Friends of China Camp

Give-Back Morning at China Camp
2024-06-04 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Enjoy a morning making a difference in the park. Our weekly maintenance days tackle a host of jobs large and small, so there’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be a weightlifter or a construction worker to help out, in fact we’ve got men and women of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities volunteering at the park. But there are things that our volunteers have in common: a willingness to pitch in and work together, a healthy sense of humor, and desire to help the park.
Whether you’re a newbie or experienced, pitch in to keep the park safe and beautiful. There’s no long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again.
Meet promptly at 9 a.m. in the maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael). Bring work gloves and filled water bottles. Long pants, long-sleeve shirt, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, and sun glasses or other eye protection are recommended. Ages 14 and up (under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Please leave your four-legged friends at home, as no pets are allowed on our trails.
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.

Junior Rangers: A bug’s life
2024-06-08 10:00 - 12:00
Thriving communities of little beings are hidden right before our eyes. Tiny creatures dominate the sky and burrow deep in the earth. Some even work in highly organized teams to build impressive cities of their own.
Who are these mysterious creatures? Insects! For this month’s Junior Ranger Program, your little explorers will delve into the busy world of insects. We will share how scientists differentiate “true bugs,” such as cicadas, from spiders, centipedes, ants, and other insects. We’ll use special magnifying tools to get an up-close look at the predators, pollinators, builders, cleaners, and artists of this busy insect community.
Dress your pint-size naturalists in layers for changeable weather, and bring snacks, a filled water bottle, bug spray, and a smile and spirit of adventure.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Saturday, June 8
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground
Difficulty: easy, ¾-mile walk
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: ages 7 to 9; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no

RESERVE NOW

Give-Back Morning at China Camp
2024-06-12 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Join us for a morning of making the park look beautiful. There’s always plenty to do—trail grooming, fence mending, log splitting, litter pickup, and so much more. Join us and make a difference! No previous experience needed. Difficulty ranges from easy to a good work out. No long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again!
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Location: The maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael)
Time: Meet promptly at 9 a.m.
What to bring: Bring work gloves, filled water bottles. Long pants, long-sleeve shirt, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, sun glasses or other eye protection are recommended.
Ages: Ages 14 and up (minors ages 14 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
NO REGISTRATION NEEDED… JUST SHOW UP!

State Parks Week Event: Owl meet-up & nest-box workshop
2024-06-12 15:00 - 16:30
Celebrate California State Parks Week_–with special events at parks all over the state, including China Camp State Park, from June 12 to 16.
Come meet two of the park’s nocturnal avian species. Can you guess who they might be? Owls, that’s hoo-hoo! Experts from the nonprofit All About Owls will introduce Gazeau, a female great-horned owl, and Buho, a male Western screech owl. After the presentation, learn how to make owl boxes—important habitat for our local owls. (A limited number of finished boxes will be available for purchase.) Make sure you register early for this sure-to-be-popular event.
To find out if your yard is right for an owl box, check out this section of the All About Owls website.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Wednesday, June 12
Time: 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: China Camp Village Museum
Cost: free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated from non-members
Ages: 8 and up (under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
ADA accessible: Yes

REGISTER NOW

Photo: screech owl courtesy of All About Owls

State Park’s Week: Say hi to our wild neighbors with Wildcare
2024-06-12 16:00 - 17:00
Celebrate California State Parks Week_–with special events at parks all over the state, including China Camp State Park, from June 12 to 16.
Meet three of WildCare’s rescued, non-releasable, wild animals and learn about their unique adaptations in this hour-long presentation. Experts from WildCare, our region’s wildlife rescue and rehab center, will share the stories of these “animal ambassadors,” which, due to their injuries or other issues, can no longer live in the wild.
By sharing information about these animal ambassadors, WildCare aims to increase awareness about the threats faced by our local wildlife. Reserve early to take part in this engaging program that will inspire you to live well with wildlife.

Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Wednesday, June 12
Time: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground Amphitheater
Cost: free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 8 and up (under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
ADA accessible: No

REGISTER NOW

Photo: courtesy of Wildcare.

