Junior Ranger Program
2022-04-09 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Life of China Camp’s Birds
Credit: Jim Mullhaupt | BayNature.org
Join April’s Jr. Ranger program as we take a look at the springtime activities of some amazing birds that can be found within China Camp’s oak woodland and bay shoreline. We will be on the lookout for hummingbirds, large raptors, diving shorebirds, tall waders, and paddling waterfowl. Participants will also get an up-close look at real bird nests and feathers, so come with us and join the fun!
This program will be guided by naturalists/educators Suzanne Mirviss and Paula O’Connell, and is best suited for ages 7 through 9. Children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

Date: Saturday, April 9
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Ages: ages 7 to 9
Dress in layers for changeable weather. Bring snacks and water.

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Cancellations notified via email.

Spring Birding Hike
2022-04-16 08:00 - 10:00
Photo: Dean Latray/Macaulay Library
April lies within the heart of the Bay Area’s spring bird migration. This month, we will be on the lookout for Allen’s hummingbirds, who are currently passing through our region on their way to nesting sites along the coast. With luck, we may also see rufous hummingbirds bound for Oregon and further north. We will discuss why some very similar species, such as Allen’s and rufous hummers, are so similar that they cannot be truly identified unless they are net-captured and ID’ed “in the hand” by experts. In our wetlands and ponds, we may spot migrating ducks, including gadwall, American widgeon, cinnamon teal, green-winged teal, greater scaup, bufflehead, red-breasted merganser, and ruddy duck, along with various species of grebes and other birds.
Naturalist Jerry Coe will show us how to identify birds by shape, flight patterns, calls, and habitat. In addition, he’ll offer tips on how to effectively use binoculars and bird guides. Jerry has over eight years of intensive training in ornithological field identification. He spent 15 years as a volunteer in Nevada’s Great Basin National Park, using bird activities to assess the health of habitats. Jerry has also guided outdoor expeditions all over the world.

Date: Saturday, April 16
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Miwok Meadows Entrance Gate
Walking difficulty: Easy; 1½ miles

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

Full Moon Hike
2022-04-16 19:00 - 21:30
Get ready for an evening packed with celestial delights. Our hike will lead us to a spectacular viewpoint, where we will watch the rise of April’s “Pink Moon,” so-called for the pink phlox flowers that bloom in spring. We may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the first shooting stars of the Lyrids meteor shower, which begins April 16 and peaks the night of April 22.
Naturalists Harold Hirsch and Brendan Clifford will guide us on a moderately strenuous, 4-mile round-trip hike that’s suitable for ages 10 and up.

Date: Saturday, April 16
Time: 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Meeting location details emailed upon reservation.
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous, 4 miles round trip
What to bring: Warm clothing, water, flashlight. Be sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes.
Note: This hike will begin at 7 p.m. sharp, so don’t be late or you’ll miss the fun!

REGISTER HERE

Fee: FOCC members free ($5 non-members)
Space is limited; reservations required.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Cancellations notified via email.

Online: Naturalist Book Club
2022-04-24 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for this month’s Naturalist Book Club as we discuss the Pulitzer Prize-winning fictional book, Anthill: A Novel by the late biologist and author, E.O. Wilson. The story offers a creative apologue of Wilson’s theory of biophilia, which suggests that humans desire and seek out deep connections with other species and the natural world.
Excerpt from Goodreads.com:
“[T]he epic story of Anthill, part thriller, part parable, which follows the adventures of Raff, a modern-day Huck Finn, whose improbable love of the ‘strange, beautiful, and elegant’ world of ants ends up transforming his own life and the citizens of Nokobee County. . .
An extraordinary undergraduate at Florida State University, Raff, despite his scientific promise, opts for Harvard Law School, believing that the environmental fight must be waged in the courtroom as well as the lab. Returning home a legal gladiator, Raff grows increasingly alarmed by the rapacious condo developers who are eager to pave and subdivide the wildlands surrounding the Chicobee River. . .
. . .Anthill will not only transfix readers with its stunning twists and startling revelations but will also provide readers with new insights into the meaning of survival in our rapidly changing world.”
Enjoy Wilson’s award-winning novel, then join April’s book club meeting to discuss this heartening tale.

