Friends of China Camp

Junior Ranger Program
2024-10-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Eastern gray squirrel by Ed Sweeney
The Olympics have arrived at China Camp. Squirrels take the lead in arboreal gymnastics, grasshoppers beat out the competition at the long jump, pelicans get a 10 out of 10 at the high dive, and woodpeckers nab acorns and dodge interceptions at forest rugby.
Who’ll come out on top in China Camp’s Animal Olympics? During this month’s Junior Ranger Program, little explorers will engage in fun activities and learn about the extraordinary adaptations that allow our local critters to compete and excel.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, October 12
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Meeting location: China Camp Village beach
Difficulty: easy
Cost: $5 per attendee; payment made at time of registration
Ages: 7 to 9, accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Reserve Now

Eastern gray squirrel by Ed Sweeney/Wikimedia Commons

ADVISORY: FOOTRACE
2024-10-13 08:00 - 14:00 | CA
There will be a footrace beginning at Miwok Meadows on Sunday, October 13 from 8am-2pm. Please expect increased foot traffic on Shoreline Trail, Bayview Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail during that time.
Go to the Tamalpa Racing website for more details.

ADVISORY: FOOTRACE
2024-10-15 15:00 - 17:00 | CA
There will be a high school cross county footrace beginning at Miwok Meadows on Sunday, October 15 from 3pm-5pm. Please expect increased foot traffic on Shoreline Trail, Bayview Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail during that time.

Give-back morning at China Camp
2024-10-16 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come groom a trail, pull invasive weeds, split firewood, paint a fence, or do the countless other tasks that keep the park humming. Fun, interesting, challenging—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 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: October 16 (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
2024-10-25 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come groom a trail, pull invasive weeds, split firewood, paint a fence, or do the countless other tasks that keep the park humming. Fun, interesting, challenging—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 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: October 25 (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
2024-10-26 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come groom a trail, pull invasive weeds, split firewood, paint a fence, or do the countless other tasks that keep the park humming. Fun, interesting, challenging—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 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: October 26 (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 BOOK CLUB
2024-10-27 19:00 - 20:00 | CA
Join us for a lively discussion of “The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth” by Zoë Schlanger. Schlanger is an award-winning staff writer for the Atlantic, covering science, health, and the environment.
From the author’s website:
“A narrative investigation into the new science of plant intelligence and sentience, from National Association of Science Writers Award winner and Livingston Award finalist Zoe Schlanger. Look at the green organism across the room or through the window: the potted plant, or the grass, or a tree. Think how a life spent constantly growing yet rooted in a single spot comes with tremendous challenges. To meet them, plants have come up with some of the most creative methods for surviving of any living thing, us included. Many are so ingenious that they seem nearly impossible…The Light Eaters will completely redefine how you think of plants. Packed with the most amazing stories of the life of plants it will open your eyes to the extraordinary green life forms we share the planet with.”

Date: Sunday, October 27
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: online meeting; details emailed with registration confirmation
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 12 and up
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2024-10-30 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come groom a trail, pull invasive weeds, split firewood, paint a fence, or do the countless other tasks that keep the park humming. Fun, interesting, challenging—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 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: October 30 (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

China Camp’s Fireside Ghost Stories
2024-11-02 17:30 - 18:30 | CA
Celebrate the spookiest time of year with us, if you dare! Roast s’mores over a crackling fire and sip apple cider while we entertain you with spine-tingling lore of the spirits, flora, and fauna of China Camp. Hear what the fairies are whispering about the woodbine vine in our forests and learn about legendary floral remedies to cure an evil spell. Heed cautionary tales of ancient curses, like the legend of the ill-fated farmer who mistakenly overlooked a four-leaf clover in his hay bale. We invite children of all ages to bring a costume to this kid-friendly evening event. The wackiest costume wins a prize!
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, November 2
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Back Ranch Campground amphitheater
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
REGISTER HERE

Give-back morning at China Camp
2024-11-07 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come groom a trail, pull invasive weeds, split firewood, paint a fence, or do the countless other tasks that keep the park humming. Fun, interesting, challenging—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 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: November 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

REGISTRATION FULL: Astronomy Night with Marin Stargazers
2024-11-09 17:00 - 19:00 | CA
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN FULLY BOOKED.
Email programs@friendsofchinacamp.org to be added to the waitlist.
Join us as we partner with the enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers of Marin Stargazers; for an unforgettable evening under a crisp mid-autumn night sky. Using telescopes we’ll zoom in on Venus, double stars, and Saturn’s enigmatic rings. We’ll also gaze upon the shadowy face of the first quarter moon, observing the details of its craters, lava plains, and mountains. Dress warmly and bring friends and family to this unforgettable event.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, November 9
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.; please arrive early to minimize headlight interference
Location: Back Ranch Campground parking area
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
ADA accessible

RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2024-11-16 09:00 - 13:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Join us for a work morning in partnership with the California State Parks Foundation. We will be grooming Shoreline Trail and clearing culverts in preparation for the winter rains—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 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: November 16
Time: 9 a.m. – noon. Lunch will be served at noon.
Location: Miwok Meadows picnic area
Difficulty: easy to moderately strenuous. Walking 2-3 miles.
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
Please register with the California State Parks Foundation.

