Darwin Day: Online Discussion
2025-02-09 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Celebrate Darwin’s legacy by diving into the science of life itself.
Join us as we honor Charles Darwin with an engaging presentation about how our understanding of evolution has changed over time. Using current scientific research and literature, we will discuss a macro-level view of life’s extraordinary trajectory and evolution’s key milestones. Come take part in what promises to be a fascinating look at our ancient past and the man who helped unravel its mysteries.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Sunday, February 9
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: 13 and up

RESERVE NOW

Photo: Charles Darwin portrait by Maull and Polyblank, 1855

Give-back morning at China Camp
2025-02-11 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: February 11 (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

CANCELLED: Full Moon HIke
2025-02-12 16:45 - 19:30
THIS HIKE HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO PREDICTED STORMY WEATHER.
Join us on a brisk hike to watch the February full moon peek over the San Pablo Bay horizon. This moon is often called the “Snow Moon” because it typically coincides with the heaviest snowfall of the year in the northern hemisphere.
Naturalist docent Harold Hirsch will lead this 3.5-mile round-trip excursion. Follow him along a beautiful single-track trail to a prime overlook, then enjoy breathtaking views of the moonrise over the bay. Please be prepared for this moderately challenging hike (elevation gain 500 feet). Bring a warm jacket and a headlamp or flashlight.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Wednesday, February 12
Time: 4:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: China Camp State Park ranger station
Difficulty: moderately challenging
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

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

Give-back morning at China Camp–RESCHEDULED to February 11
2025-02-13 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 RESCHEDULED TO TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11.
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: February 13 (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
2025-02-22 08:00 - 10:00
Explore meandering bayside trails as we search for local waterfowl such as the striking common goldeneye, a winter visitor known for its sleek black-and-white plumage and golden eyes.
Jerry Coe, our experienced birding guide, will help you identify waterfowl and other winter birds in the park and share fascinating insights about their behaviors and habitats. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of China Camp’s shoreline while connecting with fellow birders. Bring your binoculars and curiosity and learn about best birding tools and techniques. All skill levels are welcome.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, February 22 (Rescheduled from February 8)
Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back trailhead
Difficulty: easy 1.5- to 2-mile walk. This walk meets rain or shine.
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

common goldeneye by Stefan Berndtsson/Wikimedia Commons;

Give-back morning at China Camp
2025-02-22 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-25 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: February 22 (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

Volunteer work morning in partnership with the CSPF
2025-02-22 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 join our work day in partnership with the California State Parks Foundation. We will be pulling invasive French and Scotch broom plans and cutting invasive Fennel plants—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). Please register the the California State Parks Foundation. They will provide you with additional details and information about camping for volunteers. Minimum age is 14. Ages 14 – 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
At noon we will gather in the park’s historic Village for lunch. Bring your own brown bag lunch and a beverage. Beverages will also be available in the cafe for purchase
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Saturday, February 22
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to moderately strenuous. Walking 0.5 – 1.5 miles.
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
Please register with the California State Parks Foundation.

Naturalist Book Club
2025-02-23 19:00 - 20:00
Join a lively discussion of Eight Bears by Gloria Dickie, listed as best book of the year by The New Yorker. Dickie is an award-winning journalist and author, and a global climate and environment correspondent at Reuters News Agency. Note, the format has changed slightly to facilitate discussion.
From the author’s website
“In Eight Bears, journalist Gloria Dickie embarks on a globe-trotting journey to explore each bear’s story, whisking readers from the cloud forests of the Andes to the ice floes of the Arctic; from the jungles of India to the backwoods of the Rocky Mountain West. She meets with key figures on the frontlines of modern conservation efforts—the head of a rescue center for sun and moon bears freed from bile farms, a biologist known as Papa Panda, who has led China’s panda-breeding efforts for almost four decades, a conservationist retraining a military radar system to detect and track polar bears near towns—to reveal the unparalleled challenges bears face as they contend with a rapidly changing climate and encroaching human populations.”
Date: Sunday, February 23
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
2025-03-05 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: March 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

Junior Ranger Program
2025-03-08 10:00 - 12:00
Life under a log

Winter rains have awakened creatures hidden beneath the forest floor. This month’s Junior Ranger Program invites your little explorers to discover the secret life of wiggling worms, slippery salamanders, busy beetles, and speedy centipedes that reside among the mossy riparian woodlands of Back Ranch Meadows. We’ll lift leaves, roll logs, and peek under rocks to uncover these fascinating forest critters.
Don’t miss this fun hands-on adventure! Grab your rainboots and curiosity—nature’s tiny wonders are waiting!
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, March 8
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Back Ranch Meadows campground
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 7 to 9; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