Date: Sunday, April 24, 2022
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Zoom meeting (details emailed once space is reserved).

REGISTER HERE

Space limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

ADVISORY: Large Mountain Bike Event
2022-05-07 08:00 - 16:00
There will be a large mountain biking event at Miwok Meadows on May 7 from 8am to 4pm. Expect increased trail use by mountain bikers during the event. For more information, go to the Ales & Trails website.

ADVISORY: Large Mountain Biking Event
2022-05-14 08:00 - 17:00
There will be a large mountain biking event at Miwok Meadows on May 7 from 8am to 4pm. Expect increased trail use by mountain bikers during the event. For more information, go to the Bike4Buckelew website.

Friends of China Camp Annual Community Meeting
2022-05-14 09:00 - 11:00
Want to find out what makes China Camp tick? Got your own ideas on ways to enjoy and improve the park? Join our annual community meeting to learn about Friends of China Camp’s successes–and challenges– over the past year. Get a peek into the year ahead, and share your own thoughts about making this amazing park even better.

Date: Saturday, May 14
Time: 9:00 a. m.
Where: China Camp Village
Questions?
Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org
or call (415) 456-0766.
Check the Friends of China Camp website for cancellation announcement.

Junior Ranger Program
2022-05-14 10:00 - 12:00
Photo: Red-shouldered hawk by Eric Keith/Macaulay Library
Ospreys, red-tailed hawks, eagles, and owls are only a few of the birds of prey that call China Camp home. Junior Rangers will have a chance to learn more about these beautiful and diverse creatures, including what it means to “fly like an eagle” or be as “wise as an owl.” Join the fun as we discover the secrets of our region’s remarkable raptors.
This program will be guided by naturalists/educators Suzanne Mirviss and Paula O’Connell, and is best suited for ages 7 through 9. Children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
Date: Saturday, May 14
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Village Beach
Ages: ages 7 to 9
Dress in layers for changeable weather. Bring snacks and water.

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Cancellations notified via email.

Full Moon Hike
2022-05-15 19:00 - 22:30
Photo: Stephen Schupp
Join us for a viewing of two spectacular celestial events in one night: a full-moon rise and a full lunar eclipse. We will hike to a promontory with superb vistas of the San Pablo Bay to view this breathtaking and unique double event. We will leave the ranger station at 7 p.m. and reach the viewpoint in time to watch the moon rise over the East Bay hills. Then at 8:29 p.m. the moon will enter the earth’s shadow, peaking with a full lunar eclipse by 9:11 p.m. We’ll enjoy the show until about 9:30 p.m., at which point we’ll hike back to our cars, arriving by roughly 10:30 p.m. Since we’ll be sitting for a while and hiking back after dark, consider bringing a picnic blanket or tarp and a good flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries.

Date: Sunday, April 15
Time: 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Meeting location details emailed upon reservation.
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous, 4 miles round trip
What to bring: Warm clothing, water, picnic blanket or tarp, flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries. Be sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes.
Note: This hike will begin at 7 p.m. sharp, so don’t be late or you’ll miss the fun!

REGISTER HERE

Fee: free for FOCC members; $5 non-members
Space is limited; reservations required.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Cancellations notified via email.

Spring Birding Hike
2022-05-28 08:00 - 10:00
Photo credit: Paul Fenwick | Macaulay Library
May is the perfect time to listen for the sweet call of one of the park’s year-round residents, the chestnut-backed chickadee. When potential predators—or hikers or bikers—draw close to nests (usually located in tree cavities), mating pairs may call back and forth with their high-pitched alarm call, “chick-a-dee-dee-dee.”. Scientists believe that the more “dee-dees” tacked on the end of the call, the bigger the danger. This month, come on a stroll through Miwok Meadows as we look and listen for these and other charismatic birds, like oak titmice and cedar waxwings.
Naturalist Jerry Coe will show us how to identify birds by shape, flight patterns, calls, and habitat. In addition, he’ll offer tips on how to effectively use binoculars and bird guides. Jerry has over eight years of intensive training in ornithological field identification. He spent 15 years as a volunteer in Nevada’s Great Basin National Park, using bird activities to assess the health of habitats. Jerry has also guided outdoor expeditions all over the world.

