limited free camping is available to registered volunteers. Ages 16 and up are welcome. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To register, please go to the California State Parks Foundation website. Once you are registered, they will send additional information about where to meet, what to bring (in addition to your smiles and volunteer spirit) and what to wear. Your registration helps us prepare for equipment, supplies and, of course, food. Be sure to include your email address…just in case rain causes us to cancel and we need to contact you.
Join us and meet new people who, like you, care about our parks. To get a flavor of our work day events see the FOCC Maintenance photo gallery.

Indigenous People's Month Part:1
2019-11-09 10:00 - 12:00
November 9th
Indigenous People’s Month
Part 1: Miwok Culture and Storytelling

Join us as we partner with the Museum of the American Indian to celebrate Indigenous people’s month at China Camp. Alicia Retes, the Education Coordinator of the Museum of the American Indian, will lead us though an exploration of the past and contemporary culture and history of indigenous Coast Miwok people who have lived along the San Pedro Shoreline for thousands of years. This family-friendly walk will include story-telling, songs, and games. All ages welcome!

Date: Saturday, November 9th
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Miwok Meadows Entrance Gate, Easy hike, 1 mile

Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of participants, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Veteran's Day Full Moon Hike
2019-11-11 16:15 - 19:00
Veteran’s Day Full Moon Hike
November ”Oak Moon”

For this full moon hike, we will go on a moderately strenuous, 4-mile round-trip hike and watch the radiant full moon cast glittering light over the bay. Suitable for kids ages 10+.
$5 for non-members, free for members.

Date: Monday, November 11th
Time: 4:15pm -6:30pm
Please bring warm clothing, appropriate hiking gear, water, and a flashlight.
We will meet at 4:15pm sharp.

To reserve, send email to: chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766
Include your name, phone #, and the number of people attending.
We will reply to confirm your reservation and provide meeting location details.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

China Camp Annual Public Meeting
2019-11-16 10:00 - 12:00
Please join Friends of China Camp on Saturday, November 16 at 10:00 AM in China Camp Village for the China Camp Annual Public Meeting. To be presented are accomplishments for 2019 and plans for 2020. Bring your questions and suggestions for improving park operations and programs.

Location: China Camp Village 100 China Camp Village Road, San Rafael, CA 94901
Date: November 16th, 2020
Time: 10am-Noon

Indigenous People's Month: Part 2
2019-11-16 12:00 - 14:00
November 16th
Indigenous People’s Month
Part 2: Miwok Life at China Camp

Join us for part 2 of our celebration of Indigenous People’s Month. Indigenous coastal Miwok people have lived and thrived in the China Camp area for over 5000 years. Before Spanish settlers forced the native population off their land and into missions, the Miwok people flourished due to an abundance of food and natural materials from the oak woodland forest and coastal bay shoreline. It is estimated that there were over several thousand Coastal Miwok in the North Bay at the time of the Spanish arrival in 1769. Most of this population was dispersed within 100 years. Many died of European diseases. Miwok people still live in the Bay Area today, with the largest group at Graton Rancheria in Sonoma County. Join naturalist Jerry Coe for an educational walk as he discusses the pre-colonial settlements of the coastal Miwok people at China Camp. He will cover how they lived, what they wore and ate, what they used for medicine, and some of their common cultural traditions and folklore.

Date: Saturday, November 16th
Time: noon-2pm
Location: Turtleback Trailhead, Easy hike, 2-3 miles

Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of participants, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Speaker Series: Wildcare
2019-11-16 17:30 - 18:30
Speaker Series: Wildcare
An Evening with an Owl

Join WildCare for an evening about owls. Here in Marin we have 7 different species of owls; find out what makes each species unique and the special adaptations they have for survival. The highlight of the evening will be meeting WildCare’s live non-releasable Northern Spotted Owl, Sequoia, hearing her rescue story and discovering the challenges Spotted Owls face along the Pacific Coast.

Melissa Tofflemoyer is the current Ambassador Program Manager at WildCare. She holds a Bachelor’s of Environmental Science and is currently pursuing her Masters of Environmental Policy & Management with a Fish & Wildlife Certification.

