Friends of China Camp

Owl meet-and-greet with All About Owls
2024-03-09 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Last month we had huge interest in this very special program, so we are offering it again this month. All About Owls, a nonprofit based in Petaluma, will bring two of their “ambassador owls” to the Village Museum for this afternoon event. Owl experts will also share fascinating facts about owls in an info-packed presentation. We’ll meet Gazeau, a female great horned owl who, fell from her nest in Oregon when young, injuring her right wing. She was taken to a wildlife hospital, but the damage couldn’t be completely repaired, leaving her unable fend for herself in the wild. So, in 2013, she became an ambassador for All About Owls. We’ll also meet Buho, a male Western screech owl found in Sonoma. Buho has a damaged optic nerve and permanently dilated pupil that makes it impossible for him to hunt effectively. Buho became an ambassador in 2014.
Learn more about Gazeau and Buho, and other local owl species and why they are so important in our ecosystem. You’ll also learn what you can do to reduce threats to owls and help them thrive in the wild. Be on time to make sure you don’t miss the presentation or the owls in what’s sure to be a popular event.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, March 9
Time: 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: China Camp Village Museum
Cost: Free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated from non-members
Ages: 8 and up (under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
ADA accessible: Yes

REGISTER NOW

Photo: Screech owl courtesy of All About Owls

Give-Back Morning at China Camp—POSTPONED TO 3/13
2024-03-12 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
DUE TO PREDICTED RAIN, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13.
Enjoy a morning making a difference in the park. Our weekly maintenance days tackle a host of jobs large and small, so there’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be a weightlifter or a construction worker to help out, in fact we’ve got men and women of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities volunteering at the park. But there are things that our volunteers have in common: a willingness to pitch in and work together, a healthy sense of humor, and desire to help the park.
Whether you’re a newbie or experienced, pitch in to keep the park safe and beautiful. There’s no long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again.
Meet promptly at 9 a.m. in the maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael). Bring work gloves and filled water bottles. Long pants and long-sleeve shirt with sturdy hiking shoes or boots recommended. Ages 14 and up (under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Please leave your four-legged friends at home, as no pets are allowed on our trails.
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.

Give-Back Morning at China Camp
2024-03-13 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-04-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-04-25 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Enjoy a morning making a difference in the park. Our weekly maintenance days tackle a host of jobs large and small, so there’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be a weightlifter or a construction worker to help out, in fact we’ve got men and women of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities volunteering at the park. But there are things that our volunteers have in common: a willingness to pitch in and work together, a healthy sense of humor, and desire to help the park.
Whether you’re a newbie or experienced, pitch in to keep the park safe and beautiful. There’s no long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again.
Meet promptly at 9 a.m. in the maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael). Bring work gloves and filled water bottles. Long pants and long-sleeve shirt with sturdy hiking shoes or boots recommended. Ages 14 and up (under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Please leave your four-legged friends at home, as no pets are allowed on our trails.
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.

March Birding Walk
2024-03-16 08:00 - 10:00
Avian Fashion Month at the park
March is the season of truly fine-feathered friends at China Camp, and these celebrities will be arriving in their most en-vogue attire. Join our morning walk to spy these newly arriving avian dazzlers, like shimmering violet-green swallows, dapper Swainson’s hawks, and yellow-breasted kingbirds, our largest flycatcher. We will look for these and other spring migrants and discuss identification methods.
Experienced birder Jerry Coe will also discuss how climate change has impacted these and other birds. Bring binoculars, water, and snacks. Dress warmly and wear appropriate hiking shoes.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Saturday, March 16
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Difficulty: easy, 2-mile walk
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: suitable for all ages, children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: yes

