Naturalist Book Club
2023-01-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Join us for the first virtual book club gathering of 2023 as we discuss Richard O. Prum’s Pulitzer Prize finalist book, The Evolution of Beauty. Prum, a professor of ornithology at Yale, offers vivid examples of tropical avian plumage and mating displays as evidence of Darwin’s oft-overlooked theory of sexual selection as a driving force of evolution. Give yourself some time to read this 560 page book before joining our program.

From pulitzer.org:

“A major reimagining of how evolutionary forces work, revealing how mating preferences–what Darwin termed “the taste for the beautiful”–create the extraordinary range of ornament in the animal world. In the great halls of science, dogma holds that Darwin’s theory of natural selection explains every branch on the tree of life: which species thrive, which wither away to extinction, and what features each evolves. But can adaptation by natural selection really account for everything we see in nature?

Yale University ornithologist Richard Prum–reviving Darwin’s own views–thinks not…To explain this, he dusts off Darwin’s long-neglected theory of sexual selection in which the act of choosing a mate for purely aesthetic reasons–for the mere pleasure of it–is an independent engine of evolutionary change.

The Evolution of Beauty presents a unique scientific vision for how nature’s splendor contributes to a more complete understanding of evolution and of ourselves.”

Date: Sunday, January 29, 2023
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Details will be mailed to registrants.

REGISTER HERE

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

Beginning Birding Hike
2023-02-11 08:00 - 10:00
Our premier avian acrobats are coming to town in February, and we are so excited to welcome them back from their tropical wintering grounds in Central America. Tree swallows offer a colorful aerial show with their iridescent azure backs glimmering in the sky as they dive and swoop, catching flying insects. These social, tree-dwelling birds and their cousins, violet-green swallows, make their spring nests in tree cavities in forests and nesting boxes in suburban backyards.
During this month’s excursion, we will look for these and other birds. We will review the four keys to identifying birds in the field, and learn about tools such as checklists, field guides, binoculars, and telescopes. Participants will also learn how to identify birds by observing flight patterns, noting body shapes and sizes, hearing songs, and watching behaviors.

Date: Saturday, February 11
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: Tree swallow by Lorri Howski/Macaulay Library

Children’s Darwin Day Junior Ranger Program
2023-02-11 10:00 - 12:00
Who doesn’t love a great birthday celebration? Junior Rangers are invited to join us for Darwin Day, a celebration of the birthday of Charles Darwin, born February 12, 1809.

Who was Charles Darwin you ask? Just under 200 years ago Mr. Darwin tried to answer one of the world’s most puzzling questions: Where did all people, animals, and plants come from?

During this event Junior Rangers will learn about Charles’ exciting adventures: sailing around the world, exploring rocks and volcanoes, surviving earthquakes, and seeking out remote islands with mysterious creatures. You will also explore REAL fossils and eat birthday cake of course!

Dress in layers for the weather. Bring a filled water bottle and snacks.

Date: Saturday, February 11
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Meet at the Group Campsite
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: Charles Darwin by Julia Margaret Cameron, 1868 | International Museum of Photgraphy

Darwin Day Online
2023-02-12 19:00 - 20:00
Celebrate the legacy of the theory of evolution

Join us on February 12 to celebrate International Darwin Day, the anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birthday, which took place on this date in 1809. We will host an hour-long virtual presentation about Charles Darwin and his major contributions to the natural sciences. The presentation will review his theories on natural selection and evolution and discuss how his work gained credibility within the scientific community. We will also cover recent evolutionary research that continues to expand upon the foundation of Darwin’s theories.
This event builds upon the discussions that have been presented in prior years.
Date: Sunday, February 12
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Virtual meeting details will be emailed to registrants.
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: Darwin’s finches by John Gould, 1845 | Wikipedia.org

ADVISORY: FOOTRACE
2023-02-18 08:00 - 14:00
There will be a footrace beginning at the Group Campsite parking lot on Saturday, February 18 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.

ADVISORY: FOOTRACE
2023-02-26 08:00 - 14:00
There will be a footrace beginning at Miwok Meadows on Sunday, February 26 from 8am-2pm. Please expect increased foot traffic on Shoreline Trail, Bayview Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail during that time.
Go to the Sasquatch Trail Racing website for more details.