State Park’s Week event: Twilight yoga by the bay
2024-06-13 19:00 - 20:00
Celebrate California State Parks Week_–with special events at parks all over the state, including China Camp State Park, from June 12 to 16.
Nourish your health and well-being with a twilight yoga class presented by Hot Yoga Republic. The class will take place along the shoreline at China Camp Village. We will start with a calm, centering meditation, followed by a simple flow of classic postures, and ending with relaxation and a quiet appreciation of the beautiful summer sunset.

Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Thursday, June 13
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: China Camp Village
Cost: free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated from non-members
Ages: 12 and up (under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
ADA accessible: No

REGISTER NOW

Photo: courtesy of Hot Yoga Republic

Summer ridgeline hike
2024-06-15 08:45 - 12:00
It’s true—some of life’s greatest challenges reap the best rewards. Case in point: the epic panoramic views you’ll earn after this month’s 1,000-foot ascent to the tip of the San Pedro hills. Kick off summer with one of China Camp’s most challenging hikes and enjoy stunning views of the sparkling San Pablo Bay, San Francisco skyline, and East Bay hills. Along the way, naturalist Harold Hirsch will offer insights into the park’s natural history, geology, and ecosystems, including coastal chaparral, grasslands, and oak forests.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes. Bring layers for changeable weather, a filled water bottle, and a camera/smartphone; walking poles optional. Pets are not allowed on our trails, so please leave your four-legged family members at home.
NOTE: Please arrive by 8:45 a.m. to check in. Hike starts at 9 a.m. sharp.

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

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 8:45 a.m. – noon
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground Entrance Kiosk
Difficulty: challenging (1,000-ft. altitude gain, including some steep sections)
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 10 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no
Maximum number: 20

RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2024-06-20 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-29 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-07 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-24 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Enjoy a morning making a difference in the park. Our weekly maintenance days tackle a host of jobs large and small, so there’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be a weightlifter or a construction worker to help out, in fact we’ve got men and women of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities volunteering at the park. But there are things that our volunteers have in common: a willingness to pitch in and work together, a healthy sense of humor, and desire to help the park.
Whether you’re a newbie or experienced, pitch in to keep the park safe and beautiful. There’s no long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again.
Meet promptly at 9 a.m. in the maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael). Bring work gloves and a filled water bottle. Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Sunglasses or other eye protection are recommended. Please leave your four-legged friends at home, as no pets are allowed on our trails.
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Ages: 14 and up (ages under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.

Summer solstice astronomy night
2024-06-21 20:00 - 21:30
From a dazzling vantage point at one of China Camp Point’s bayside bluffs, you’re invited to partake in our full moon summer solstice celebration. We will set up our telescope to get an up-close look at June’s “Strawberry Moon,” so called because it occurs during the height of berry season, as it emerges over the East Bay hills. Our docents will share fascinating facts about celestial science and cultural significance of the moon. We’ll also have fixings for two of summertime’s signature treats: s’more “moon pies” and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
We will stay in one location (no hiking) for this ADA-accessible, family-friendly event. Dress in layers for chilly evening temperatures and bring a flashlight or headlamp.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Friday, June 21
Time: 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: China Camp Point
Cost: Free for members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 5 and older (ages under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
ADA accessible: yes
Maximum number: 30
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

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Annual community meeting
2024-06-22 09:00 - 10:30
Much has happened in the past year at China Camp State Park—updated park signs, electrical upgrades, safer access for people with disabilities, and a shiny new truck!
Join us at our annual community meeting to learn about our successes and challenges over the past year, get a peek into the year ahead, and share your thoughts on how we can all make this amazing park even better. This event is open to all. We welcome your involvement and input.