Date: Saturday, November 16th 2019
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Location: China Camp Village Museum, China Camp State Park

Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of seats you need, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Migratory Bird Walk
2019-11-23 08:00 - 10:00
November 23rd
Migratory Bird Walk

Welcome! Join our ongoing beginning birding class with naturalist Jerry Coe. No birding experience needed! This is a continuing class in which participants can gain skills in the art of birdwatching and identification. Everyone is welcome to join, even if you have not attended previous classes. If you are an advanced birder, you are welcome to come and enjoy the outing.
This month we will explore the migratory birds that will be passing through China Camp as they head south for winter. During our stroll, you will learn how to identify common birds in the field and how to effectively use binoculars and bird identification guides. We will explore migratory birds of the oak woodland and marsh habitats, seeing Red-tailed Hawks, Nuttal’s Woodpecker, Northern Flickers and much more!

Jerry Coe is a naturalist with over eight years of intensive training in ornithological field identification. He spent 15 years as a volunteer in Great Basin National Park, Nevada doing Point Count Surveys using bird activities to assess the health of habitats. He has also guided outdoor expeditions all over the world.

Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 8:00am – 10:00am
Location: Turtleback Trailhead, (RSVP for directions)
Length: 1.5 miles

Please wear layers and good walking shoes. Bring water, snacks and binoculars. Optional items include: Daypack, scope, guide books, camera.

This event is free. Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766
Include your name, phone #, and the number of people attending.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

CANCELLED:Harvest Hike
2019-11-30 12:30 - 14:30
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO UNSAFE WEATHER CONDITIONS. HEAVY RAINS AND WIND ARE EXPECTED ON 11/30/19.

Please check our events calendar for future events and hikes.

November 30th
Harvest Hike

Fall is the season of change: the days grow shorter and the shadows grow longer. Squirrels and birds busily gather acorns and seeds while deciduous oaks begin to lose their leaves. Join us on this stimulating hike with naturalist Harold Hirsch as we explore the natural changes we will see as the earth tilts on its axis and the first rains inspire the hills to transition from gold to green. Harold will also discuss the evolution and seasonal life cycle of seeds. Burn off some of that Thanksgiving pumpkin pie and join us for this exciting walk!

Date: Saturday, November 30th
Time: 12:30-2:30pm
Location: China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael
Moderate hike, 3 miles
Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of participants, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Champion Work Day
2019-12-07 09:00 - 13:00
Join us as we clean and organize our maintenance area in preparation for the coming year. After a long year of wear and tear from trail work and maintenance projects, our shed and tools could use some TLC. We will be cleaning and repairing our supply shed as well as organizing our tools and other materials. The work will range from easy to moderately strenuous. There’s something for everyone. We will be moving heavy items and handling tools with sharp edges.

Lunch is provided. Limited free camping is available to registered volunteers. Ages 16 and up are welcome. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To register, please go to the California State Parks Foundation website. Once you are registered, they will send additional information about where to meet, what to bring (in addition to your smiles and volunteer spirit) and what to wear. Your registration helps us prepare for equipment, supplies and, of course, food. Be sure to include your email address…just in case rain causes us to cancel and we need to contact you.
Join us and meet new people who, like you, care about our parks. To get a flavor of our work day events see the FOCC Maintenance photo gallery.

CANCELLED: Full Moon Hike
2019-12-11 16:30 - 19:00
this event has been cancelled due to predicted rain.

Unfortunately we have had to cancel the full moon hike tonight due to the rainy weather. Not only would we not be able to see the moon, the route itself would be hazardous in the wet conditions.

December “Cold Moon”
China Camp State Park

For this full moon hike, we will go on a moderately strenuous, 4-mile round-trip hike and watch the radiant full moon cast glittering light over the bay. Suitable for kids ages 10+.
$5 for non-members, free for members.

Date: Wednesday, December 11th
Time: 4:30pm – 7pm
Please bring warm clothing, appropriate hiking gear, water, and a flashlight.
We will meet at 4:30pm sharp at the
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael CA 94901

To reserve, send email to: chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766
Include your name, phone #, and the number of people attending.
We will reply to confirm your reservation and provide meeting location details.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Junior Ranger Program
2019-12-14 09:30 - 11:30
Junior Ranger Program
Owl Exploration!

Earn your Jr. Ranger badge as we learn about owls and their favorite foods. Have you ever wondered what these predator birds eat for dinner? In this program we will dissect owl pellets and discover what they eat and how they catch their prey. This is a fun hands-on learning activity which is sure to be an interesting topic around the family dinner table!

Date: Saturday, December 14
Time: 9:30am -11:30am
Location: China Camp Village Beach
100 China Camp Village Rd., San Rafael CA 94901
Age: Best for ages 8-11, accompanied by an adult.