Date: Saturday, May 28
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Walking difficulty: Easy; 1½ miles

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Photo: Chestnut-backed chickadee by Paul Fenwick | Macaulay Library

Online: Naturalist Book Club
2022-05-29 19:00 - 21:00
Join us to discuss Oliver Milman’s new book, The Insect Crisis: The Fall of the Tiny Empires That Run the World. The book offers a creative apologue of Wilson’s theory of biophilia, which suggests that humans desire and seek out deep connections with other species and the natural world. Read this remarkable chronicle, then join our online club for a lively discussion.

Excerpt from Goodreads.com:
“From ants scurrying under leaf litter to bees able to fly higher than Mount Kilimanjaro, insects are everywhere. Three out of every four of our planet’s known animal species are insects. In The Insect Crisis, acclaimed journalist Oliver Milman dives into the torrent of recent evidence that suggests this kaleidoscopic group of creatures is suffering the greatest existential crisis in its remarkable 400-million-year history. What is causing the collapse of the insect world? Why does this alarming decline pose such a threat to us? And what can be done to stem the loss of the miniature empires that hold aloft life as we know it?
…By connecting butterfly and bee, moth and beetle from across the globe, the full scope of loss renders a portrait of a crisis that threatens to upend the workings of our collective history. Part warning, part celebration of the incredible variety of insects, The Insect Crisis is a wake-up call for us all.”

Date: Sunday, May 29
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Zoom meeting (details emailed once space is reserved).
REGISTER HERE
Space limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

National Trails Day
2022-06-04 09:00 - 13:00
Be a part of something special at China Camp State Park. Join other volunteers to take part in the American Hiking Association’s National Trails Day, a day of service for hometown trails and the people who love them. Help spiff up our trails, then relax with lunch provided by Friends of China Camp.
On this special day, we’ll focus on trails in need of a good grooming. Armed with loppers, pruners, and other tools, we’ll cut back shrubs, trim overhanging branches, and remove accumulated leaf litter. Work will be moderately strenuous, with a walking distance of 3 to 4 miles. All volunteers age 15 and older are welcome—no previous experience required. (Minors need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.)
Pre-registration is required so we can plan appropriately for tools, supplies, and…lunch! To register, click on the button below, which will redirect you to the website of the California State Parks Foundation. You’ll then receive additional details, including what to wear, what to bring and where to meet.
Questions? Please email info@friendsofchinacamp.org.

Junior Ranger Program
2022-06-11 10:00 - 12:00
Summer is the season of insects, bugs, and spiders. Join the fun as our Junior Rangers discover the mysteries of China Camp’s invertebrates. Meet the predators, pollinators, builders, cleaners, and artists of this amazing and diverse community.
This program will be guided by naturalists/educators Suzanne Mirviss and Paula O’Connell, and is best suited for ages 7 through 9. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Date: Saturday, June 11
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Ages: ages 7 to 9
Dress in layers for changeable weather. Bring snacks, water, and bug spray.

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Cancellations notified via email.

Photo: Ladybug by Gilles San Martin/Wikipedia

ADVISORY: FOOTRACE
2022-06-18 08:00 - 14:00
There will be a footrace beginning at Miwok Meadows on Saturday June 18th from 8am-2pm. Please expect increased foot traffic on Shoreline Trail, Bayview Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail during that time.
Go to the Inside Trail Racing website for more details.