Junior Ranger Program
2024-11-16 10:00 - 12:00 | CA
This month Jr. Rangers will explore the superpowers of China Camp’s nocturnal wildlife. Creatures of the night such as owls, bats, coyotes, and certain bugs have special adaptations that allow them to thrive under the cover of darkness. Through fun activities and games, Jr. Rangers will learn how a bat can determine the precise location of its dinner under a pitch-black night sky, and how an owl can sneak up on prey, undetected.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, November 16
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Meeting location: Back Ranch Campground
Difficulty: easy
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 7 to 9, accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible

RESERVE NOW

Photo: barn owl by Charles J. Sharp/Wikimedia Commons

Give-back morning at China Camp—RESCHEDULED
2024-11-19 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
DUE TO PREDICTED RAIN, THIS EVENT IS NOW SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19.
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come groom a trail, pull invasive weeds, split firewood, paint a fence, or do the countless other tasks that keep the park humming. Fun, interesting, challenging—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 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: November 19 (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
2024-11-23 08:00 - 10:00 | CA
During this month’s birding walk, we hope to spot year-round residents such as song sparrows, white-tailed kites, and ospreys. We’ll explore diverse habitats, including tidal wetlands and oak-bay forests. Birding expert Jerry Coe will cover the four keys to identifying birds—size, color, behavior, and habitat—and share tips on the best field guides and binoculars. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and enhance your birdwatching knowledge!
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, November 23
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Meeting location: Turtle Back trailhead
Difficulty: easy
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

Photo: song sparrow by Rhododendrites/Wikimedia Commons

CANCELLED: Marshland Meander
2024-11-23 14:00 - 15:00 | CA
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO PREDICTED RAIN
Join us for a relaxing autumn stroll along the ¾-mile, ADA-accessible Turtle Back Trail loop overlooking China Camp’s protected tidal marsh. We will move at a gentle pace during this naturalist-led excursion and we will learn about the fascinating ecological interworkings of the San Pablo Bay estuary and the unique adaptations of local marshland species. We’ll be on the lookout for shorebirds like egrets, herons, and waterfowl as we pass through scenic tidal marshland and tranquil oak woodlands.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, November 23
Time: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Meeting location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Difficulty: easy 3/4-mile walk
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
ADA accessible

NATURALIST BOOK CLUB
2024-11-24 19:00 - 20:00 | CA
Join us for an enlightening discussion of Rhythms of Life – The Biological Clocks that Control the Daily Lives of Every Living Thing by Russell G. Foster and Leon Kreitzman.
From the publisher’s website:
“An eye-opening discussion of how biological clocks affect the lives of all living organisms. In this fascinating book, Russell Foster and Leon Kreitzman explain the significance of the biological clock, showing how it has played an essential role in evolution and why it continues to play a vitally important role in all living organisms. The authors tell us that biological clocks are embedded in our genes and reset at sunrise and sunset each day to link astronomical time with an organism’s internal time. They discuss how scientists are working out the clockwork mechanisms and what governs them, and they describe how organisms measure different intervals of time, how they are adapted to various cycles, and how light coordinates the time within to the external world. They review problems that can be caused by malfunctioning biological clocks—including jet lag, seasonal affective disorder, and depression. And they warn that although new drugs are being promoted to allow us to stay awake for longer periods, a 24/7 lifestyle can have a harmful impact on our health, both as individuals and as a society.”
Date: Sunday, November 24
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: online meeting; details emailed with registration confirmation
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 12 and up

RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2024-11-26 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come groom a trail, pull invasive weeds, split firewood, paint a fence, or do the countless other tasks that keep the park humming. Fun, interesting, challenging—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 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.
Date: November 26 (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
2024-12-05 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come groom a trail, pull invasive weeds, split firewood, paint a fence, or do the countless other tasks that keep the park humming. Fun, interesting, challenging—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 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: December 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

Give-back morning at China Camp
2024-12-10 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come groom a trail, pull invasive weeds, split firewood, paint a fence, or do the countless other tasks that keep the park humming. Fun, interesting, challenging—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 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: December 10 (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 Hike
2024-12-14 08:00 - 10:00 | CA
December is a great time to view large migrating birds along the San Pedro shoreline. During this winter birding walk, birding expert Jerry Coe will guide us as we keep watch for snow geese and Ross’s geese gliding over the bay on their way to over-winter in the flooded rice farms of the Sacramento Valley. American White Pelicans, one of the largest birds in North America, may be seen swimming near the shore. These pelicans remain nearby until spring, when they move to the Great Basin to breed. We will also be on the lookout for resident Anna’s hummingbirds, spotted towhees, nuthatches, and Vaux swifts. Attend this engaging event to learn about birding tools and valuable techniques for identification. Bring binoculars and a full water bottle, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Date: Saturday, December 14,
Time: 8 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Nature Trail
Difficulty: Easy 1.5- to 2-mile walk. Warm clothing advised. This walk meets rain or shine. If raining we will move to the China Camp Village Cafe
Cost: Free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no

RESERVE NOW

Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Photo credit: snow goose by Frank Schulenburg/Wikimedia Commons

Give-back morning at China Camp—RESCHEDULED
2024-12-14 09:00 - 13:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
DUE TO PREDICTED RAIN, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28.
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come join our work day in partnership with the California State Parks Foundation. We will be grooming Shoreline Trail and clearing culverts in preparation for winter rains—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Lunch is included.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: December 14
Time: 9 a.m. – 1
Location: Miwok Meadows picnic area
Difficulty: easy to moderately strenuous. Walking 2-3 miles.
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
Please register with the California State Parks Foundation.

