Friends of China Camp

Volunteer Work Day
2023-11-29 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-12-07 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-12-16 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-01-04 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-01-16 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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!
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 and long-sleeve shirt with sturdy hiking shoes or boots recommended. Ages 14 and up (minors ages 14 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).

December Birding Hike
2023-12-16 08:00 - 10:00 | Turtle Back Trailhead
Look up in the wintry skies over the park this month and you might spy a spectacular snow goose or even a trumpeter swan. These big and beautiful water birds, along with Ross’s geese, sometimes take a break at China Camp as they head to their wintering grounds in the Upper Sacramento Valley. Learn about this great migration and more on this month’s free birding hike with our local expert, Jerry Coe.
On this easy walk, we’ll also be on the lookout for American white pelicans, which overwinter in bay waters before heading to Great Basin breeding grounds in spring. Other likely sightings include Anna’s hummingbirds, which start nesting in winter, as well as spotted towhees, white- and red-breasted nuthatches, and Vaux’s swifts, known to over-winter in the historic smoke stacks at nearby McNear’s brickyard. We’ll also review techniques for identifying birds in the field, including habitat, behavior, bird song, and more.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, layers for changeable weather, and a full water bottle. Registration is required.
Date: Saturday, December 16
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Difficulty: Easy, 2-mile walk
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead Parking Lot
Ages: 12+ (ages 12 – 17 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
Cost: Free (sliding scale donations appreciated)
REGISTER HERE

Volunteer Work Day
2023-12-21 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-01-25 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!
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, filled water bottles, and a brown bag lunch to share with your fellow volunteers at China Camp Village after the event (one beverage courtesy of Friends of China Camp). Long pants and long-sleeve shirt with sturdy hiking shoes or boots recommended. Ages 14 and up (minors ages 14 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).

Volunteer Work Day—CANCELLED
2023-12-27 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States

December Naturalist’s Book Club: Canceled
2023-12-27 20:00 - 21:00 | CA
Please note that, due to the holidays, our December book club has been canceled. The next virtual book club will be held on January 28, 2024, when we will be discussing author Siddhartha Mukherjee’s fascinating book, The Gene: An Intimate History.
This is a hefty read, with over 300 packed-full pages, so we hope you agree with us that having an extra month to dig into this January title is a good thing indeed. Keep your eyes peeled for our next events announcement, which will include a link to register for our January virtual book club meeting.

First Day Hike 2024
2024-01-01 06:30 - 09:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Ring in the New Year in an unforgettable way! Join the California State Park’s annual tradition of watching the year’s first sunrise from a spectacular vantage point overlooking the bay. If your New Year’s resolution is to get your blood pumping and stay fit, this is a great way to do it. We’ll also share any wishes or poems you have to kick off 2024.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress in layers for changeable weather. Bring a fully charged flashlight or headlamp, a full water bottle, and your camera.
NOTE: This hike begins sharply at 6:30 a.m. for a 7:26 a.m. sunrise, so don’t be late or you’ll miss the fun. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in. Pets are not allowed on our trails, so please leave your four-legged family members at home. Registration is required.
Date: Monday, January 1
Time: 6:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Difficulty: Moderate with 500-ft hill elevation gain; 4-miles round trip
Meeting location: China Camp Ranger Station
Ages: 10+ (ages 10 – 17 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
Cost: Free (sliding scale donations appreciated)
REGISTER HERE

Junior Ranger Program: Life Under A Log
2024-01-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Back Ranch Meadows Campground
Discover nature’s under-world in this fun and exciting day of discovery. Junior Rangers (and their grownups) will see what they can find when they gently uncover the world that thrives underneath fallen logs and branches.
Winter rains make this an especially exciting time for discovery in the park. Ground-dwelling creatures, including worms, slender-leg salamanders, beetles, and centipedes emerge once again, having buried deep to avoid the drying soils of summer. We’ll look for these and other insects, amphibians, and more as we explore this secret world at our feet.
Bring water, snacks, curiosity, and smiles. Dress in layers for changeable weather.
Registration is required.

Date: Saturday, January 6
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Difficulty: Easy
Meeting location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground
Ages: 7 to 9 with parent or responsible adult
Cost: Free (donations appreciated)
REGISTER HERE

January 2024 King Tide Walk
2024-01-11 11:30 - 12:30 | CA
Winter’s highest tides are something to see at China Camp, with bay waters rising to inundate our marshlands. This season, the peak tide will occur Thursday, January 11 at roughly 12:15 p.m. Join our partner scientists from San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) as we walk from Back Ranch Meadows Campground to Turtle Back Nature Trail, for views of flooded marshlands. Learn how king tides can help scientists understand the impacts of future sea level rise. Bring your camera to capture birds of prey and other predators taking advantage of rising waters that flush out shorebirds, rodents, and other potential prey. (If you get some good shots, submit them to the California King Tides Project.)