June Birding Hike
2022-06-25 08:00 - 10:00
Up in the sky! It’s a bird! No, it’s a plane! No, it’s Superma– no wait, it’s definitely a bird. A Western bluebird! Catch this beauty and its aerial acrobatics on this month’s birding hike at China Camp. These year-round insect-eaters change color during their summer nesting season, transitioning from a muted gray-blue to vibrant royal blue.
On this month’s guided walk, join naturalist Jerry Coe as we look for these beautiful birds and other summer residents in China Camp’s oak woodland, grassland, and marshland habitats.
Jerry will lead a discussion about how different bird species exhibit specialized adaptations to particular habitats. He’ll also show us how to identify birds by overall shape, overall color, behavior, habitat, and songs, and will offer tips on how to effectively use binoculars and bird guides.
Jerry has over eight years of intensive training in ornithological field identification. He spent 15 years as a volunteer in Nevada’s Great Basin National Park, using breeding bird activities to assess the health of habitats. Jerry has also guided adventure travel expeditions all over the world.

Date: Saturday, June 25
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Walking difficulty: Easy; 1½ miles

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Photo: Western bluebird by Brooke Miller/Macaulay Library

Naturalist Book Club
2022-06-26 19:00 - 20:00
Join us to discuss Laura Alice Watt’s 2016 book, The Paradox of Preservation: Wilderness and Working Landscapes at Point Reyes National Seashore. In her well-researched book, Watt discusses how the National Park Service has historically managed Point Reyes National Seashore to balance shifting and sometimes conflicting interests, including habitat conservation, agricultural protection, and cultural preservation.

Excerpt from Researchgate.net:
“Point Reyes National Seashore has a long history as a working landscape, with dairy and beef ranching, fishing, and oyster farming; yet, since 1962 it has also been managed as a National Seashore. The Paradox of Preservation chronicles how national ideals about what a park “ought to be” have developed over time and what happens when these ideals are implemented by the National Park Service in its efforts to preserve places that are also lived-in landscapes.

… A fascinating and deeply researched book, The Paradox of Preservation will appeal to those studying environmental history, conservation, public lands, and cultural landscape management, or to those looking to learn more about the history of this dynamic California coastal region.”

Date: Sunday, June 26
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Zoom meeting (details emailed once space is reserved).

REGISTER HERE

Space limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

Junior Ranger Program
2022-07-09 10:00 - 12:00
Credit: Mariposa lily by Sheila Coll
Though the summery month of July means hot, dry days, with parched golden meadows and animals retreating to shady pockets, there’s still plenty of life to discover. This month, Junior Rangers will head out on a scavenger hunt to discover high-summer wildflowers, cool hiding places where we may find animals and insects escaping the summer heat and more.
Summer can also mean chilly fog at China Camp, so be sure to dress in layers to stay comfortable as weather warms up. Bring snacks and water, and remember to apply sunscreen and bug repellent..
This program will be guided by naturalists/educators Suzanne Mirviss and Paula O’Connell, and is best suited for ages 7 through 9. Children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

Date: Saturday, July 9
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Village Beach
Ages: ages 7 to 9

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Cancellations notified via email.

Photo: Mariposa lily by Sheila Coll

Full Moon Hike
2022-07-13 20:45 - 22:00
July 13, 2022
Photo: Stephen Schupp
Get ready to feast your eyes on the biggest and brightest supermoon of 2022. July’s “buck” moon orbits closer to the earth than at any other time of the year, offering sky gazers an especially luminous treat. This moon is named after the mid-summer season when mature bucks display crowns of impressive branched antlers. Join this easy, 2-mile round-trip journey for an excellent bayside lunar viewing experience.

Date: Wednesday, July 13
Time: 8:45 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Meeting location details emailed upon reservation.
Difficulty: Easy, 2 miles round trip
What to bring: Warm clothing, water, flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes for hiking.
Note: Hike begins at 8:45 p.m. sharp, so don’t be late or you’ll miss the fun!