Naturalist Book Club
2023-02-26 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for this month’s naturalist book club as we discuss David Baron’s book, The Beast in the Garden. While highlighting real events that occurred in Boulder, Colorado, Baron weaves a much larger narrative of coexistence, conflict, and fatal outcomes between mountain lions and humans throughout America’s complicated history in this thrilling book.

From W.W. Norton, Publisher:
“When residents of Boulder, Colorado, suddenly began to see mountain lions in their backyards, it became clear that the cats had returned after decades of bounty hunting had driven them far from human settlement. In a riveting environmental tale that has received huge national attention, journalist David Baron traces the history of the mountain lion and chronicles one town’s tragic effort to coexist with its new neighbors. As thought-provoking as it is harrowing, The Beast in the Garden is a tale of nature corrupted, the clash between civilization and wildness, and the artificiality of the modern American landscape. It is, ultimately, a book about the future of our nation, where suburban sprawl and wildlife-protection laws are pushing people and wild animals into uncomfortable, sometimes deadly proximity.”

Date: Sunday, February 26, 2023
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Online meeting details will be mailed to registrants.

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
2023-03-07 17:30 - 20:00
Ever feel like it’s time to change up your weekly evening routine for something a bit more… spectacular? Take a night off from Netflix and exchange your couch for our verdant hills and wide open sky during March’s full moon hike. On this 3-and-a-half mile round-trip hike we will ascend to a breathtaking vista point and welcome March’s glowing “worm moon” as it emerges into the night sky. The name “worm moon” is thought to have originated from Dakota Native Amercans, who associate this seasonal moon with the appearance of “worms” (actually beetle larvae) that surfaced from within tree bark as landscapes thawed from the long winter.
Dress for the crisp, cool winter night, wear sturdy hiking shoes (expect the possibility of muddy trails), and pack flashlights loaded with fresh batteries. Strong winds or rain will cancel.

Date: Tuesday, March 7
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Meeting location details emailed upon reservation.
Difficulty: Moderate, 3.5 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 5:30 p.m. sharp, so don’t be late or you’ll miss the fun!

REGISTER HERE

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

Photo: Steve Ziman

CANCELED: Birding Hike
2023-03-11 08:00 - 10:00
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO PREDICTED RAIN. CHECK CALENDAR FOR FUTURE EVENTS.
What bird is lighter than a nickel, can fly backwards, and makes a tiny nest out of spiderwebs and lichen? If you guessed hummingbirds, you’re right! This month we are hoping to see a true athlete, the rufous hummingbird. These remarkable hummers pass through the bay area during their 4000-mile marathon migration from wintering grounds in Mexico to nesting sites in northern Canada.
During this month’s excursion, we will look for these and other birds. We will review the four keys to identifying birds in the field, and learn about tools such as checklists, field guides, binoculars, and telescopes. Participants will also learn how to identify birds by observing flight patterns, noting body shapes and sizes, hearing songs, and watching behaviors.

Date: Saturday, March 11
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: Rufous hummingbird by Peter Pearsall/US Fish & Wildlife Service

CANCELLED: Junior Ranger Program
2023-03-11 10:00 - 12:00
This event has been postponed to March 25 due to predicted rain. See event calendar for future events.
Come explore where water meets the land along the Turtle Back Nature Trail. Junior Rangers will discover all kinds of wonders along this 3/4 mile trail, loaded with up-close experiences with plant and animal communities that live among the intersection of oak woodlands, grasslands, mud flats, and tidal salt marsh. We will look at glittering crystals on salt grass, listen for the zippy hum of Anna’s hummingbirds, and quietly observe egrets as they deftly hunt for their lunch.

Dress in layers for the weather. Bring a filled water bottle, snacks, and sunscreen.