REGISTER NOW

Photo: Swainson’s hawk by Jerry Coe

Junior Ranger Program
2024-03-16 10:00 - 12:00
The Birth of the Bay
In this fascinating and fun program, Junior Rangers will uncover the mystery of how San Francisco Bay came to be. Our educators will take little ones on a magical journey back thousands of years, to a time when the San Francisco Bay was a grassland river valley. Back then, the region was home to roaming herds of 13-foot-tall Columbian mammoths and giant camels.
How did these grasslands become a sprawling bay filled with animals? What mysterious forces formed China Camp’s present-day shoreline and tidal marshlands, and how did it happen? We will explore answers to these questions and more as we explore China Camp’s shoreline. Dress in weather-appropriate clothing and bring snacks, water, a smile, and a spirit of adventure.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Saturday, March 16
Time: 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: China Camp Village
Difficulty: easy, ¾-mile walk
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: suitable for children ages 7 to 9 with a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no

REGISTER NOW

Photo: Columbian mammoths courtesy of the National Park Service

Give-Back Morning at China Camp
2024-03-20 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Join us for a morning of making the park look beautiful. There’s always plenty to do—trail grooming, fence mending, log splitting, litter pickup, and so much more. Join us and make a difference! No previous experience needed. Difficulty ranges from easy to a good work out. No long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again!
Meet promptly at 9 a.m. in the maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael). Bring work gloves, filled water bottles, and a brown bag lunch to share with your fellow volunteers at China Camp Village after the event (one beverage courtesy of Friends of China Camp). Long pants and long-sleeve shirt with sturdy hiking shoes or boots recommended. Ages 14 and up (minors ages 14 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.

Spring Wildflower Walk - RESCHEDULED FOR MARCH 30
2024-03-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Back Ranch Meadows Campground
DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS, THIS WALK HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 30.
Bright yellow buttercups, pale-pink and creamy white milkmaids, orange poppies, deep-blue lupine, garnet-hued warrior’s plume—it’s a veritable color wheel at the park right now, with springtime wildflowers sprinkling our meadows and woods. On this gentle hike, we’ll look for easy-to-spot blooms and learn keys to identifying them.
If you’ve got a field guide to wildflowers, bring it! We’ll also share tips on taking great photos of flowers, even with your iPhone. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a full water bottle, and pack a layer for changeable weather.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Saturday, March 23
Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: details provided upon registration
Difficulty: easy, 1- to 2-mile walk
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: suitable for children age 8 and older with parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no
Maximum number of attendees: 20

REGISTER NOW

Photo: lupine on China Camp Point by Harriot Manley

Moonrise Astronomy Night—CANCELLED
2024-03-23 18:30 - 20:30
DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Who better to celebrate the spring equinox with than with our nearest and dearest celestial friend, the moon! Overlooking the sparkling waters of San Pablo Bay, we will convene at China Camp Point and enjoy a clear view of the “Worm moon” as it rises over the East Bay hills. This month’s moon is believed to get its name from earthworms which often emerge after spring rains. Some experts say it’s more likely refers to types of beetle larvae, not earthworms, which emerge in spring.
Hike lead and natural history docent Harold Hirsch will share fascinating facts about the science, cultural significance, and history of the moon and the spring equinox. We’ll finish with a sweet treat: all the fixins for s’more “moon pies.” This stationary, wheelchair-accessible, family-friendly event welcomes all ages and abilities.
Wear warm clothing for chilly evening weather.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, March 23
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: China Camp Point parking lot
Difficulty: easy (we will be staying in one location; no hiking)
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: All ages welcome; under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: yes

REGISTER NOW

Photo: full moon by Harold Hirsch

Give-Back Morning at China Camp
2024-03-28 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-04-03 09:00 - 12:00
Enjoy a morning making a difference by volunteering today at China Camp. Our weekly maintenance days tackle a host of jobs large and small, so there’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be a weightlifter or a construction worker to help out, in fact we’ve got men and women of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities volunteering at the park. But there are things that our volunteers have in common: a willingness to pitch in and work together, a healthy sense of humor, and desire to help the park.
Whether you’re a newbie or experienced, pitch in to keep the park safe and beautiful. There’s no long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again.
Meet promptly at 9 a.m. in the maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael). Bring work gloves and filled water bottles. Long pants and long-sleeve shirt with sturdy hiking shoes or boots recommended. Ages 14 and up (under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Please leave your four-legged friends at home, as no pets are allowed on our trails.
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.