Dress in layers and wear appropriate outdoor clothes and shoes. Bring snacks, sunscreen and a water bottle. Rain will cancel the event.

Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, phone #, and the number of people attending.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

New Year's Sunrise Hike
2020-01-01 06:45 - 09:00
January 1st
New Year’s Sunrise Hike

Want to celebrate the new year in a profound way? Ring in the new year under the open sky as we observe the beauty of the rising sun over the tranquil waters of the San Pablo bay. Join naturalist Harold Hirsch for this 3 mile sunrise hike to welcome the first new golden light of the 2020 year. Refreshments will be served afterwards!

Date: Wednesday, January 1st
Time: 6:45am-9am
Location: China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael
Moderate hike, 3 miles

Please bring appropriate hiking clothes, a headlamp, and a water bottle. Please dress in warm layers. Rain will cancel the event.

Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of participants, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Full Moon Hike
2020-01-10 16:15 - 19:00
Full Moon Hike
January “Full Wolf Moon”
China Camp State Park

For this full moon hike, we will go on a moderately strenuous, 4-mile round-trip hike and watch the radiant full moon cast glittering light over the bay. Suitable for kids ages 10+.
$5 for non-members, free for members.

Date: Friday, January 10th
Time: 4:15pm – 7:00pm
Please bring warm clothing, appropriate hiking gear, water, and a flashlight.
We will meet at 4:15pm sharp.

To reserve, send email to: chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766
Include your name, phone #, and the number of people attending.
We will reply to confirm your reservation and provide meeting location details.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Junior Ranger Program
2020-01-11 10:00 - 12:00
January 11th
Junior Ranger Program

For this Junior Ranger Program we’ll learn about the plants and animals that depend on Back Ranch creek which flows through China Camp’s campground. We’ll follow the creek that is full of winter rain as it rushes toward the Bay. We will explore the life that lives in and around the creek and talk about why it is important to protect our watershed! Best for ages 6-10
Date: January 11th
Time: 10am-Noon
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Group Camp Parking Lot. (Directions will be provided in email response)
Dress in layers and wear appropriate outdoor clothes and shoes. Bring snacks, sunscreen and a water bottle. Rain will cancel the event.

Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766
Include your name and the number of people attending.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

REGISTRATION FULL: King Tide Hike
2020-01-12 12:30 - 14:00
THE REGISTRATION FOR THE JANUARY 12th event is full. Spots still available for 2/9 hike.

Jan 12 & Feb 9th
KING TIDE HIKES

Celebrate winter with a beautiful short hike and lots of science at China Camp State Park. Join scientist and educator Sarah Ferner from San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for a walk near the edge of China Camp’s tidal salt marsh during one of the highest high tides of the year – a King Tide. We will learn about the marsh, scientific research occurring there, and what king tides can teach us about sea level rise. Click here to see a time-lapse video of a King Tide at China Camp. Due to the popularity of this event, we will be offering 2 events this year. This event is primarily for adults.
Dates: Sunday, January 12th, 12:30pm & Sunday February 9th, 11:30am
Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike, 1.5 miles
Location will be disclosed upon RSVP

What to be prepared for: Please dress appropriately for weather, including walking on trails that will likely be wet or muddy and standing still in windy conditions. This event is primarily for adults. What to bring: Camera, binoculars

Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of participants, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Birding Walk
2020-01-18 08:00 - 10:00
Jan 18th
Birding Walk
Welcome! Join our ongoing beginning birding class with naturalist Jerry Coe. No birding experience needed! This is a continuing class in which participants can gain skills in the art of birdwatching and identification. Everyone is welcome to join, even if you have not attended previous classes. If you are an advanced birder, you are welcome to come and enjoy the outing.
This month we will explore the resident birds that roost in the Bay Area during winter. During our stroll, you will learn how to identify common birds in the field and how to effectively use binoculars and bird identification guides. We will explore birds of the oak woodland and marsh habitats, seeing red-tailed hawks, ruby-crowned kinglets, white-tailed kites and much more!

Jerry Coe is a naturalist with over eight years of intensive training in ornithological field identification. He spent 15 years as a volunteer in Great Basin National Park, Nevada doing Point Count Surveys using bird activities to assess the health of habitats. He has also guided outdoor expeditions all over the world.

Date: Saturday, January 18th
Time: 8:00am – 10:00am
Location: Turtleback Trailhead (RSVP for directions)
Length: 1.5 miles

Please wear layers and good walking shoes. Bring water, snacks and binoculars. Optional items include: Daypack, scope, guide books, camera.