Date: Saturday, June 22
Time: 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: China Camp Village

Secrets of our tidal wetlands
2024-06-22 10:30 - 12:00
Summertime is go time in China Camp’s tidal wetlands. Plants grow lush and full; baby birds hatch; tiny fish thrive in the channels. Learn about this boom season on an informative walk following Turtle Back Nature Trail, offering some of the park’s best views of our ultra-productive and important “pickleweed prairie.” FOCC volunteer Harriot Manley will share info on endangered and threatened species, including Ridgway’s rails and tiny salt-marsh harvest mice, and share what makes them specially adapted to live in tidal wetlands. You’ll also get the inside scoop on scientific research now underway in our marshlands, including studies on habitat resilience in the face of climate change.
This trail is ADA-accessible, so all abilities are welcome. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a filled water bottle and binoculars if you have them. Dress for changeable weather. Pets are not allowed on our trails, so please leave your four-footed friends at home.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Saturday, June 22
Time: 10:30 – noon
Location: Turtle Back Nature Trail trailhead
Cost: Free for members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 8 and older (ages under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
ADA accessible: yes
Maximum number: 15
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

REGISTER HERE

Summer shorebirds walk
2024-06-29 08:00 - 10:00
During this month’s birding walk, we will scan the bay and marshland in search of shorebirds, including sandpipers, ducks, gulls, egrets, and majestic great blue herons. Among the most challenging species to identify are newly-fledged gulls. These newbies are undergoing a remarkable four-year transformation, with the color of their plumage shifting from mottled browns and grays to black-gray-white adult plumage. After our shoreline observations, we’ll search for songbirds and other species in neighboring habitats.
Hike leader Jerry Coe will discuss how to distinguish bird calls and songs. Jerry will share the four keys to identifying birds in the field: color, size and shape, behavior, and habitat. Bring binoculars, a filled water bottle, and snacks. Dress in layers for changeable weather and wear appropriate walking shoes.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Saturday, June 29
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Bullhead Flat Parking Lot
Difficulty: easy, 1-mile round trip
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 8 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: yes
Maximum number: 20

RESERVE NOW

Book Club: The Backyard Bird Chronicles
2024-06-30 19:00 - 20:00
During June’s Naturalist Book Club, we will discuss The Backyard Bird Chronicles by critically acclaimed local author, Amy Tan, who also shows off her impressive illustration skills in this memorable book.
Excerpt from the publisher’s website:
“Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world. In 2016, Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.”
Date: Sunday, June 30
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: online meeting; details emailed with registration confirmation
Cost: free to FOCC members
Age: 12 and up
Maximum attendees: 25

RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2024-07-02 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-07-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-07-27 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Enjoy a morning making a difference in the park. Our weekly maintenance days tackle a host of jobs large and small, so there’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be a weightlifter or a construction worker to help out, in fact we’ve got men and women of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities volunteering at the park. But there are things that our volunteers have in common: a willingness to pitch in and work together, a healthy sense of humor, and desire to help the park.
Whether you’re a newbie or experienced, pitch in to keep the park safe and beautiful. There’s no long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again.
Meet promptly at 9 a.m. in the maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael). Bring work gloves and a filled water bottle. Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Sunglasses or other eye protection are recommended. Please leave your four-legged friends at home, as no pets are allowed on our trails.
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Ages: 14 and up (ages under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
NO REGISTRATION NEEDED… JUST SHOW UP!
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.

Birding Walk
2024-07-13 08:00 - 10:00
A flock of sanderlings shimmers across the water. Marbled godwits poke their long beaks into the mud. Snowy plovers and Western sandpipers scurry in ragged rows along the shoreline. July is peak time for shorebirds at China Camp, and bird expert Jerry Coe will help you catch all the action during this month’s birding hike. In addition to “peeps” (the generic name for small sandpiper-type shorebirds) and larger waders, we’ll be on the lookout for other birds that frequent the edges of the marsh, such as dabbling and diving ducks, ruby-crowned kinglets, and Anna’s hummingbirds.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a filled water bottle, snacks, and layers for changeable weather. Binoculars highly recommended. Please leave four-legged friends at home as our trails are not open to pets.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Saturday, July 13
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Bullhead Flat Parking Lot
Difficulty: easy, 1-mile round trip
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 8 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no
Maximum number: 20

RESERVE NOW

Junior Ranger Program: Animal Olympics
2024-07-13 10:00 - 12:00
The Summer Olympics have arrived at China Camp — Squirrels take the lead in arboreal gymnastics, grasshoppers beat out the competition at the grassland long jump, cormorants 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 this year’s Animal Olympics? During this month’s Junior Ranger Program, your little explorers will engage in fun activities and learn about the extraordinary adaptations that allow our local critters to leave the competition in the dust.