Naturalist Book Club
2024-03-31 19:00 - 20:00
Join an engaging book discussion with fellow nature lovers. For March’s discussion, we will discuss Ten Birds That Changed the World, by award-winning British author Stephen Moss.
Summary from publisher, Hatchette Book Group:
For the whole of human history, we have lived alongside birds… In Ten Birds That Changed the World, naturalist and author Stephen Moss tells the gripping story of this long and intimate relationship through key species from all seven of the world’s continents. From Odin’s faithful raven companions to Darwin’s finches… to the emperor penguin as potent symbols of the climate crisis, this is a fascinating, eye-opening, and endlessly engaging work of natural history.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Sunday, March 31
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: online meeting; details emailed with your registration confirmation
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: ages 12 and up

REGISTER NOW

Guided Birding Walk: Hello Spring!
2024-04-13 08:00 - 10:00
In April, our hills are decorated with blossoms and the sky is graced with an abundance of avian life—warbling vireos in meadows, Swainson’s thrushes in the shadows, red-winged blackbirds trilling in the marshlands, and California quail bustling in the bushes. Join fellow bird enthusiasts to spot violet-green swallows swirling overhead, and listen for the distinctive whistle of the elusive Pacific-slope flycatcher. Led by experienced birder Jerry Coe, this walk promises an enchanting symphony of bird calls and fluttering wings among the backdrop of a verdant oak woodland forest.
Bring binoculars, a filled water bottle, and snacks. Dress in layers for the cool morning and wear appropriate walking shoes.

Date: Saturday, April 13
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Difficulty: easy, 2-mile walk
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 8 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: yes

REGISTER HERE
Cancellations due to weather or other issues will be notified via email.
Questions? Please email info@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Photo: California quail by Jerry Coe

Community Volunteer Day: Wildfire Resiliency—POSTPONED TO APRIL 27
2024-04-13 09:00 - 12:00
DUE TO PREDICTED RAIN, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 27. Don your work gloves and join the weed-yanking brigade with Friends of China Camp and the San Pedro Road Coalition. We’ll help clear China Camp’s east entrance by removing invasive broom and other flammable weeds and plant debris. Backed by the San Rafael Fire Department, our goal is to protect native biodiversity with the added benefit of reducing fuel sources for catastrophic wildfires. Armed with weed wrenches and good ole elbow grease, we’ll uproot unwelcome intruders. NOTE: This can be strenuous work but you can proceed at your own pace. Any help is welcome!
Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and hiking boots or other sturdy, close-toed shoes. Bring work gloves, a filled water bottle, and sunscreen. Please leave your four-legged friends at home, as no pets are allowed on our trails.

Date: Saturday, April 13
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: register for meeting location details.
Difficulty: moderately strenuous.
Age: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

REGISTER HERE

Cancellations due to weather or other issues will be notified via email.
Questions? Please email info@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Photo: Joyce Abrams

Junior Ranger Program—RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 27
2024-04-13 10:00 - 12:00
DUE TO PREDICTED RAIN, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 27. Bring your young nature-lover to join a journey of discovery, delving deep into the vibrant world of plants and animals awakening with the season. We’ll follow a winding trail beneath a canopy of oaks to learn about budding blooms, chirping baby birds, and other signs of spring. Through hands-on exploration and guided activities, Junior Rangers will forge a connection with nature, fostering a lifelong love for the natural world while becoming stewards of our precious ecosystems. Dress your little ones (and yourself!) in layers to suit the weather, and bring snacks, a filled water bottle, a smile, and a spirit of adventure.

Date: Saturday, April 13
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Village
Difficulty: easy, ¾-mile walk
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 7 to 9; under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no
Maximum number of attendees: 15

REGISTER HERE

Cancellations due to weather or other issues will be notified via email.
Questions? Please email info@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

Sunrise-and-Wildflower Hike
2024-04-14 06:30 - 09:00 | Back Ranch Meadows Campground
Are you as excited as we are for our next sunrise hike? Watch the morning sun cast a golden glow over China Camp’s wetlands, then search for wildflower gems with fellow hikers. Naturalist Harold Hirsch will point out some of the springtime beauties, such as irises, suncups, and star lilies.
Wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers for this early morning ramble. Bring a filled water bottle, a camera or smartphone, and hiking poles if desired. (We’ll be heading down one short, steep slope.) Please leave four-legged friends at home, as pets are not permitted on the park’s trails.