This event is free. Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766
Include your name, phone #, and the number of people attending.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

REGISTRATION FULL: Mushroom Hike
2020-01-19 12:30 - 14:30
THe registration for this event is full. please check the calendar for future events.

January 19th
Mushroom Hike

Prepare to put on your “mushroom goggles” and look at the forest in a new way. This walk lead by naturalist Harold Hirsch will be an introductory mushroom foray. We will explore the various ecological roles these organisms play and ways we can interact with them. We will develop tools for identification and learn some basic terminology. All comfort-levels and questions welcome!
Date: Sunday, January 19th
Time: 12:30pm- 2:30pm
Location: BackRanch Meadows Campground entrance. It is on the North Entrance of the park. We will meet at the guard kiosk by San Pedro Rd.

Length: This will be a moderate 2-3 mile hike.
What to Bring: Comfortable hiking clothes snacks, water and good walking shoes.

This event is free. Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766
Include your name, phone #, and the number of people attending.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

FOOTRACE: Urban Coyote at Miwok Meadows
2020-01-25 07:00 - 14:00
Urban Coyote will host a footrace at Miwok Meadows. Expect significantly increased foot traffic on the trails and vehicle traffic on the road from 7am-2pm.
Click here for more details.

Naturalist Book Club
2020-01-26 19:00 - 20:00
January 26th
Naturalist Book Club
Join us as we discuss Laura Cunningham’s captivating book- A State of Change: Forgotten Landscapes of California.
“Vernal pools, protected lagoons, grassy hills rich in bunchgrasses and, where the San Francisco Bay is today, ancient bison and mammoths roaming a vast grassland. Through the use of historical ecology, Laura Cunningham walks through these forgotten landscapes to uncover secrets about the past, explore wh
at our future will hold, and experience the ever-changing landscape of California. Combining the skill of an accomplished artist with passion for landscapes and training as a naturalist, Cunningham has spent more than two decades poring over historical accounts, paleontology findings, and archaeological data… Through A State of Change, readers are given the pure pleasure of wandering through these wondrous and seemingly exotic scenes of Old California and understanding the possibilities for both change and conservation in our present-day landscape. A State of Change is as vital as it is visionary.”
Excerpt from Amazon.com

Join us for a lively discussion of this fascinating book.

Date: January 26th
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: China Camp Village Museum, China Camp State Park

Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of seats you need, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Birding Walk
2020-02-01 08:00 - 10:00
Welcome! Join our ongoing beginning birding class with naturalist Jerry Coe. No birding experience needed! This is a continuing class in which participants can gain skills in the art of birdwatching and identification. Everyone is welcome to join, even if you have not attended previous classes. If you are an advanced birder, you are welcome to come and enjoy the outing.
This month we will explore the resident birds that roost in the Bay Area during winter. During our stroll, you will learn how to identify common birds in the field and how to effectively use binoculars and bird identification guides. We will explore birds of the oak woodland and marsh habitats, seeing red-shouldered Hawks, White and Brown Pelicans, Spotted Towhees, and much more!

Jerry Coe is a naturalist with over eight years of intensive training in ornithological field identification. He spent 15 years as a volunteer in Great Basin National Park, Nevada doing Point Count Surveys using bird activities to assess the health of habitats. He has also guided outdoor expeditions all over the world.

Date: Saturday, February 1st
Time: 8:00am – 10:00am
Location: Turtleback Trailhead (RSVP for directions)
Length: 1.5 miles

Please wear layers and good walking shoes. Bring water, snacks and binoculars. Optional items include: Daypack, scope, guide books, camera.
This event is free. Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766
Include your name, phone #, and the number of people attending.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Junior Ranger Program: Owls
2020-02-08 10:00 - 12:00
Junior Ranger Program
Owl Exploration

Who’s hoo-ing at China Camp? Owls, that’s hoo! Earn your Jr. Ranger badge as we learn about owls and their favorite foods. Have you ever wondered what these predator birds eat for dinner? In this program we will dissect owl pellets and discover what they eat and how they catch their prey. This is a fun hands-on learning activity which is sure to be an interesting topic that you will enjoy sharing with friends and family.
Date: Saturday, February 8th
Time: 10am – noon
Location: China Camp Village Beach
100 China Camp Village Rd., San Rafael CA 94901
Age: Best for ages 8-11, accompanied by an adult.

Dress in layers and wear appropriate outdoor clothes and shoes. Bring snacks, sunscreen and a water bottle. Rain will cancel the event.

Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, phone #, and the number of people attending.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

REGISTRATION FULL: King Tide Hike
2020-02-09 11:30 - 13:00
THE REGIstration for this event is full. please let us know if you would like to be added to the waitlist.

Jan 12 & Feb 9th
KING TIDE HIKES

Celebrate winter with a beautiful short hike and lots of science at China Camp State Park. Join scientist and educator Sarah Ferner from San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for a walk near the edge of China Camp’s tidal salt marsh during one of the highest high tides of the year – a King Tide. We will learn about the marsh, scientific research occurring there, and what king tides can teach us about sea level rise. Click here to see a time-lapse video of a King Tide at China Camp. Due to the popularity of this event, we will be offering 2 events this year. This event is primarily for adults.
Dates: Sunday, January 12th, 12:30pm & Sunday February 9th, 11:30am
Location: Please register for meeting location
Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike, 1.5 miles
What to be prepared for: Please dress appropriately for weather, including walking on trails that will likely be wet or muddy and standing still in windy conditions. This event is primarily for adults. What to bring: Camera, binoculars

Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of participants, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Miwok Walk
2020-02-15 10:00 - 12:00
Miwok Walk

Join naturalist Jerry Coe for an educational walk as he discusses the pre-colonial settlements of the coastal Miwok people at China Camp. He will cover how they survived within the landscape, their clothing, diet, what they used for medicine, and some of their common cultural practices. It is estimated that there were over several thousand Coastal Miwok in the North Bay at the time of the Spanish arrival in 1769. Most of this population was dispersed within 100 years. Many died of European diseases. Miwok people still live in the Bay Area today, with the largest group at Graton Rancheria in Sonoma County.

Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 10am-noon
Location: Backranch Meadows Entrance Gate (by kiosk), Easy hike, 3/4 mile
Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of participants, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Speaker Series: The Marine Mammal Center
2020-02-15 17:30 - 18:30
Monthly Village Talk
Marine Mammal Center

Join Friends of China Camp for February’s edition of our Speaker Series. This month, Laura Gill from the Marine Mammal Center will be our guest speaker. The Marine Mammal Center advances global ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education. Join us as we take a deeper dive into the stories of the center’s common patients including sea lions, elephant seals, and harbor seals. Join Laura Gil from the Marine Mammal Center as she discusses the challenges that the center faces, how they care for animals, and how people can get involved to protect them and our shared ocean environment.

Laura Gill is the Public Programs Coordinator at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito where she leads the development of interpretative content and delivery methods for visitor programs, exhibits and other resources.

Date: Saturday, February 15th 2020
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Location: China Camp Village Museum, China Camp State Park

Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of seats you need, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Naturalist Hike: Oak Forests
2020-02-16 12:30 - 14:30
Oak Forest Naturalist Hike

Curious about the quirks of Quercus? Join us for this stimulating hike as we explore the science and ecology of local oak trees of the bay area. As primary producers, these organisms are the center of life in an oak woodland forest. These nutrient powerhouses provide essential calories for hundreds of species, in addition to crucial habitat. Learn about their special adaptations and the interrelationships among these grand beings. This will be a strenuous hike that will begin at the Knight Drive trailhead.

Date: Sunday, February 16th
Time: 12:30-2:30pm
Location: Knight Drive Trailhead. Click here for the google map.
Difficult hike, 3 miles

Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of participants, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Naturalist Book Club
2020-02-23 19:00 - 20:00
February 23rd
Naturalist Book Club
Join us as we discuss John Marzluff ’s captivating book- In the Company of Crows and Ravens
From the cave walls at Lascaux to the last painting by Van Gogh, from the works of Shakespeare to those of Mark Twain, there is clear evidence that crows and ravens influence human culture. Yet this influence is not unidirectional, say the authors of this fascinating book: people profoundly influence crow culture, ecology, and evolution as well. Examining the often surprising ways that crows and humans interact, John Marzluff and Tony Angell contend that those interactions reflect a process of “cultural coevolution.” They offer a challenging new view of the human-crow dynamic—a view that may change our thinking not only about crows but also about ourselves… As the authors state in their preface: “Crows and people share similar traits and social strategies. To a surprising extent, to know the crow is to know ourselves.”
Excerpt from Amazon.com
Join us for a lively discussion of this fascinating book.