Wear shoes that can handle muddy trails, and bring clothes for changeable weather.

Note: Flooded roadways may limit park access. To avoid driving through floodwaters, take the N. San Pedro Rd. exit off U.S. 101 and continue east to China Camp; park in the campground lot.

Registration is required.

Date: Thursday, January 11
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Difficulty: Easy; up to 2 miles round trip
Meeting location: Details emailed with registration confirmation.
Ages: 8 and older (ages 8 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
Cost: Free for FOCC members ($5 donation nonmembers)
REGISTER HERE

January Birding Hike
2024-01-13 08:00 - 10:00 | Turtle Back Trailhead
Listen—does the park seem quieter to you? That might be because by mid-January, only our year-round, nonmigratory birds are here to tweet, chirp, and caw. It’s a big drop in birds, with only 30 percent of the summer population still flitting and flapping here come deep winter.

Our non-migratory birds make the best of this time. Anna’s hummingbirds nest now (yes, in January), when they are the only hummer species in the park and face less competition for food and safe nesting sites. We’ll search for these tiny residents, as well as hawks and owls. Which will nest first? Come find out this fun fact and more on an invigorating walk through our various habitats. We’ll also discuss climate change and how it is affecting our bird populations.

Dress in layers for changeable weather, and wear comfortable walking shoes that don’t mind getting wet. Bring binoculars and a full water bottle. Event may be canceled due to heavy rain or high winds.

Registration is required.

Date: Saturday, January 13
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Difficulty: Easy, 2-mile walk
Meeting location: Turtle Back Nature Trail parking area
Ages: 12 and up (ages 12 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
Cost: Free (donations appreciated)
REGISTER HERE

CANCELLED—Volunteer Work Event in partnership with CSPF
2024-01-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Miwok Meadows Picnic Area, https://maps.app.goo.gl/4hXk4amjPvRVWkuj8, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
DUE TO PREDICTED RAIN, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Join us for a morning of making the park look beautiful, and reduce fire fuels. We will focus on removal of invasive French and Scotch Broom plants and trail grooming. 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.
Sign up with the California State Park Foundation. You’ll then receive details on where to meet, what to bring, and what to wear. Free camping Friday night is offered to registered volunteers. Ages 14 and up (ages 14 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
REGISTER HERE

Rescheduled - Volunteer Work Day
2024-01-24 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Due to weather predictions, this work day has been rescheduled for Thursday, January 25, 9 a.m. to noon.
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!
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, filled water bottles, and a brown bag lunch to share with your fellow volunteers at China Camp Village after the event (one beverage courtesy of Friends of China Camp). Long pants and long-sleeve shirt with sturdy hiking shoes or boots recommended. Ages 14 and up (minors ages 14 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).

Full Moon Hike
2024-01-25 16:15 - 19:00 | CA
Join us for an invigorating hike to witness the rise of the first full moon of the new year. This month’s “Wolf Moon” got its name from wolves that would howl on cold wintry nights. To take in incredible views of this breathtaking moonrise, we’ll climb some 500 feet following a single-track trail to a prime overlook. This is a challenging hike after dark, and is suitable for hardy hikers with proper shoes and clothing. If you aren’t suitably prepared, you may not be able to join the hike.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress in layers for a brisk, winter evening. Pack a flashlight or headlamp, either fully charged or with fresh batteries, bring a full water bottle, and be sure to have your camera ready. No pets are allowed on our trails, so please leave your four-legged family members at home.

NOTE: Arrive by 4:15 p.m to check in as the hike starts at 4:30 p.m. sharp for a 5:25 p.m. moonrise. Event may be canceled due to inclement weather or hazardous trail conditions.

Registration is required.

Date: Thursday, January 25
Time: 4:15 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging 500-ft. elevation gain; 4 miles round trip
Meeting location: Details sent with registration confirmation.
Ages: 10 and older (no children under age 10; ages 10 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
Cost: Free for FOCC members ($5 donation nonmembers)
REGISTER HERE

Naturalist’s Book Club: The Gene
2024-01-28 19:00 - 20:00 | CA
January’s Book Club reading, The Gene, by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Siddhartha Mukherjee, drives home in this lucid and intimate book about the profound relevance of the history and future of biology in our lives.