Date: Saturday, March 11
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Difficulty: Easy, 3/4 mile
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

Wildflower Hike
2023-03-18 10:00 - 12:00
With spring just around the corner, China Camp’s landscape will be bursting with color. Join our upcoming wildflower hikes to experience the beauty. On these mostly level hikes, we will traverse deep oak woodlands in search of creamy white milkmaids, violet ground iris, magenta shooting stars, and of course, lovely orange California poppies. Bring a water bottle, proper hiking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Date: Saturday, March 18
Location: Knight Drive Trailhead (Google map link.)
Walking difficulty: Moderate, 2 miles.
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
REGISTER FOR MARCH 18

Date: Saturday, April 8
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground Entrance Kiosk
Walking difficulty: Moderate, 3-4 miles.
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
REGISTER FOR APRIL 8

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

Photo: Wildflowers by Sheila Coll

Junior Ranger Program
2023-03-25 10:00 - 12:00
Come explore where water meets the land along the Turtle Back Nature Trail. Junior Rangers will discover all kinds of wonders along this 3/4 mile trail, loaded with up-close experiences with plant and animal communities that live among the intersection of oak woodlands, grasslands, mud flats, and tidal salt marsh. We will look at glittering crystals on salt grass, listen for the zippy hum of Anna’s hummingbirds, and quietly observe egrets as they deftly hunt for their lunch.

Dress in layers for the weather. Bring a filled water bottle, snacks, and sunscreen.

Date: Saturday, March 25
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Difficulty: Easy, 3/4 mile
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

Naturalist Book Club
2023-03-26 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for this month’s naturalist book club as we discuss Ed Yong’s bestselling book, An Immense World.
Summary from Penguin Random House, Publisher:
“In An Immense World, Ed Yong coaxes us beyond the confines of our own senses, allowing us to perceive the skeins of scent, waves of electromagnetism, and pulses of pressure that surround us. We encounter beetles that are drawn to fires, turtles that can track the Earth’s magnetic fields, fish that fill rivers with electrical messages, and even humans who wield sonar like bats. We discover that a crocodile’s scaly face is as sensitive as a lover’s fingertips, that the eyes of a giant squid evolved to see sparkling whales, that plants thrum with the inaudible songs of courting bugs, and that even simple scallops have complex vision. We learn what bees see in flowers, what songbirds hear in their tunes, and what dogs smell on the street. We listen to stories of pivotal discoveries in the field, while looking ahead at the many mysteries that remain unsolved.”
“Funny, rigorous, and suffused with the joy of discovery, An Immense World takes us on what Marcel Proust called ‘the only true voyage . . . not to visit strange lands, but to possess other eyes.’”

Date: Sunday, March 26
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Online meeting details will be mailed to registrants.

REGISTER HERE

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

Earth Day Climate Action Workday
2023-04-01 08:30 - 13:00
Mother Earth needs a little help; can you lend a hand? We are looking for volunteers to help strengthen our park’s biodiversity and climate resiliency during our annual Earth Day Climate Action workday.
We will be removing French and Scotch broom, invasive plants that outcompete and smother native plant species. Removing these aggressive, flammable plants offers the added benefit of reducing the wildfire fuel load in the park.
Though it is April fools day, we’re not fooling! This activity is moderately strenuous; volunteers will be encouraged to work at their own pace. Snacks will be available and a post-event lunch will be provided.
This event is being held in partnership with the California State Parks Foundation; please register with them (registration button below). Once you’ve signed up, they will provide additional details, including a map to the meeting location.

REGISTER HERE

Date: Saturday, April 1
Registration: 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Event: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Group Camp parking lot
Ages: 14 and up. Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Wear: Long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes.
Bring: Work gloves, water bottles.

Space is limited. Reservations required.
Cancellations notified via email.

Questions?
Email info@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.
Photo: Sheila Coll

Full Moon Hike
2023-04-05 18:30 - 21:00
Ever feel like it’s time to change up your weekly evening routine for something a bit more… spectacular? Take a night off from Netflix and exchange your couch for our verdant hills and wide open sky during March and April’s full moon hikes. On these hikes we will ascend to a breathtaking vista point and welcome the glowing moon as it emerges into the night sky.
What to bring: Dress for the crisp, cool night, wear sturdy hiking shoes (expect the possibility of muddy trails), and pack flashlights loaded with fresh batteries.
Note: Hike leaves at start time noted. Don’t be late or you’ll miss the fun! Strong winds or rain will cancel.

