Friends of China Camp

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-01-07 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Wednesday, January 7 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-01-15 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Special Brown-Bag Lunch Day: After our work morning, bring your own lunch for an informal gathering with fellow volunteers at China Camp Village. Cold drinks provided by Friends of China Camp.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Thursday, January 15 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Speaker Series: the building of the Grace Quan
2026-01-15 18:00 - 19:00 | China Camp Village, 100 China Camp Village Rd, San Rafael, CA, CA, 94901, United States
Would you be inspired by fragments of wood buried in bay mud? Most of us would probably shrug and say nope, but lucky for us, someone saw them and dreamed. That person was John Muir, a key player in the formation of Friends of China Camp and our long-time historian and emeritus board member.
In 1997, John led a team in the excavation of the last remaining fragments of a 19th-century shrimp junk at China Camp State Park. Those shards, plus extensive research, helped John design and oversee construction of the Grace Quan, a hand-built replica of a Chinese shrimp-fishin junk. Moored most of the year at the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park (where John is a cultural resource specialist), the Grace Quan is tied to China Camp’s historic pier in summer.
Find out more about his incredible and inspiring project at an evening presentation with John Muir. This event is not to be missed! For more about this project, see this article.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Thursday, January 15
Time: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: China Camp Village museum
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 14 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible
RESERVE NOW

Birding walk: the importance of habitats
2026-01-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Turtle Back Trailhead
January is an excellent time for birding at China Camp. The park’s diverse habitats, including coastal wetlands, meadows, and lush forests, provide a home for roughly 60 different resident species. Winter visitors also flock to the park, such as the tree swallow shown here, which typically arrives later this month. Join our leisurely morning walk to learn about the importance of habitats for biodiversity. All levels of birding ability are welcome.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Saturday, January 17
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trail trailhead
Difficulty: easy (about 2 miles on mostly flat trails)
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-01-24 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Saturday, January 24 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Nature walk: mushrooms among us
2026-01-24 13:00 - 14:30 | Knight Drive trailhead, Near 352-380 Knight Dr, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Come spy fungi in the park on this informative and fun hike with an experienced mycologist. Designed for intro-level mushroom explorers, this event will help you identify various types of fungi—including what may or may not be poisonous. What we discover will lead our discussion. No matter what we find, you’ll leave with a better understanding of the roles that these fascinating organisms play in the environment.
Expert mycologist (fungi scientist) Debbie Viess will lead this event. Debbie is a Bay Area naturalist who has been fascinated by fungi for over 30 years. In 2005, she created the very first Point Reyes Fungus Fair. A year later, she helped establish the Bay Area Mycological Society. Mushrooms, and all of the natural world, are her passion. Don’t miss this sure-to-be-popular event!
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Saturday, January 24
Time: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Knight Drive trailhead (San Rafael)
Difficulty: moderate (1.5 miles on mostly flat trails; some incline at the beginning)
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 8 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

RESERVE NOW

Sky watch with Marin Stargazers
2026-01-24 17:30 - 19:30 | Back Ranch Meadows Campground
For a special after-hours treat, join the amateur astronomers of Marin Stargazers for an evening viewing brilliant treasures of the night sky. Telescopes will be available and trained on some of the night’s celestial standouts.
Come peer at the stunning mountains and craters of this month’s half-moon, as well as the eye-popping rings around Saturn. Count Jupiter’s four largest moons, and spy the magical nebula, where new stars are born, within the mighty Orion constellation. Bundle up and come out to see these remarkable sights and more.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, January 24
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground
Difficulty: easy
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 12 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible

RESERVE NOW

Naturalist’s Book Club: Sweet in Tooth and Claw
2026-01-25 19:00 - 20:00 | CA
Join in a lively discussion focusing on Kristin Ohlson’s Sweet in Tooth and Claw, a fascinating book that examines the idea that nature is shaped and bound by mutually beneficial relationships.
From the publisher’s website:
“A follow-up to Kristin Ohlson’s previous book, The Soil Will Save Us (2014), Sweet in Tooth and Claw extends the concept of cooperation in nature to the life-affirming connections among microbes, plants, fungi, insects, birds, and animals—including humans—in ecosystems around the globe.
For centuries, people have debated whether nature is mostly competitive—as Darwin theorized and the poet Tennyson described as “red in tooth and claw”—or innately cooperative, as many ancient and Indigenous peoples believed. In the last 100 or so years, a growing group of scientists have studied the mutually beneficial interactions that are believed to benefit every species on earth. This book is full of stories of generosity—not competition—in nature…It is a rich and fascinating book full of amazing stories, sure to change your perspective on the natural world.”
Date: Sunday, January 25
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: virtual event
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: all ages welcome; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-01-27 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Tuesday, January 27 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Junior Rangers: Special family work-learn-play day
2026-01-31 09:30 - 12:30 | China Camp Village Point parking lot
Here’s a fantastic and easy way to introduce your young explorers to the importance of caring for our natural spaces. Bring children ages 2 and older to take part in three fun activities. First, kids can help create a special sign focusing on the importance of protecting nature and our park. Or they can join a walk to help pick up litter in and around the village and China Camp Point. Finally, they will use found objects to create “litter creatures.” All participants will receive an official Junior Ranger logbook and badge.
This drop-in event offers a meaningful, hands-on opportunity for young stewards and their families to contribute to the continued health of the park, while learning about the role of conservation in protecting our shared outdoor spaces.
Registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, January 31
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (drop-in event so arrive any time and join in the fun)
Location: China Camp Village
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: all ages welcome; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-02-05 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Thursday, February 5. (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Junior Rangers Darwin Day 2026
2026-02-07 12:00 - 14:00 | China Camp Village, 100 China Camp Village Rd, San Rafael, CA, CA, 94901, United States
Who doesn’t love a party? This month, Junior Rangers are invited to celebrate Charles Darwin’s 217th birthday with an afternoon of fun, discovery, and hands-on learning for Junior Rangers.
Darwin was an amazing explorer and natural scientist who came up with big ideas, like evolution, natural selection, and survival of the fittest. At this special event, your kids will get a chance to explore these big ideas too, as they rotate through age-appropriate activity stations. One station will send Junior Rangers on a scavenger hunt to learn about camouflage and how it helps animals hide and survive. Other stations will offer chances to observe, think, and explore like a naturalist—just like Charles Darwin did nearly two centuries ago.
Kids who complete the activities will take part in an official Junior Ranger ceremony, where they’ll receive their very own Junior Ranger badge and logbook. The day will end with, of course, a birthday cake! Come learn, explore, and celebrate with us on this special day.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Saturday, February 7
Time: noon – 2 p.m.
Location: China Camp Village
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Difficulty: moderate (4 miles round trip with some climbing)
Ages: 6 to 12; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning—MOVED TO THURSDAY 2/11 DUE TO WEATHER
2026-02-11 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Special Brown-Bag Lunch Day: After our work morning, bring your own lunch for an informal gathering with fellow volunteers at China Camp Village. Cold drinks provided by Friends of China Camp.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Wednesday, February 11 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-02-12 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Special Brown-Bag Lunch Day: After our work morning, bring your own lunch for an informal gathering with fellow volunteers at China Camp Village. Cold drinks provided by Friends of China Camp.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Thursday, February 12 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Birding Walk: Migration and Habitats
2026-02-14 08:00 - 10:00 | Turtle Back Trailhead
About 60 percent of all bird species migrate. In February, most birds are still in their wintering grounds to the south, but some begin to return to the park to nest and raise their young. Early migrants include tree swallows and violet green swallows, easiest to spot as they swoop over our open meadows in search of flying insects.
We’ll be on the lookout for these beautiful swallows and other species (such as the black phoebe shown here. We will focus on the key points of identification: size and shape, overall color, behavior, and habitat. We’ll also discuss the six different types of habitats at China Camp, and what kinds of birds live in each
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, February 14
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trail trailhead
Difficulty: easy (mostly flat 2-mile walk)
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 8 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: yes
RESERVE NOW

Great Backyard Bird Count - EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
2026-02-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Miwok Meadows Trailhead, N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael, CA, United States
Like being in nature? Love looking for wildlife? This event is for you! For the first time, Friends of China Camp is taking part in a truly global event: the Great Backyard Bird Count, cosponsored by Cornell Lab, Audubon, and Birds Canada. And we want you to join in the fun, no matter what your birding ability.
Join us as we set out for an hour of bird-spotting. We’ll hope to spy sparrows and finches in our meadows, nuthatches and woodpeckers in our forests, and sandpipers, egrets, and ducks in our wetlands. Participants will learn how to use Merlin and eBird, two online apps that help you identify birds and track our findings. Once we’re done, our team will submit our bird tally to event organizers. Findings will help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world.
All levels of birders are welcome. Basically, if you like being in nature, come on out and take part in this first-ever global event.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Monday, February 16
Time: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trail trailhead
Difficulty: easy (roughly 1 mile on flat trails)
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 10 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: yes
RESERVE NOW