REGISTER HERE

Free for FOCC members; $5 non-members
Space is limited; reservations required.
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

Photo: Stephen Schupp

Summer Birding Hike
2022-07-23 08:00 - 10:00
Mourning dove by Nancy Christensen/Macaulay Library
From backyards to woodlands to across the continent, chances are that you’ll hear the soothing coo cooing of mourning doves. These year-round residents at China Camp can be identified by their gray-brownish backs and creamy light ochre to pinkish chest with highlights of iridescent pink and purple. The slender pointed tail distinguishes it from the non-native Eurasian collared dove, also found in Marin County.
Join naturalist Jerry Coe, as we take a relaxing hike through an oak woodland in search of these and other birds. Jerry will show us how to identify birds by overall shape and size, overall color, behavior, and habitat. He’ll also share tips on how to effectively use binoculars and bird guides. Jerry has over eight years of intensive training in ornithological field identification. He spent 15 years as a volunteer in Nevada’s Great Basin National Park, using bird activities to assess the health of habitats. Jerry has also guided outdoor expeditions all over the world.

Date: Saturday, July 23
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Walking difficulty: Easy; 1½ miles

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Photo: Mourning dove by Nancy Christensen/Macaulay Library

CANCELLED: Village Talk-Bay Area Fire Ecology
2022-07-24 19:00 - 20:00
This event has been cancelled and will be postponed to September 25. Stay tuned for updates.

Credit: fire.ca.gov
Why are wildfires getting larger and more intense? How does a wildly destructive force like fire fit into biodiversity management? What is the difference between a crown fire and a cool fire? Join wildfire mitigation specialist Brendan Clifford as he leads a discussion that addresses these questions and gives a broad overview of fire history, the use of fire, and fire ecology in the Bay Area, Marin County, and at China Camp.
In addition to a degree from University of Scranton,PA, Brendan is a graduate of the firefighter academy at Santa Rosa Junior College. He currently works as a wildfire mitigation inspector for the San Rafael Fire Department. Brendan also volunteers as a cultural history and naturalist docent for Friends of China Camp.
Date: Sunday, July 24
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: China Camp Village Museum

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

Photo: fire.ca.gov

Naturalist Book Club
2022-07-31 19:00 - 20:00
Join us to discuss Richard Preston’s novel, The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring. Read this fascinating fictional tale about the northwest’s beloved coast redwood through the eyes of a team of botanists, then join our lively discussion.
Excerpt from Powells.com:
“Hidden away in foggy, uncharted rainforest valleys in Northern California are the largest and tallest organisms the world has ever sustained, the coast redwood trees, Sequoia sempervirens. Ninety-six percent of the ancient redwood forests have been destroyed by logging, but the untouched fragments that remain are among the great wonders of nature. The biggest redwoods have trunks up to thirty feet wide and can rise more than thirty-five stories above the ground, forming cathedral-like structures in the air. Until recently, redwoods were thought to be virtually impossible to ascend, and the canopy at the tops of these majestic trees was undiscovered. In The Wild Trees, Richard Preston unfolds the spellbinding story of Steve Sillett, Marie Antoine, and the tiny group of daring botanists and amateur naturalists that found a lost world above California, a world that is dangerous, hauntingly beautiful, and unexplored.”
Date: Sunday, July 31
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Zoom meeting (details emailed once space is reserved).
REGISTER HERE
Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

Village Talk: Archeology of Indigenous Refuge and Recourse
2022-08-13 19:00 - 20:00
From the late 1700s to the late 1800s, the Spanish missions and other colonial projects established in central California compromised Indigenous cultures and identities, dispossessed Indigenous peoples of their traditional lands, destroyed natural resources, and hastened the population decline of Native societies.
Join Dr.Tsim D. Schneider, as he discusses these and other findings from his recently released book, The Archaeology of Indigenous Refuge of Recourse: Coast Miwok Resilience and Indigenous Hinterlands in Colonial California (University of Arizona Press, 2021). Dr. Schneider, an associate professor of anthropology at University of California, Santa Cruz, will share how Indigenous Coast Miwok people survived despite these circumstances. He will shed light on how archaeological findings at China Camp State Park and Tomales Bay bear witness to past injustices to the region’s tribes, and help reveal critical instances of Coast Miwok’s resiliency and success in developing refuge and rebuilding their society.
Dr. Schneider is the author of three books and has done extensive archaeological research on Indigenous populations in China Camp State Park and elsewhere in Marin County.