“Pink Moon” Hike
Date: Tuesday, April 5
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Meeting location details emailed upon reservation.
Difficulty: Moderate, 3.5 miles round trip.
REGISTER FOR APRIL 5

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

Photo: Steve Ziman

Wildflower Hike
2023-04-08 10:00 - 12:00
Spring is here and China Camp’s landscape is bursting with color. Join our upcoming wildflower hike to experience the beauty. On this mostly level hike, we will traverse deep oak woodlands in search of violet Douglas iris, magenta shooting stars, and of course, lovely orange California poppies. Bring a water bottle, proper hiking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Date: Saturday, April 8
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground Entrance Kiosk
Difficulty: Moderate, 3-4 miles.
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
REGISTER FOR APRIL 8

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

Photo: Sheila Coll

Spring Birding Hike
2023-04-22 08:00 - 10:00
Our spring avian migrants have once again made a pit stop at China Camp while racking up frequent flier miles along the North American Pacific flyway. Some of these park guests include Vaux’s swifts, Swainson’s thrushes, and yellow warblers.
How do these species so quickly adapt to survive among drastically different environments on their flightpath? How does their presence affect year-round resident species in the bay area? During our spring birding hikes we will address these and other questions as we explore four distinct habitats in the park: oak woodland; open grassland; and salt marshes. Each habitat attracts different species, both for feeding and nesting.
Additionally, we will review the four keys to identifying birds in the field, and learn about tools such as checklists, field guides, binoculars, and telescopes. Participants will also learn how to identify birds by observing flight patterns, noting body shapes and sizes, hearing songs, and watching behaviors. Bring binoculars, sturdy shoes, and a water bottle.

Date: Saturday, April 22
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Difficulty: Easy; 1½ miles

REGISTER HERE FOR APRIL 22

Date: Saturday, May 20
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Difficulty: Easy; 1½ miles

REGISTER HERE FOR MAY 20

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

Photo: North American Flyway by US Fish & Wildlife Service/ fws.gov

Naturalist Book Club
2023-04-30 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for this month’s naturalist book club as we discuss Leila Philip’s bestselling book, Beaverland.
Summary from author’s website, leilaphilip.com:
“From award-winning writer Leila Philip, Beaverland is a masterful work of narrative science writing, a book that highlights, through history and contemporary storytelling, how this unusual rodent has played an oversized role in American history and continues to feature in its future. She follows fur trappers who lead her through waist-high water, fur traders, and fur auctioneers, as well as wildlife managers, PETA activists, Native American environmental vigilantes, scientists, engineers, and the colorful group of activists known as beaver believers…
What emerges is a poignant personal narrative, a startling portrait of the secretive world of the contemporary fur trade, and an engrossing ecological and historical investigation of these heroic animals who, once trapped to the point of extinction, have returned to the landscape as one of the greatest conservation stories of the twentieth century. Beautifully written and impeccably researched, Beaverland reveals the profound ways in which one odd animal and the trade surrounding it has shaped history, culture, and our environment.”

Date: Sunday, April 30
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Online Zoom meeting details will be mailed to registrants.

REGISTER HERE

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

CANCELED: Full Moon Viewing Event
2023-05-05 20:15 - 21:00
This event has been canceled due to predicted rain and cloudy weather. Check event calendar for future events.
Full moon by Sheila Coll
Isn’t it a delight to spend an evening with a familiar face? We invite you this spring to spend an evening with the world’s most brilliant and recognized face, the full moon! Did you know that no matter where you are on the earth, you will only ever see the same side of the moon? The rate of the moon’s rotation is in perfect alignment with its orbit around the earth, meaning its “face” is always directed towards earth, leaving the “dark side” only available for direct viewing by satellites (and lucky astronauts). We are delighted to once again come face to face with its dependable presence during our spring full moon events. During this month’s event we will gather at a breathtaking vista point and welcome the glowing moon as it emerges into the night sky. There will be a telescope available for an up-close viewing experience and we will roast marshmallows and make our own “moon pies”.
What to bring: Dress for the crisp, cool night and pack flashlights loaded with fresh batteries.
Note: Strong winds or rain will cancel.