NOTE: Please arrive by 6:15 a.m. to check in; hike starts promptly at 6:30 a.m.

Date: Sunday, April 14
Time: 6:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Difficulty: moderately challenging
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground kiosk
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 10 and up; under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adultMaximum number: 20

REGISTER NOW
Cancellations due to weather or other issues will be notified via email.
Questions? Please email info@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Photo: Sunrise by Sheila Coll

Give-Back Morning at China Camp
2024-04-17 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Join us for a morning of making the park look beautiful. There’s always plenty to do—trail grooming, fence mending, log splitting, litter pickup, and so much more. Join us and make a difference! No previous experience needed. Difficulty ranges from easy to a good work out. No long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again!
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.

Location: The maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael)
Time: Meet promptly at 9 a.m.
What to bring: Bring work gloves, filled water bottles, and a brown bag lunch to share with your fellow volunteers at China Camp Village after the event (one beverage courtesy of Friends of China Camp). Long pants and long-sleeve shirt with sturdy hiking shoes or boots recommended.
Ages: Ages 14 and up (minors ages 14 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).

NO REGISTRATION NEEDED… JUST SHOW UP!

Earth Day Broom Pull
2024-04-20 09:00 - 12:00
On this eco-friendly day, join other volunteers to improve biodiversity at the park. This event, co-sponsored by Friends of China Camp and the California State Parks Foundation, will focus on removing invasive broom plants. By taking part, you’ll play a vital role in fostering a more resilient park ecosystem by removing invasive species and allowing native plants to flourish. Let’s unite for the love of nature!
Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and hiking boots or other sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Bring work gloves, a filled water bottle, and sunscreen. Please leave your four-legged friends at home, as no pets are allowed on our trails.

Date: Saturday, April 20
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: provided with registration
Difficulty: moderately strenuous
Age: 14 and up; participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

REGISTER HERE
Cancellations due to weather or other issues will be notified via email.
Questions? See the registration link on the California State Parks website. Or email info@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

Photo: Joyce Abrams

Spring Wildflower Walk & Photo Tips - Walk 1
2024-04-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Back Ranch Meadows Campground
Tall grasses may be turning golden as spring winds down, but there are still plenty of wildflowers blooming in the park. We’ll search for late bloomers such as tall and elegant Ithuriel’s spear and the showy pink blossoms of checkerbloom and farewell-to-spring. Bring a plant guide if you’d like, as well as a camera or smartphone. Hike leader Harriot Manley will share tips on taking great wildflower shots in various settings, so come with questions and curiosity as we go on the ultimate treasure hunt of spring.
Please bring a full water bottle. Wear comfortable shoes and layers for changeable weather. Please arrive 15 minutes early (9:45 a.m.) to register; hike starts promptly at 10 a.m. Leave four-legged friends at home as there are not pets allowed on China Camp’s trails.

Date: Sunday, April 21
Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground main parking lot
Cost: free for Friends of China Camp members ($5 donation appreciated for nonmembers; donate here)
Difficulty: easy 1.5-mile walk
Age: 8 and up; under age 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult
ADA accessible: yes
Maximum number: 20

REGISTER HERE
Cancellations due to weather or other issues will be notified via email.
Questions? Please email info@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Photo: Sheila Coll

Spring Wildflower Walk & Photo Tips - Walk 2
2024-04-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Back Ranch Meadows Campground
Tall grasses may be turning golden as spring winds down, but there are still plenty of wildflowers blooming in the park. We’ll search for late bloomers such as tall and elegant Ithuriel’s spear and the showy pink blossoms of checkerbloom and farewell-to-spring. Bring a plant guide if you’d like, as well as a camera or smartphone. Hike leader Harriot Manley will share tips on taking great wildflower shots in various settings, so come with questions and curiosity as we go on the ultimate treasure hunt of spring.
Please bring a full water bottle, and wear comfortable walking shoes and layers for changeable weather.
Please arrive 15 minutes early (12:45 p.m.) to register. Hike starts promptly at 1 p.m. Leave four-legged friends at home as no pets are allowed on China Camp’s trails.