Speaker Series: Sudden oak death
2026-02-20 17:30 - 18:30 | China Camp Village, 100 China Camp Village Rd, San Rafael, CA, CA, 94901, United States
Back in the early ’90s, researchers discovered a strange phenomenon in parts of Marin, including China Camp State Park: Something was killing our otherwise healthy live oaks. The killer? Scientists discovered a microscopic organism called Phytophthora ramorum was the culprit of this “Sudden Oak Death” (SOD). Though progress has been made in slowing SOD, new research suggests we are not out of the woods when it comes to this devastating disease.
For our ongoing Speaker Series, we get the latest on SOD findings and risks from U.C. Berkeley professor Dr. Matteo Garbelotto, an internationally recognized expert in invasive plant pathogens. Dr. Garbelotto will share the latest alarming research into SOD. He’ll include details about how community science is helping gather critical research via “SOD blitzes,” large-scale, volunteer-based surveys of SOD prevalence in California, and how you can join a bio-blitz in our area.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Friday, February 20
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: China Camp Village museum
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 10 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: yes
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-02-21 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Saturday, February 21 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Naturalist’s Book Club: Twelve Trees
2026-02-22 19:00 - 20:00 | CA
Join a lively discussion with like-minded community members focusing on Daniel Lewis’ Twelve Trees: The Deep Roots of Our Future.
From the publisher’s website:
“A compelling global exploration of nature and survival as seen via a dozen species of trees…revealing the challenges facing our planet and how scientists are working urgently to save our forests and our future.
The world today is undergoing the most rapid environmental transformation in human history—from climate change to deforestation. Scientists, ethnobotanists, indigenous peoples, and collectives of all kinds are closely studying trees and their biology to understand how and why trees function individually and collectively in the ways they do. In Twelve Trees, Daniel Lewis, curator and historian at one of the world’s most renowned research libraries, travels the world to learn about these trees in their habitats.”
Date: Sunday, February 22
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: virtual event
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: all ages welcome; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp - Moved to Wed 2/25 due to rain
2026-02-25 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Wednesday, February 25th (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Full moon hike: The Worm Moon
2026-03-03 17:30 - 20:30 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Want to spend your Tuesday evening doing something a bit more…spectacular? Come to China Camp for an amazing view of the full moon as it rises over San Pablo Bay. On this 3.5-mile round-trip hike, we will ascend to a breathtaking vista point to welcome March’s “Worm Moon,” the last of winter’s full moons.
The name “Worm Moon,” believed to have originated from Dakota Native Americans, is named after the “worms” (actually beetle larvae) that hatch in tree bark as winter comes to an end.
Rain, strong winds, or overcast skies will cancel the event; a confirming/cancelling email will be sent a day or so before the event.
Space is limited; registration is required.
Date: Tuesday, March 3
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: moderate 3.5-mile round-trip hike
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-03-04 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Wednesday, March 4 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Wildflower walk: spring in full swing
2026-03-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Turtle Back Trailhead
Pearl-pink milkmaids, sapphire-blue lupine and blue dicks, garnet-hued warrior’s plume—it’s a veritable jewelry box at the park right now, with springtime wildflowers sprinkling our meadows and woods with color. On this gentle hike, we’ll look for easy-to-spot blooms, like California poppies and California buttercups. We’ll also be on the lookout for California larkspur, red sanicle, and owl and tomcat clovers.
Hike leader and journalist Harriot Manley will share tips on capturing images of flowers with your phone. And to keep you identifying wildflowers on your own, she will show you how to use your iPhone to help ID wildflowers in the field.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Sunday, March 8
Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Nature Trail trailhead
Difficulty: easy, ¾-mile walk
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 8 and older; under age 18 must be accompanies by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible
RESERVE NOW

New! Village preservation volunteer open call
2026-03-09 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Village, 100 China Camp Village Rd, San Rafael, CA, CA, 94901, United States
Come join our volunteer preservation team as we begin our spring effort to stabilize the historic structures of our beloved China Camp Village. If you have woodworking experience, and are interested in making old things live longer – come down to the Village and lend a hand.