KING TIDE HIKE
2024-12-14 10:30 - 11:30 | CA
Guided tour with National Estuarine Research Reserve scientist

Join Matt Ferner, director of the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, for a walk near the edge of China Camp’s tidal salt marsh during one of the highest tides of the year, also known as a “king tide”. What can king tides teach us about sea level rise? How might climate change impact our region’s wetlands and local marsh species in the years to come? Find out answers to these questions and more during this engaging event. Click here to see a time-lapse video of a King Tide at China Camp. This event is suitable for adults.

Date: Saturday, December 14
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (High tide 10:39 a.m.)
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: all ages welcome; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: yes

RESERVE NOW

Full Moon Hike
2024-12-15 16:00 - 18:30 | CA
“Cold Moon”
Witness the spectacular rise of December’s “Cold Moon during our winter full moon hikes. The “Cold Moon” is always the closest moon to the winter solstice, and is named for the frigid temperatures associated with the longest night of the year. Our naturalist docent, Harold Hirsch, will lead this 3.5-mile round-trip excursion; we’ll climb some 500 feet following a single-track trail to a prime overlook to take in breathtaking views of the moonrise over the bay. We ask participants to arrive prepared for these moderately challenging, likely chilly, after-dark hikes. Events may be canceled due to inclement weather or hazardous trail conditions.

Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
Time: 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Hike starts promptly at 4 p.m. Please arrive by 3:45 to check in.
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: Moderately challenging (3.5-mile loop with 530-ft. elevation gain)
Cost: Free for members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 10 and older (ages under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
ADA accessible: no

RESERVE NOW
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Give-back morning at China Camp
2024-12-18 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come groom a trail, pull invasive weeds, split firewood, paint a fence, or do the countless other tasks that keep the park humming. Fun, interesting, challenging—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 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: December 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

Give-back morning at China Camp
2024-12-28 09:00 - 13:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come join our work day in partnership with the California State Parks Foundation. We will be grooming Shoreline Trail and clearing culverts in preparation for winter rains—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional). For groups of five or more, contact our volunteer maintenance coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net.
Lunch is included.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Saturday, December 28
Time: 9 a.m. – 1
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to moderately strenuous. Walking 2-3 miles.
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
Please register with the California State Parks Foundation.

Give-back morning at China Camp
2024-12-31 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come groom a trail, pull invasive weeds, split firewood, paint a fence, or do the countless other tasks that keep the park humming. Fun, interesting, challenging—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 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: December 31, New Year’s Eve! (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 Year's Day Sunrise Hike
2025-01-01 06:15 - 09:00 | CA
Let’s ring in the new year together in a spectacular way. We welcome you to join naturalist Harold Hirsch in China Camp’s annual New Year’s Day sunrise hike to view the first golden light of the year. During this 3-mile round trip hike we will ascend to one of China Camp’s premier vista points to ring in the New Year with sunshine and good wishes. If you wish, bring a short message or poem to share at the vistapoint. Refreshments will be served after the hike.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Wednesday, January 1
Time: 6:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: China Camp State Park ranger station
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: all ages welcome; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no

RESERVE NOW

Photo credit: Sheila Coll

Give-back morning at China Cam
2025-01-08 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Make a difference and have fun doing it! With limited dollars coming from the State, volunteers are essential in keeping the park safe and beautiful. Come groom a trail, pull invasive weeds, split firewood, paint a fence, or do the countless other tasks that keep the park humming. Fun, interesting, challenging—it’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.
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 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: January 8 (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 Hike
2025-01-11 08:00 - 10:00 | CA
January is a great time to view large migrating birds along the San Pedro shoreline. During this winter birding walk, birding expert Jerry Coe will guide us as we keep watch for snow geese and Ross’s geese gliding over the bay on their way to over-winter in the flooded rice farms of the Sacramento Valley. American White Pelicans, one of the largest birds in North America, may be seen swimming near the shore. These pelicans remain nearby until spring, when they move to the Great Basin to breed. We will also be on the lookout for resident Anna’s hummingbirds, spotted towhees, nuthatches, and Vaux swifts. Attend this engaging event to learn about birding tools and valuable techniques for identification. Bring binoculars and a full water bottle, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Date: Saturday, January 11
Time: 8 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back trailhead
Difficulty: easy 1.5- to 2-mile walk. This walk meets rain or shine. If raining we will move to the China Camp Village Cafe
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no

RESERVE NOW

Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Photo credit: snow goose by Frank Schulenburg/Wikimedia Commons