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

Date: Saturday, July 13
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Meeting Location: China Camp Village Beach
Difficulty: easy, ¾-mile walk
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 7 to 9; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no

RESERVE NOW

Photo credit: Eastern gray squirrel by Ed Sweeney/Wikimedia Commons/CC 2.0

Trees of China Camp
2024-07-14 10:00 - 12:30
Join us on a walk through China Camp’s upland forest to learn about the park’s diverse woodland ecosystem. Learn about the unique adaptations of majestic buckeyes, elegant willows, hardy manzanitas, and grand coastal and valley oaks; some of these species serve as critical keystone species, nurturing the landscape’s rich tapestry of life. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress in layers for warmer weather. Bring water and your camera/cell phone; walking poles optional. Pets are not allowed on our trails, so please leave your four-legged family members at home.

NOTE: Arrive by 9:45 a.m. to check in; hike starts at 10 a.m. sharp.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations will be notified by email.
Date: Sunday, July 14
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground kiosk
Difficulty: moderate, 3-mile round trip hike; roughly 500-ft. altitude gain, including some steep sections
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 10 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no
Maximum number: 20

RESERVE NOW

Midsummer Night’s Dream wildlife walk
2024-07-16 18:30 - 20:00
Owl’s hoo-hoot. Hares hop out from the shadows. Raccoons prowl. Frogs sing to the stars. There’s magic in the park on soft summer evenings. On this easy, flat walk we will stop, look, and listen for all the life that unfolds in the park as day turns to night. Guide Harriot Manley will shed light on the park’s animals and their special adaptations for nighttime.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a filled water bottle and layers for changeable weather. Binoculars are a plus. We won’t be out past dark but feel free to bring a headlamp or flashlight to light your way home. Leave four-legged friends at home as our trails are not open to pets. Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Tuesday, July 16
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Miwok Meadows Trailhead
Difficulty: flat and gently rolling, 1.5-mile round-trip walk
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 8 and older (ages under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
ADA accessible: no

REGISTER NOW

black-tailed jackrabbit by Scott Rheam/USFWS

Give-Back Morning at China Camp
2024-07-18 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Join us for a morning of making the park look beautiful. There’s always plenty to do—trail grooming, fence mending, log splitting, litter pickup, and so much more. Join us and make a difference! No previous experience needed. Difficulty ranges from easy to a good work out. No long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again!
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Meet promptly at 9 a.m. in the maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael). Bring work gloves and a filled water bottle. Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Sunglasses or other eye protection are recommended. Please leave your four-legged friends at home, as no pets are allowed on our trails.
Special Brown-Bag Lunch Day, Wednesday, July 18: 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.
Ages: 14 and up (ages under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
NO REGISTRATION NEEDED… JUST SHOW UP!

Full Moon Hike
2024-07-21 08:00 - 22:30
July’s full moon is named the “Buck Moon,” commemorating the time of year when male deer, who shed their antlers in early spring, start to show off a new velvety rack. We hope to see some dashing stags on our 3-mile round-trip hike that follows a winding trail to a breathtaking 500-foot overlook, offering us a superb view of the moon as it rises over the East Bay hills and the sparkling bay. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring hiking poles, a filled water bottle, a camera or smartphone, and a headlamp and flashlight. Pack bug repellant and extra layers for changeable weather.
NOTE: Arrive by 8 p.m. to check in; hike starts promptly at 8:15 p.m. for a 9:17 moonrise.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Sunday, July 21
Time: 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Meeting location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: moderate, 3-mile round trip hike; 500-ft. altitude gain, including some steep sections
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