The number of volunteers needed is limited. If you would like to participate, please call John Muir at (415) 407-3646 or e-mail John at johnnyseabird@gmail.com.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Monday, March 9
Time: 9 a.m.– noon (and longer if you’d like)
Location: China Camp Village
Difficulty: moderate
Ages: 18 and older who are handy and experienced woodworkers

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-03-12 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
﻿﻿Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Special Brown-Bag Lunch Day: After our work morning, bring your own lunch for an informal gathering with fellow volunteers at China Camp Village. Cold drinks provided by Friends of China Camp.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Thursday, March 12 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult﻿

Birding walk: feisty hummers
2026-03-14 08:00 - 10:00 | Turtle Back Trailhead
They flit, they fly, they zoom—dazzling Anna’s hummingbirds zip around our meadows this time of year. Catch these energetic early nesters on our March bird walk. No experience necessary; just bring your curiosity and sharp eyes. We’ll be on the lookout for violet-green and tree swallows that return from their wintering grounds to nest in the park. We’ll also search for year-round residents, including assorted woodpeckers, Western bluebirds, nuthatches, and highly vocal red-shouldered hawks.
New to birding? Looking to improve your skills? You’re in the right place. Naturalist Jerry Coe will review the four keys to bird identification. He’ll also discuss the effects of climate change on bird populations worldwide.
Binoculars highly recommended. Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, March 14
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Nature Trail trailhead
Difficulty: easy (mostly flat 2-mile walk)
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 8 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible
RESERVE NOW

Special event: the energy of evolution
2026-03-14 16:00 - 17:00 | China Camp Village, 100 China Camp Village Rd, San Rafael, CA, CA, 94901, United States
For nearly two centuries, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution has impacted almost all fields of science. Biology, chemistry, math, medicine, astrobiology, and even AI and physics have been impacted by the discoveries of this 19th-century naturalist, writer, and explorer.
Join an engaging evening with FOCC natural history docent Harold Hirsch as he explores the connections that are fundamental to how we experience the world and how we came to be. Learn more about Darwin’s groundbreaking discoveries, and their lasting impact on our scientific world.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email. Note that participants will also be able to attend this event online by Zoom; details provided with confirmation.
Date: Saturday, March 14
Time: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: China Camp Village museum and online
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 12 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2026-03-18 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Friends of China Camp, a non-profit organization, works hard to keep our park safe and beautiful—but we can’t do it without our dedicated team of volunteers! Join us for a fun and rewarding morning of giving back. This is a great time to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even pick up a new skill along the way.
No previous experience or long-term commitment required. Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle, work gloves, and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Wednesday, March 18 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to strenuous (you choose)
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

New! Village preservation volunteer open call—MOVED TO MARCH 23
2026-03-20 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Village, 100 China Camp Village Rd, San Rafael, CA, CA, 94901, United States
Come join our volunteer preservation team as we begin our spring effort to stabilize the historic structures of our beloved China Camp Village. If you have woodworking experience, and are interested in making old things live longer – come down to the Village and lend a hand.

The number of volunteers needed is limited. If you would like to participate, please call John Muir at (415) 407-3646 or e-mail John at johnnyseabird@gmail.com.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Friday, March 20
Time: 9 a.m.– noon (and longer if you’d like)
Location: China Camp Village
Difficulty: moderate
Ages: 18 and older who are handy and experienced woodworkers

Wildflower hike: the secrets of spring blooms
2026-03-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Back Ranch Meadows Campground
Who needs artificial intelligence when nature’s intelligence is on full display? Early spring at China Camp is an amazing time to watch that intelligence unfold. Many already-emergent flowers at China Camp are heralding spring’s early arrival this year.
Join natural history docent Harold Hirsch on this invigorating springtime hike into our oak woodlands. Harold will share clues as to why flowers look the way they do. He’ll share stories of competition and collaboration between species as the trail climbs to sweeping views of China Camp’s tidal wetlands.

Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellation notified via email.
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground kiosk
Difficulty: moderate hike (about 4 miles with some steep sections)
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 12 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
RESERVE NOW