Summary from the author’s website:

“THE GENE: An Intimate History . . . is the story of the quest to decipher the master-code of instructions that makes and defines humans, that governs our form, function, and fate and determines the future of our children . . . a magnificent history of the gene and a response to the defining question of the future: What becomes of being human when we learn to “read” and “write” our own genetic information? . . . Throughout the narrative, the story of Mukherjee’s own family—with its tragic and bewildering history of mental illness—cuts like a bright, red line, reminding us of the many questions that hang over our ability to translate the science of genetics from the laboratory to the real world. . . In superb prose and with an instinct for the dramatic scene, he describes the centuries of research and experimentation—from Aristotle and Pythagoras to Mendel and Darwin, from Boveri and Morgan to Crick, Watson and Franklin, all the way through the revolutionary twenty-first century innovators who mapped the human genome.”

Date: Sunday, January 28
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Online meeting; details emailed with registration confirmation
Cost: Free (donations appreciated
REGISTER HERE

Volunteer Work Day
2024-01-30 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Enjoy a morning in the park making a difference. 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 and long-sleeve shirt with sturdy hiking shoes or boots recommended. Ages 14 and up (minors ages 14 to 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.

RESCHEDULED - Volunteer Work Day
2024-02-01 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
DUE TO WEATHER PREDICTIONS, THIS EVENT WAS MOVED TO TUESDAY, JANUARY 30.

CANCELLED - Sunrise Walk
2024-02-04 06:45 - 08:00 | Turtle Back Trailhead
THIS WALK HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO PREDICTED HEAVY RAINFALL AND WINDS.
Begin February in an unforgettable way. Come enjoy the early-morning beauty of our tidal wetlands as the sun comes up over San Pablo Bay. We’ll follow our easy, ADA-accessible Turtle Back Nature Trail; bring binoculars to spy waterfowl and songbirds starting their day.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers for changeable weather. Bring a fully charged flashlight or headlamp, a full water bottle, and your camera. This gently rolling trail is suitable for kids, strollers, and people with mobility challenges.
NOTE: This hike begins sharply at 6:45 a.m. for a 7:12 a.m. sunrise, so don’t be late or you’ll miss the fun. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in. Pets are not allowed on our trails, so please leave your four-legged family members at home. Registration is required.
Date: Sunday, February 4
Time: 6:45 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Nature Trail trailhead
Difficulty: Easy, 3/4-mile loop
Cost: Free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: Suitable for all ages (under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
ADA accessible: Yes
REGISTER NOW

Volunteer Work Day
2024-02-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Miwok Meadows Picnic Area, https://maps.app.goo.gl/4hXk4amjPvRVWkuj8, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Special work day with co-sponsors California State Parks Foundation!
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. at Miwok Meadows picnic area. Bring work gloves and filled water bottles. Long pants and long-sleeve shirt with sturdy hiking shoes or boots recommended. Ages 14 and up (minors ages 14 to 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.
Please note that California State Parks Foundation is handling registration for this event, which is required in advance.
REGISTER NOW

Junior Ranger Program: Charles Darwin’s Birthday
2024-02-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Back Ranch Meadows Campground
How do we know that we all evolved from other animals that once roamed the earth? What is evolution anyway? This month, bring your kids to learn about the amazing discoveries that help us understand how plants and animals have changed over time.
We’ll start with a very special appearance at China Camp of the man behind it all: Charles Darwin! Okay, the great explorer and scientist won’t actually visit the park (he passed away in 1882 at the age of 73), but his enthusiastic doppelgänger, our very own natural history expert Harold Hirsch, will share all kinds of cool facts, stories of Darwin’s adventures.
After chatting with Charles/Harold, we’ll head out to explore and learn about the diverse plants and animals that now call China Camp State Park home. We’ll end our morning together with a special “Fossil Cake”—come see it for yourself!
Bring water, snacks, curiosity, and smiles. Dress in layers for changeable weather.
Date: Saturday, February 10
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Back Ranch Meadows Campground
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: Free for FOCC members ($5 donation appreciated for non-members)
Ages: 6 and up (under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
ADA Accessible: Yes
REGISTER NOW

Photo: Charles Darwin by Ernest Edwards/National Portrait Gallery, London

Darwin’s theories in today’s world
2024-02-11 19:00 - 20:00 | CA
Nearly 165 years ago, The Origin of Species, Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking tome about evolution, went viral—for it’s time. Since then, Darwin’s writings have taken on a contentious life of their own. Learn how his theory of natural selection has been applied to genetics by top researchers, including Stanford neurobiologist Dr. Robert Sapolsky.
Some of today’s hot topics: Has intelligence been a tool of evolution since the beginning? Has evolution led to new types of intelligence, including artificial intelligence? And in what realm is all this taking place now that quantum physics has upended conventional notions of location and time? Could it be that we’re all stuck in a hologram?
Join FOCC’s natural history expert Harold Hirsch for what’s certain to be a lively discussion.
Date: Sunday, February 11
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Online meeting; details will be emailed with registration confirmation
Cost: Free
Ages: 16 and up
REGISTER NOW

Illustration: GDJ/Pixabay

Volunteer Work Day
2024-02-13 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 filled water bottles. Long pants and long-sleeve shirt with sturdy hiking shoes or boots 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.
SPECIAL NOTE: After our work morning, bring your brown-bag lunch to join other volunteers for an informal social hour in the Village or other location in the park. Beverages provided by Friends of China Camp. Happy Mardi Gras!