REGISTER HERE

photo credit: NASA

Naturalist Book Club
2024-07-28 19:00 - 20:00
This month, we discuss Natural History, an engaging compilation of historical fiction short stories by Andrea Barrett, winner of the National Book Award.
Excerpt from publisher’s website:
“A masterful collection of…six exquisite stories…set largely in a small community in central New York state… spanning the decades between the Civil War to the present day… Told with Barrett’s characteristic elegance, passion for science, and wonderful eye for the natural world, the psychologically astute and moving stories gathered in this collection evoke the ways women’s lives and expectations—in families, in work, and in love—have shifted across a century and more. Building upon one another, these tales brilliantly culminate to reveal how the smallest events of the past can have large reverberations across the generations, and how potent, wondrous, and strange the relationship between history and memory can be.”
Date: Sunday, July 28
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: online meeting; details emailed with registration confirmation
Cost: free to FOCC members
Age: 12 and up
Maximum attendees: 25
RESERVE NOW

Give-back morning at China Camp
2024-07-30 09:00 - 13:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Enjoy a morning making a difference in the park. Our weekly maintenance days tackle a host of jobs large and small, so there’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be a weightlifter or a construction worker to help out, in fact we’ve got men and women of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities volunteering at the park. But there are things that our volunteers have in common: a willingness to pitch in and work together, a healthy sense of humor, and desire to help the park.
Whether you’re a newbie or experienced, pitch in to keep the park safe and beautiful. There’s no long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again.
Meet promptly at 9 a.m. in the maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael). Bring work gloves and a filled water bottle. Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Sunglasses or other eye protection are recommended. Please leave your four-legged friends at home, as no pets are allowed on our trails.
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Ages: 14 and up (ages under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar

Give-back morning at China Camp
2024-08-16 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Enjoy a morning making a difference in the park. Our weekly maintenance days tackle a host of jobs large and small, so there’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be a weightlifter or a construction worker to help out, in fact we’ve got men and women of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities volunteering at the park. But there are things that our volunteers have in common: a willingness to pitch in and work together, a healthy sense of humor, and desire to help the park.
Whether you’re a newbie or experienced, pitch in to keep the park safe and beautiful. There’s no long-term commitment required—but we hope you come again.
Meet promptly at 9 a.m. in the maintenance area next to China Camp Ranger Station (101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael). Bring work gloves and a filled water bottle. Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Sunglasses or other eye protection are recommended. Please leave your four-legged friends at home, as no pets are allowed on our trails.
If you are volunteering as a group of 5 or more, please contact our team coordinator at kjsmead@comcast.net. This helps us plan for tools and supplies.
Ages: 14 and up (ages under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
Special Brown-Bag Lunch Day, Wednesday, August 15: 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.

Birding Walk
2024-08-17 08:00 - 10:00
Pileated Woodpecker (female)
Move over Ozzy Ozborne. Nature’s ultimate headbangers—woodpeckers—are taking center stage at China Camp this month. These dedicated rockers hammer out rhythms that echo throughout our oak woodlands. How can these super-cool birds pound their beaks into a tree without injury? Find out about woodpeckers’ amazing morphology during this month’s guided walk with bird expert Jerry Coe. He’ll share info about our resident headbangers, such as highly social acorn woodpeckers, colorful Northern flickers, and spectacular pileated woodpeckers.
All levels of birders welcome.
Space is limited; registration is required.

Date: Saturday, August 17
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Difficulty: easy, 1-mile round trip
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Age: 8 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: no

REGISTER HERE

Full Moon Hike
2024-08-18 18:45 - 21:15
August’s full moon, known as the “sturgeon moon,” gets its name because it rises during the peak season for lake sturgeon, a large fish that lives in East Coast watersheds. Here at China Camp, we too have sturgeon—the white sturgeon thrives in the murky waters of San Pablo Bay. Growing up to 20 feet long, the federally endangered white sturgeon is North America’s largest freshwater fish, though it also thrives in brackish waters like those off the coast of China Camp. Our hike follows a winding trail to a 500-foot overlook, offering a superb view of this year’s “sturgeon moon” as it rises over the East Bay hills and the bay.

Space is limited; registration is required.

Date: Sunday, August 18
Time: 6:45 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: moderate, 3-mile round trip hike; 500-ft. elevation gain, including some steep sections
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

REGISTER HERE