RESERVE NOW

Photo credit: California newt by Connor Long/Wikimedia Commons

Mycology Program
2025-03-08 13:00 - 15:00
A guide to California’s mushrooms

Curious about mushrooms, their basic biology, and local diversity? In this discussion and hike, we’ll learn about fungal life cycles, ecological niches, and the novel characteristics of some of our ecosystems’ most important players in nutrient cycling. We’ll review a variety of local mushrooms and take a peek at CA FUNDIS, an audacious initiative to comprehensively document, collect, and sequence the genomes of California’s diverse mushrooms species using cutting-edge science.
Program leader Damon Tighe brings pioneering biotech science into classrooms and also serves as a California naturalist. He has documented over 90K observations on iNaturalist, is an avid contributor to CA FUNDIS, and has sequenced DNA from mushrooms worldwide, including from Australia, China, Madagascar, and Ecuador.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, March 8
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: China Camp Village museum
Difficulty: easy 1.5- to 2-mile walk
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 14 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

RESERVE NOW

Photo: Amanita agusta by Sarah Steirch/Wikimedia Commons

Give-back morning at China Camp
2025-03-11 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
THIS EVENT WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 13, BUT WAS RESCHEDULED DUE TO PREDICTED HEAVY RAIN.
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: March 13 (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
2025-03-13 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
RESCHEDULED TO TUESDAY, MARCH 11 DUE TO PREDICTED HEAVY RAIN
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: March 13 (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

Full Moon Hike
2025-03-14 19:00 - 21:30
Worm Moon

Ever feel like it’s time to change up your weekly evening routine for something a bit more… spectacular? Take a night off from Netflix and exchange your couch for a hike through our verdant hills to a wide open sky and a full moon. On this 3.5-mile round-trip hike, we will ascend to a breathtaking vista point and welcome March’s glowing “Worm Moon” as it emerges into the night sky. The name “Worm Moon” is thought to have originated from Dakota Native Americans, who associate this seasonal moon with the appearance of “worms” (actually beetle larvae) that surface from within tree bark as landscapes thaw from the long winter.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Friday, March 14
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: moderate 3.5-mile round trip hike
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 credit: full moon by Steve Ziman

Birding Hike
2025-03-15 08:00 - 10:00
Late-winter arrivals
China Camp’s most dazzling aerial acrobats are back. Glossy tree swallows, shimmering violet-green swallows, and iridescent barn swallows return each spring to soar through China Camp’s skies. During this easy guided hike, we’ll search for these and other avian migrants, many of which have just returned after a long journey from wintering sites in Mexico. We’ll review the four keys to bird identification and explore how climate change is shaping the future of birds. Led by birding expert Jerry Coe, this program is a must for bird lovers!
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Saturday, March 15
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trail
Difficulty: easy 1.5- to 2-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
Note: Warm clothing advised. This event meets rain or shine. If raining we will move to the China Camp Village Cafe.

RESERVE NOW

Photo credit: violet-green swallow by Steve Colwell/Wikimedia Commons

Give-back morning at China Camp
2025-03-22 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: Saturday, March 22 (no need to register; just show up)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Ages: 14 and up; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

Give-back morning at China Camp
2025-03-25 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: Tuesday, March 22 (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

EVENT CANCELED: Astronomy Program: starry, starry night
2025-03-29 19:30 - 21:00
This event has been canceled due to predicted weather conditions.

Join retired National Park Ranger Kathryn Daskal to explore the resplendent night sky on a dark, moonless night. As ancient as it is wondrous, stunning, and mysterious, the night sky is surely humanity’s oldest universal resource. During this evening program, we will delve into the science of astronomy, and reflect upon the diverse cultural perspectives on what we see. No telescopes or technical equipment will be needed for this stargazing experience—just your eyes, warm layers, flashlight, blanket, water bottle, and a keen sense of wonder.
“Astronomy compels the soul to look upward and leads us from this world to another.”
– Plato
Space is limited; registration is required.
Date: Saturday, March 29
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: China Camp Point
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: All are welcome; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
Note: Inclement weather will cancel this event. Cancellations notified via email.