Date: Saturday, August 13
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: China Camp Village Museum

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Photo: arizona.edu

Heritage Day Festival
2022-08-27 11:00 - 15:00
Prepare to be dazzled during this year’s Heritage Day festival, on August 27 at the historic China Camp Village. See the vibrantly-colored costumes of rhythmic lion dancers, and listen to the harmonious strumming of the guzheng. You can also try your hand at mahjong, learn a new tai chi technique, and experience a life-size replica of a shrimp-fishing junk.
Kids will get to build their own boat and learn about the local wildlife, ecology, and history through fun hands-on activities provided by the National Estuarine Research Reserve, the San Francisco Maritime Museum, and Wildcare.
Hosted at the park’s historic waterfront village, this signature event brings traditional cultural and musical performances, delectable food, and fun games, crafts, and activities for all ages.
The lion dance begins at 11 a.m. sharp!

Date: Saturday, August 27
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: China Camp Village

Event Schedule
11 a.m. Lion Dance and traditional drumming
Marin Chinese Cultural Association

11:35 a.m. Grace Quan ship arrives
National Park Service: The San Francisco Maritime Museum

11:35 a.m. Dragon Dance
Redwood Empire Chinese Cultural Association

11:50 a.m Wild Geese Traditional Dance
Redwood Empire Chinese Cultural Association cultural dancers

noon Guzheng music with Melody Yan.
See more of Melody’s fusion music here.

12: 30 p.m. Traditional Flower Dance
Redwood Empire Chinese Cultural Association cultural dancers

12:40 p.m. Tai Chi lesson
Redwood Empire Chinese Cultural Association

1 p.m. Erhu music with Sam Lau

2 p.m. Village Talk: Life in the 1940s and 50s at China Camp
Join original village resident Milton Quan as he gives a tour of China Camp beach and discusses the fascinating history of the shrimping and boating industry in the 1940s and 50s in the village.

2 p.m. Rescue boat water cannon demonstration
San Rafael Fire Department

3 p.m. End of Event

$5 parking fee for non-members.
Shuttle service from overflow parking at the ranger station.
For more information, contact programs@friendsofchinacamp.org.
This event is made possible by Friends of China Camp and our partners, the Marin Chinese Cultural Association and the Redwood Empire Chinese Cultural Association, National Park Service (San Francisco Maritime Museum), San Rafael Fire Foundation, National Estuarine Research Reserve, Wildcare, and the Marin History Museum.
Photos by Sheila Coll

Coastal Cleanup Day
2022-09-10 10:00 - 12:00
Coastal Cleanup Day is here! And our shoreline would not sparkle and shine without the help of community members like you. The California Coastal Commission will be sponsoring a statewide cleanup throughout the month of September, and China Camp will be offering a volunteer workday to pick up trash along our beaches on September 10th. Join us to keep our waterways clean and healthy.
Date: Saturday, September 10
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Village Beach
Ages: ages 7 and up

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Cancellations notified via email.

Photo: CA Coastal Commission

Full Moon Hike
2022-09-10 19:00 - 21:30
Fall brings a unique beauty to the park that is worth celebrating: golden hills, migrating birds, and a bright harvest moon. On this moderate, 4.5-mile round-trip hike, we will travel to one of the best vistapoints in the park to view the moon rise over the sparkling bay. Harvest Moons are the closest moon to the fall equinox, and are named for the traditional reaping of autum bounty at this time of year. The rise of this moon also marks the mid-autumn festival which is celebrated in China and other countries across the globe.
Date: Saturday September 10
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Meeting location details emailed upon reservation.
Difficulty: Moderate, 4.5 miles round trip
What to bring: Warm clothing, water, flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes for hiking.
Note: Hike begins at 7 p.m. sharp, so don’t be late or you’ll miss the fun!

REGISTER HERE
Date: Saturday September 10
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Meeting location details emailed upon reservation.
Difficulty: Moderate, 4.5 miles round trip
What to bring: Warm clothing, water, flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes for hiking.
Note: Hike begins at 7 p.m. sharp, so don’t be late or you’ll miss the fun!