February Bird Walk: Early migrants
2024-02-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Turtle Back Trailhead
It’s a relatively quiet time at the park in February, with most birds still at their wintering grounds to the south. But as early spring begins to unfold, the first migratory birds will start to return to China Camp, and we’ll be on the lookout for them on this month’s birding hike.
Typically, the first migrants to arrive are two similar-looking species: violet-green swallows and tree swallows. These insect-eaters with iridescent green and blue backs are easiest to spot swooping and turning in the air above the park’s broad meadows. As we walk, we’ll talk about how to identify birds in the field using four key factors—size and shape, overall color, behavior, and habitat. China Camp offers six different habitats and we will discuss the advantages of each.
Sturdy walking shoes are required. Dress in layers for changeable weather. Bring a full water bottle and snacks.
Date: Saturday, February 17
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Nature Trail trailhead
Difficulty: Easy, 2-mile walk
Cost: Free for FOCC members ($5 donation appreciated for non-members)
Ages: 12 and up (under age 18 must be accompanied by parent or responsible adult)
ADA Accessible: No
REGISTER NOW
Photo: tree swallows by Jerry Coe/FOCC volunteer

SPECIAL EVENT: Owl meet-and-greet and presentation
2024-02-17 14:00 - 15:00 | China Camp Village, 100 China Camp Village Rd, San Rafael, CA, CA, 94901, United States
Whooooo wants to learn more about owls? If you give a hoot about these spectacular (mostly) nocturnal raptors, mark your calendar for a very special afternoon event at China Camp.
All About Owls, a nonprofit based in Petaluma, will bring two of their “ambassador owls” to this event. We’ll meet Gazeau, a female great horned owl who, fell from her nest in Oregon when young, permanently injuring her right wing. We’ll also meet Buho, a male Western screech owl found in Sonoma. Buho has a damaged optic nerve and permanently dilated pupil that makes it impossible for him to hunt effectively.
Learn more about Gazeau, Buho, and other local owl species and why they are so important in our ecosystem. You’ll also learn what you can do to reduce threats to owls and help them thrive in the wild. Be on time to make sure you don’t miss the owls. Registration is required; location details emailed with registration confirmation.
Date: Saturday, February 17
Time: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: China Camp Village Museum
Cost: Free for FOCC members, $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 6 and up (under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult)
ADA Accessible: Yes
REGISTER NOW

Photos: courtesy of All About Owls

Volunteer Work Day—POSTPONED TO FEB. 22
2024-02-21 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
DUE TO WEATHER PREDICTIONS, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN MOVED TO THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22.
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 and long-sleeve shirt with sturdy hiking shoes or boots 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.

Volunteer Work Day
2024-02-22 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 filled water bottles. Long pants and long-sleeve shirt with sturdy hiking shoes or boots 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.

Naturalist’s Book Club: Most Delicious Poison
2024-02-25 19:00 - 20:00 | CA
Naturalist’s Book Club: Most Delicious Poison
Note: This is a change from a previously selected book for this month.
It is oft said that “you are what you eat.” But what are you if what you eat is toxic? Author Noah Whiteman’s Most Delicious Poison explores the unavoidable toxins we encounter day-to-day and how we have adapted to live with them. Whiteman is Professor of Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. Join us for a discussion of his “intoxicating” new book.
From the book’s website:
“A deadly secret lurks within our spice racks, medicine cabinets, backyard gardens, and private stashes… Based on cutting-edge science in the fields of evolution, chemistry, and neuroscience, Most Delicious Poison reveals the origins of toxins produced by plants, mushrooms, microbes, and even some animals, the mechanisms that animals evolved to overcome them, and how a co-evolutionary arms race made its way into the human experience. This perpetual chemical war not only drove the diversification of life on Earth, but is also intimately tied to our own successes and failures. You will never look at a houseplant, mushroom, fruit, vegetable, or even the last 500 years of human history, the same way again.”
Date: Saturday, February 25
Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Online meeting; details will be emailed with registration confirmation.
Ages: 14 and up
REGISTER NOW