Date: Sunday, April 21
Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground main parking lot
Difficulty: easy 1.5-mile walk
Age: 8 and up; under age 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult
Cost: free for Friends of China Camp members ($5 donation for nonmembers appreciated; donate here)
ADA accessible: yes
Maximum number: 20
REGISTER HERE
Cancellations due to weather or other issues will be notified via email or text
Questions? Please email info@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Photo: Harriot Manley

Full Moon Hike
2024-04-23 18:30 - 21:00
Witness the celestial spectacle of the ”pink moon.” This month’s full moon gets its name from springtime’s bounty of rosy blooms. Even if we don’t spy any pink bloomers on this hike, we’ll still enjoy the moon’s spectacular ascent over San Pablo Bay.
This hike follows a winding trail to a breathtaking 500-foot overlook. Don sturdy hiking shoes and layer up for the brisk spring evening. Remember your essentials: a flashlight or headlamp, a filled water bottle, and a camera or smart phone to capture this enchanting lunar display.
NOTE: Arrive by 6:45 p.m. to check in; hike starts promptly at 7 p.m. for an 8:01 p.m. moonrise.

Date: Tuesday, April 23
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: moderate to challenging; 4 miles round trip with 500-ft. elevation gain
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 8 and up; under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no
Maximum number: 25

REGISTER HERE

Cancellations due to weather or other issues will be notified via email.
Questions? Please email info@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Photo: Steve Ziman

Community Volunteer Day: Wildfire Resiliency
2024-04-27 09:00 - 12:00
Don your work gloves and join the weed-yanking brigade with Friends of China Camp and the San Pedro Road Coalition. We’ll help clear China Camp’s east entrance by removing invasive broom and other flammable weeds and plant debris. Backed by the San Rafael Fire Department, our goal is to protect native biodiversity with the added benefit of reducing fuel sources for catastrophic wildfires. Armed with weed wrenches and good ole elbow grease, we’ll uproot unwelcome intruders. NOTE: This can be strenuous work but you can proceed at your own pace. Any help is welcome!
Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and hiking boots or other sturdy, close-toed shoes. Bring work gloves, a filled water bottle, and sunscreen. Please leave your four-legged friends at home, as no pets are allowed on our trails.

Date: Saturday, April 27
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: register for meeting location details.
Difficulty: moderately strenuous.
Age: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

REGISTER HERE

Cancellations due to weather or other issues will be notified via email.
Questions? Please email info@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Photo: Joyce Abrams

Junior Ranger Program
2024-04-27 10:00 - 12:00
Bring your young nature-lover to join a journey of discovery, delving deep into the vibrant world of plants and animals awakening with the season. We’ll follow a winding trail beneath a canopy of oaks to learn about budding blooms, chirping baby birds, and other signs of spring. Through hands-on exploration and guided activities, Junior Rangers will forge a connection with nature, fostering a lifelong love for the natural world while becoming stewards of our precious ecosystems. Dress your little ones (and yourself!) in layers to suit the weather, and bring snacks, a filled water bottle, a smile, and a spirit of adventure.

Date: Saturday, April 27
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Village
Difficulty: easy, ¾-mile walk
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 7 to 9; under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no
Maximum number of attendees: 15

REGISTER HERE

Cancellations due to weather or other issues will be notified via email.
Questions? Please email info@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

Online Naturalist Book Club
2024-04-28 19:00 - 20:00
This month we discuss Purified: How Recycled Sewage Is Transforming Our Water. In his 2023 book, author Peter Annin dives into the promising future of wastewater reclamation.