REGISTER HERE

Free for FOCC members; $5 non-members
Space is limited; reservations required.
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

Photo: Steve Ziman

Junior Ranger Program
2022-09-17 10:00 - 12:00
What is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but can grow to be the tallest organism in the world? You guessed it, a tree! For this month’s program, Junior rangers will explore the biological features of bayside trees- their bark, leaves, and seeds.

This program will be guided by naturalists/educators Suzanne Mirviss and Paula O’Connell, and is best suited for ages 7 through 9. Children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

Date: Sunday, September 17
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Village Beach
Ages: ages 7 to 9

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Cancellations notified via email.

Photo: Sheila Coll

ADVISORY: FOOTRACE
2022-09-25 08:00 - 14:00
There will be a footrace beginning at Miwok Meadows on Sunday, September 25 from 8am-2pm. Please expect increased foot traffic on Shoreline Trail, Bayview Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail during that time.
Go to the Sasquatch Racing website for more details.

Naturalist Book Club
2022-09-25 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for this month’s book club as we discuss Keith Heyer Meldahl’s book, Rough-Hewn Land: A Geologic Journey from California to the Rocky Mountains.

Excerpt from ucpress.edu:
“”Unfold a map of North America,” Keith Heyer Meldahl writes, “and the first thing to grab your eye is the bold shift between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains.” In this absorbing book, Meldahl takes readers on a 1000-mile-long field trip back through more than 100 million years of deep time to explore America’s most spectacular and scientifically intriguing landscapes. He places us on the outcrops, rock hammer in hand, to examine the evidence for how these rough-hewn lands came to be. We see California and its gold assembled from pieces of old ocean floor and the relentless movements of the Earth’s tectonic plates. We witness the birth of the Rockies. And we investigate the violent earthquakes that continue to shape the region today. Into the West’s geologic story, Meldahl also weaves its human history. As we follow the adventures of John C. Frémont, Mark Twain, the Donner party, and other historic characters, we learn how geologic forces have shaped human experience in the past and how they direct the fate of the West today.”

Date: Sunday, September 25
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Google Meet meeting (details emailed once space is reserved).

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Cancellations notified via email.

CANCELED:Village Talk- Bay Area Fire Ecology
2022-09-25 19:00 - 20:00
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED. STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPCOMING EVENTS.
Credit: fire.ca.gov
Why are wildfires getting larger and more intense? How does fire fit into biodiversity management? What is the difference between a crown fire and a cool fire? Join wildfire mitigation specialist Brendan Clifford as he leads a talk that addresses these questions and gives a broad overview of wildfire ecology, and the history of human landscape fire management in the Bay Area.

Brendan currently works as a wildfire mitigation specialist for the San Rafael Fire Department and also volunteers as an educational docent for Friends of China Camp.

Date: Sunday, Sept 25
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: China Camp Village Museum

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

Photo: fire.ca.gov

Naturalist Book Club
2022-10-01 00:00
Join us for this month’s book club as we discuss Rob Dunn’s new book, The Natural History of the Future. Dunn is a biologist, writer, and university professor in ecology.
Excerpt from goodreads.com:
“A leading ecologist argues that if humankind is to survive on a fragile planet, we must understand and obey its iron laws
Our species has amassed unprecedented knowledge of nature, which we have tried to use to seize control of life and bend the planet to our will. In  A Natural History of the Future, biologist Rob Dunn argues that such efforts are futile. We may see ourselves as life’s overlords, but we are instead at its mercy. In the evolution of antibiotic resistance, the power of natural selection to create biodiversity, and even the surprising life of the London Underground, Dunn finds laws of life that no human activity can annul. When we create artificial islands of crops, dump toxic waste, or build communities, we provide new materials for old laws to shape. Life’s future flourishing is not in question. Ours is.
As ambitious as Edward Wilson’s Sociobiology and as timely as Elizabeth Kolbert’s The Sixth Extinction, A Natural History of the Future sets a new standard for understanding the diversity and destiny of life itself.”

Date: Sunday, October 30
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Zoom Meeting

REGISTER HERE

Space is limited; reservations required.
Free (donations appreciated).
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
