September Bird Walk: Catch the fall migration

One of the season’s most exciting times is upon us—the fall/winter migration. This month, as birds start heading south, we hope to see white-tailed kites, red-shouldered hawks, and golden eagles, plus savannah sparrows, orange-crowned warblers, ash-throated flycatchers, Western bluebirds, and more. Birding expert Jerry Coe will guide you to China... Read more »

Free

Junior Ranger Program: Find fall’s treasures

Look under that log! Over here by the rocks! What kid can resist a scavenger hunt? After a nice summer break, we welcome back our children’s programs, and this month’s event promises to be a favorite. Junior Rangers will treasure-hunt for clues that seasonal changes are afoot at China Camp,... Read more »

Free

SPECIAL EVENT: Fire and our landscape

Seeing flames and smoke this time of year can be a scary sight. But fire is an important player in our natural landscape, cleaning out dead vegetation and restoring nutrients, stimulating new growth, and creating important habitat for wildlife. Join local fire inspector and naturalist Brendan Clifford and FOCC docent... Read more »

Free

Volunteer Park Maintenance

Join us for a morning of park maintenance. The tasks are variable and range in difficulty from easy to a good work out. No need to sign up; just meet at the maintenance area next to the Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael) and look for a group... Read more »

California Coastal Cleanup Day at China Camp

China Camp Ranger Station 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, United States

Join us for a very special event as we take part in the annual California Coastal Cleanup Day. Pitch in side by side with other eco-minded volunteers as we focus on our shoreline, picking up trash that could otherwise damage our delicate bayfront ecosystem. Come ready to lend a hand.... Read more »

Free

September Naturalist Book Club: Ways of Being

With AI (artificial intelligence) popping up all over the news, it’s a great time to dive into a book that’s all about different types of intelligence, and the ways we can better understand them and how they impact us. Join us as we discuss author James Bridle’s intriguing read, Ways... Read more »

Free

Harvest Moon Hike

China Camp Ranger Station 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, United States

Hike to a hilltop vista overlooking San Francisco Bay to witness the “Harvest Moon” rising over the Berkeley Hills. Autumnal equinox (Sept. 23 this year) marks when the hours of daylight become shorter than night, and the full moon closest to Equinox is the Harvest Moon. It also marks the... Read more »

Volunteer Park Maintenance

Join us for a morning of park maintenance. The tasks are variable and range in difficulty from easy to a good work out. No need to sign up; just meet at the maintenance area next to the Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael) and look for a group... Read more »

Volunteer Park Maintenance

Join us for a morning of park maintenance. The tasks are variable and range in difficulty from easy to a good work out. No need to sign up; just meet at the maintenance area next to the Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael) and look for a group... Read more »

October Birding Hike

October is the height of fall migration, with a staggering 70 percent of all bird species joining in a mass migration to wintering grounds around the globe. Moving southward, often to warmer climes in Central and South America, birds tend to follow known water sources, like ours at China Camp.... Read more »

Free

Autumn Seed-Seeker Hike

With fall’s return, we will seek (but not collect) seeds as plants prepare for winter. Join this naturalist-led hike and talk about the different strategies that plants use in producing seeds—from prickly pods to edible nuts—all geared towards increasing the odds of perpetuating the species’ success. Learn about the natural... Read more »

Free

Volunteer Park Maintenance

Join us for a morning of park maintenance. The tasks are variable and range in difficulty from easy to a good work out. No need to sign up; just meet at the maintenance area next to the Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael) and look for a group... Read more »