“Flower Moon” viewing
Date: Friday, May 5
Time: 8:15 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: China Camp Point Parking Lot
Difficulty: Easy. Wheelchair accessible.
Note: This event will be a stationary meeting at the China Camp Point parking lot with telescopes and tasty treats. This event is suitable for all ages.
REGISTER FOR MAY 5 EVENT

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

Photo: Sheila Coll

ADVISORY: Large Cycling Event
2023-05-06 08:00 - 17:00
There will be a cycling event beginning at Miwok Meadows on Saturday, May 6 from 8am-4pm. Please expect increased mountain bike traffic on Shoreline Trail, Bayview Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail during that time.
Go to the Ales and Trails website for more details.

Junior Ranger Program
2023-05-06 10:00 - 12:00
🎶 Drip drip drop little April shower, beating a tune as you fall all around! 🎶 Are you as excited as we are about the diverse new life the wet weather has brought to the park? For our upcoming spring programs, we invite Junior Rangers to explore the symphony of color and life that is appearing along China Camp’s shoreline. There will be much to observe and learn about: new ferns unfurling their fronds; sprouting leaf buds on buckeye and oak trees; colorful songbirds busily building nests; and birds of prey carefully watching for their next meal.

Dress in layers for the weather. Bring a filled water bottle, snacks, and sunscreen.

Date: Saturday, May 6
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Village Beach
Difficulty: Easy walk, ¾ mile
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: Large Cycling Event
2023-05-13 08:00 - 17:00
There will be a cycling event beginning at Miwok Meadows on Saturday, May 13 from 8am-4pm. Please expect increased mountain bike traffic and foot traffic on Shoreline Trail, Bayview Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail during that time.
Go to the Bike 4 Buckelew website for more details.

Spring Birding Hike
2023-05-20 08:00 - 10:00
Our spring avian migrants have once again made a pit stop at China Camp while racking up frequent flier miles along the North American Pacific flyway. Some of these park guests include Vaux’s swifts, Swainson’s thrushes, and yellow warblers.
How do these species so quickly adapt to survive among drastically different environments on their flightpath? How does their presence affect year-round resident species in the bay area? During our spring birding hikes we will address these and other questions as we explore four distinct habitats in the park: oak woodland; open grassland; and salt marshes. Each habitat attracts different species, both for feeding and nesting.
Additionally, we will review the four keys to identifying birds in the field, and learn about tools such as checklists, field guides, binoculars, and telescopes. Participants will also learn how to identify birds by observing flight patterns, noting body shapes and sizes, hearing songs, and watching behaviors. Bring binoculars, sturdy shoes, and a water bottle.

Date: Saturday, May 20
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
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: North American Flyway by US Fish & Wildlife Service/ fws.gov

Wildflower Hike
2023-05-21 10:00 - 12:00
What is your favorite color? Green, yellow, orange, or purple perhaps? The “pineapple express” storms have brought a world of color to China Camp, as we are now seeing a grand show of wildflowers. Let’s look for our favorites during our upcoming spring wildflower hike. For this difficult, three mile hike, we will explore deep oak and redwood woodlands in search of white stalks of Fremont’s star lily, violet brodiaea, red indian warriors and maybe some early buckeye blooms. Bring a water bottle, proper hiking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Date: Sunday, May 21
Location: Knight Drive Trailhead
Difficulty: Difficult, 3 miles.
Time: 10 a.m. – noon

REGISTER

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

Photo: Sheila Coll

Naturalist Book Club
2023-05-28 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for this month’s naturalist book club as we discuss Dan Levitt’s bestselling book, What’s Gotten Into You.

Summary from Dan Levitt’s Website:

“Every one of us contains a billion times more atoms than all the grains of sand in the earth’s deserts. If you weigh 150 pounds, you’ve got enough carbon to make 25 pounds of charcoal, enough salt to fill a saltshaker, enough chlorine to disinfect several backyard swimming pools, and enough iron to forge a 3-inch nail. But how did these elements combine to make us human?
This eye-opening popular science book tells how scientists traced our atoms journeys from the beginning of time. Behind their unexpected findings were investigations marked by fierce rivalries, obsession, heartbreak, flashes of insight, and flukes of blind luck..”