Summary from author’s website
“In Orange County, California, decades of cutting-edge technology and ambitious community outreach efforts have made the county the largest producer of drinkable recycled water in the world, producing water so clean that even PFAs are removed… Potable water recycling has become the hottest frontier in the race for expanded water supply options and is direly needed in the climate-change era… With Purified¸ Peter Annin takes readers on a remarkable journey into the future of fresh water… With engaging writing and a fast-paced narrative, Annin cuts through the fearmongering and misinformation around recycled water.”

Date: Sunday, April 28
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: online meeting; details emailed with registration confirmation
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 12 and up
Maximum number of attendees: 25

REGISTER HERE

Cancellations will be notified via email.
Questions? Please email info@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

Give-Back Morning at China Camp—CANCELED DUE TO FORECAST OF RAIN
2024-05-04 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Enjoy a morning making a difference in the park. Our weekly maintenance days tackle a host of jobs large and small, so there’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be a weightlifter or a construction worker to help out, in fact we’ve got men and women of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities volunteering at the park. But there are things that our volunteers have in common: a willingness to pitch in and work together, a healthy sense of humor, and desire to help the park.
Whether you’re a newbie or experienced, pitch in to keep the park safe and beautiful. There’s no long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again.
Meet promptly at 9 a.m. in the maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael). Bring work gloves and filled water bottles. Long pants, long-sleeve shirt, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, and sun glasses or other eye protection are recommended. Ages 14 and up (under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Please leave your four-legged friends at home, as no pets are allowed on our trails.
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.

Late-spring Wildflower Hike
2024-05-05 09:00 - 11:00
As warmer weather approaches, the final months of spring offer a last chance to enjoy the season’s wildflowers. On this hike, we will follow a meandering trail through an oak woodland forest in search of beautiful bloomers such as blue brodiaea, violet ground iris, white toyon blossoms, delicate rein orchids, and more. Join naturalist Harold Hirsch as he discusses local flora, geology, and other cool facts.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a filled water bottle. Walking poles and cell phone/cameras are suggested. Please remember, pets are not allowed on our trails, so please leave your four-legged family members at home.
NOTE: Please arrive by 8:45 a.m. so we can start the hike at 9:00 a.m. sharp. Arriving early will allow time to check in—don’t be late or you’ll miss the fun.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Sunday, May 5
Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: Knight Drive Trailhead, 351 Knight Dr, San Rafael, CA 94901
Difficulty: easy to moderate, 3-mile round trip
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 8 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
Maximum number: 20

RESERVE NOW

Give-Back Morning at China Camp
2024-05-07 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States

Give-Back Morning at China Camp
2024-05-15 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Join us for a morning of making the park look beautiful. There’s always plenty to do—trail grooming, fence mending, log splitting, litter pickup, and so much more. Join us and make a difference! No previous experience needed. Difficulty ranges from easy to a good work out. No long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again!
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Location: The maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael)
Time: Meet promptly at 9 a.m.
What to bring: Bring work gloves, filled water bottles, and a brown bag lunch to share with your fellow volunteers at China Camp Village after the event (one beverage courtesy of Friends of China Camp). Long pants, long-sleeve shirt, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, sun glasses or other eye protection are recommended.
Ages: Ages 14 and up (minors ages 14 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
NO REGISTRATION NEEDED… JUST SHOW UP!

Guided Bird Walk: Magnificent Migrants
2024-05-18 08:00 - 10:00
Spring heralds a flurry of feathers at China Camp, drawing birding enthusiasts to the park from far and wide. During our May birding walk, we’ll be on the lookout for new arrivals such as Pacific-slope flycatchers, Western tanagers, Wilson’s warblers, and black-headed grosbeaks. We’ll keep watch for resident species too, including great blue herons and Western bluebirds.
Hike leader Jerry Coe will discuss how to learn bird calls and songs, as well as the four essential keys to identifying birds in the field: color, size and shape, behavior, and habitat.
Bring binoculars, a filled water bottle, and snacks. Dress in layers for changeable weather and wear appropriate walking shoes.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Saturday, May 18
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead

Difficulty: easy, 2-mile round trip
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 8 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: yes
Maximum number: 20

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