Date: February 23rd
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: China Camp Village Museum, China Camp State Park
100 China Camp Village, San Rafael CA 94901

Space is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve, send email to:
chinacamp.programs@gmail.com or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of seats you need, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Birding Hike
2020-03-07 08:00 - 10:00
March 7th
Birding Walk
Click here to reserve your space.
Welcome! Join our ongoing beginning birding class with naturalist Jerry Coe. No birding experience needed! This is a continuing class in which participants can gain skills in the art of birdwatching and identification. Everyone is welcome to join, even if you have not attended previous classes. If you are an advanced birder, you are welcome to come and enjoy the outing.
This month we will explore the spring migratory birds that are returning to the Bay Area from their wintering locations. During our stroll, you will learn how to identify common birds in the field and how to effectively use binoculars and bird identification guides. We will explore birds of the oak woodland and marsh habitats, seeing spring Warblers, Swallows, Swainson’s Thrush, Rufous Hummingbirds, and much more!

Jerry Coe is a naturalist with over eight years of intensive training in ornithological field identification. He spent 15 years as a volunteer in Great Basin National Park, Nevada doing Point Count Surveys using bird activities to assess the health of habitats. He has also guided outdoor expeditions all over the world.

Date: Saturday, March 7th
Time: 8:00am – 10:00am
Location: Turtleback Trailhead (RSVP for directions)
Length: 1.5 miles

Please wear layers and good walking shoes. Bring water, snacks and binoculars. Optional items include: Daypack, scope, guide books, camera.

This event is free. Space is limited and reservations are required.
Click here to reserve your space.
or call (415) 456-0766
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

Wildflower Hike
2020-03-15 12:30 - 14:00
March 15th
Wildflower Naturalist Hike
Click here to reserve your space.
The lily family, Liliaceae, represents over 4000 species of plants, many of which produce exquisite inflorescence. Join naturalist Harold Hirsch on an exploratory hike to observe species in this family that are found at China Camp among other spring wildflowers.
This will be a moderate hike that will begin at the Knight Drive trailhead.

Date: Sunday, March 15th
Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Location: Knight Drive Trailhead. Click here for the google map.
Moderate hike, 3 miles

Space is limited and reservations are required.
Click here to reserve your space.
or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of participants, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

CANCELLED: JR Ranger Outdoor Art Program
2020-03-21 10:00 - 12:00
This event has been cancelled due to public health concerns surrounding the coronavirus.
The California State Parks administration has issued an order stating that for events under 250 people, participants will need to practice social distancing of at least 6 feet. The nature of this event prohibits the conditions needed for this standard, so unfortunately this event has been cancelled.

March 21st
Jr Ranger
Children’s Outdoor Art Program

Join us for our Jr. Ranger Outdoor Art program on Saturday, March 21st. Using found objects such as seeds, leaves, sticks, and stones along the trail, we will make natural works of art and let our creativity flow. We will draw inspiration from the great artists of the forest, like the estate-building wood rat or the silk tapestry-weaving orb spider. We will listen to the symphonic calls of Juncos, Wrens, and Chickadees while we create to our heart’s content under the forest canopy.
Date: Saturday, March 21st
Time: 10am – noon
Location: Miwok Meadows Gate. RSVP for location details.
Age: Best for ages 7-10. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Dress in layers, and wear appropriate outdoor clothes and shoes. Bring snacks, sunscreen and a water bottle. Rain will cancel the event.

Space is limited and reservations are required.
Click here to reserve your space.
Or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, phone #, and the number of people attending.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.

CANCELLED: Miwok Walk
2020-03-21 10:00 - 12:00
This event has been cancelled by the shelter-in-place directive issued by the county of marin. for more information click here.

March 21st
Miwok Walk
Click here to reserve your space.

Join naturalist Jerry Coe for an educational walk as he discusses the pre-colonial settlements of the coastal Miwok people at China Camp. He will discuss their clothing, their diet, what they used for medicine, how they survived within the landscape, and some of their common cultural practices. It is estimated that there were over several thousand Coastal Miwok in the North Bay at the time of the Spanish arrival in 1769. Most of this population was dispersed within 100 years. Many died of European diseases. Miwok people still live in the Bay Area today, with the largest group at Graton Rancheria in Sonoma County.

Date: Saturday, March 21st
Time: 10am-noon
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Entrance Gate (by kiosk), Easy hike, 3/4 mile

Space is limited and reservations are required.
Click here to reserve your space.
or call (415) 456-0766.
Include your name, the number of participants, and your phone #.
We will reply to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation announcements will be posted on the FOCC website homepage.