Date: Sunday, May 25
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Online meeting details will be mailed to registrants.
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
2023-06-03 19:30 - 22:00
Photo: Stephen Schupp
Isn’t it a delight to spend an evening with a familiar face? We invite you this spring to spend an evening with the world’s most brilliant and recognized face, the full moon! Did you know that no matter where you are on the earth, you will only ever see the same side of the moon? The rate of the moon’s rotation is in perfect alignment with its orbit around the earth, meaning its “face” is always directed towards earth, leaving the “dark side” only available for direct viewing by satellites (and lucky astronauts). We are delighted to once again come face to face with its dependable presence during our spring full moon events. During this event, we will travel to a breathtaking vista point and welcome the glowing moon as it emerges into the night sky.
What to bring: Dress for the crisp, cool night. Wear sturdy hiking shoes (expect the possibility of muddy trails), and pack flashlights loaded with fresh batteries.
Note: Event begins at start time noted. Don’t be late or you’ll miss the fun! Strong winds or rain will cancel.

“Strawberry Moon” Hike
Date: Saturday, June 3
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Meeting location details emailed upon reservation.
Difficulty: Moderate, 3.5 miles round trip. Suitable for ages 10 and up.
REGISTER FOR JUNE 3 EVENT
Free for FOCC members; $5 for non-members.
Space is limited; reservations required.
Cancellations notified via email.
Questions? Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org or call (415) 456-0766.

Photo: Stephen Schupp

Birding Hike
2023-06-17 08:00 - 10:00
Like the ever-changing wardrobe of teenage humans, young fledgling seagulls exhibit a continuous refashoning of plumage in the five years leading up to maturity. During this period, their colors and patterns constantly change, making them a challenge for even experienced birders to correctly identify. We will accept this challenge during this summer’s birding hikes, as we will take to the shoreline to focus on ID’ing shorebirds, waders, ducks, and gulls. We will also explore upland grassland and scrub habitat, which is often filled with small singing and perching birds.
We will also review the four keys to identifying birds (size, shape, overall color, behavior/habitat). Participants will also learn how to identify birds by observing flight patterns, noting body shapes and sizes, hearing songs, and watching behaviors. Please join us for this monthly bird walk, and be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and binoculars.

Date: Saturday, June 17
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Bullhead Flat Parking Lot
Difficulty: Easy; 1½ miles
REGISTER FOR JUNE 17

Date: Saturday, July 22
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Difficulty: Easy; 1½ miles
REGISTER FOR JULY 22

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

Photo: Juvenile western gull by Richard Bunn / Macaulay Library

ADVISORY: FOOTRACE
2023-06-17 08:00 - 14:00
There will be a footrace beginning from Miwok Meadows on Saturday, June 17 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.

Wildflower Hike
2023-06-17 10:00 - 14:00
Up for a challenge with some spectacular rewards? Join us for one of the park’s most challenging hikes–a 5-mile round-trip hike with a 1000-foot elevation gain up to the San Pedro ridgeline. The trip will offer commanding views of the North Bay and the western coastal ranges. Along the way we’ll catch the last burst of spring wildflowers: clarkia, sticky monkey flower, and Franciscan paintbrush. Bring a full water bottle, snacks, proper hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Date: Saturday, June 17
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Bay Hills Fire Road Trailhead. From Knight Drive, turn left at Rollingwood Drive until you get to Beechwood Court. Meet near the end by the trailhead.
Difficulty: Strenuous, 5 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: Clarkia by Sheila Coll

Friends of China Camp Annual Meeting
2023-06-24 09:00 - 10:00
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.

This event is open to all. We welcome your involvement and input.

Date: Saturday, June 24
Time: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Location: China Camp Village Museum

Questions?
Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org
Or call (415)456-0766
Check the Friends of China Camp website for cancellation announcements.