RESERVE NOW

Photo credit: full moon courtesy of NASA/ nasa.gov

Naturalist Book Club
2025-03-30 19:00 - 20:00
Ends of the Earth & The Serviceberry

For this month’s program we will discuss two entertaining books by award-winning authors: Ends of the Earth by Neil Shubin and The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Shubin is a science writer and paleontologist; Kimmerer is a botanist, professor, and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
The Serviceberry
From the author’s website
“As Indigenous scientist and author of Braiding Sweetgrass Robin Wall Kimmerer harvests serviceberries alongside the birds, she considers the ethic of reciprocity that lies at the heart of the gift economy. How, she asks, can we learn from Indigenous wisdom and the plant world to reimagine what we value most?… The Serviceberry is an antidote to the broken relationships and misguided goals of our times, and a reminder that ‘hoarding won’t save us, all flourishing is mutual.‘”
Ends of the Earth
From the publisher’s website
“Written with infectious enthusiasm and irresistible curiosity, Ends of the Earth blends travel writing, science, and history in a book brimming with surprising and wonderful discoveries…Shubin shares unforgettable moments from centuries of expeditions to reveal just how far scientists will go to understand polar regions…”
Date: Sunday, March 30
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
2025-04-02 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
April is “Earth Month”—the perfect time to 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, work gloves, 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: Wednesday, April 2 (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
2025-04-10 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
April is “Earth Month”—the perfect time to 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, work gloves, 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: Thursday, April 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

San Pedro Road Closure: Marin Endurance Festival
2025-04-12 08:00 - 13:00
Please be advised that San Pedro Road will be closed from Peacock Drive to the Back Ranch Meadows entrance gate on Saturday, April 12th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., due to the Marin Endurance Festival Triathlon. Park facilities along San Pedro Road will be inaccessible to the public until 1p.m. on both days.
You can find more information about the Marin Endurance Festival Triathlon here, which will begin at McNear’s Beach County Park.
Back Ranch Meadows Campground entrance will remain open. Campers and visitors can enter and leave from the north entrance of San Pedro Road.
Expect increased traffic on San Pedro Road, trails will be unaffected.

Full Moon Hike - "Pink Moon"
2025-04-12 18:30 - 21:00
We invite you to an unforgettable evening under the stars! This popular guided hike leads to an impressive vista point where we’ll witness the rise of the full moon over the sparkling bay. April’s full “Pink Moon” is named after the vibrant pink phlox flowers that bloom in spring. Naturalist Harold Hirsch will lead this moderately strenuous hike.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Saturday, April 12
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: moderate 3.5-mile round trip hike
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: full moon courtesy of NASA/ nasa.gov

Spring Birding Hike
2025-04-19 08:00 - 10:00
April brings a burst of avian activity to the park: torpedo-like Vaux’s swifts soar in the sky and the sweet chorus of returning migrant songbirds like warbling vireos, yellow warblers, and Western tanagers, fills the morning air. We’ll listen to the varied calls of these new arrivals during this guided walk. China Camp’s diverse habitats and their role in bird identification will be discussed. Led by birding expert Jerry Coe, this easy hike is perfect for birders of all levels.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Saturday, April 19
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Turtle Back Trailhead
Difficulty: easy 1.5- to 2-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
RESERVE NOW

Western tanager by Glacier NPS/Wikimedia Commons

Earth Day Volunteer Event
2025-04-19 09:00 - 13:00 | China Camp Village upper parking lot, 100 China Camp Village Rd., San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
In partnership with California State Parks Foundation, help reduce wildfire risk and support ongoing habitat restoration efforts at the park. Volunteers will use hand tools to remove invasive plants, such as Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) and French broom (Genista monspessulana). Invasive broom crowds out native plants, harms wildlife habitats, and changes the soil chemistry, making it harder for other plants to grow. We will also remove fire-prone bark shed by Eucalyptus trees.
Ages 14 and older are welcome (minors must be accompanied by an adult and bring a waiver signed by their guardian). Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own drinks or buy one at the cafe. Meeting specifics will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up.
Make a difference and have fun doing it! It’s a great way to give back to our beautiful park.Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes (no sandals!). Bring a filled water bottle and wear sunscreen (bug spray optional).
Register here.
Cancellations will be posted on our events calendar.
Dates: Saturday, April 19
Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. including lunch
Location: China Camp Village upper parking lot
Difficulty: moderately strenuous

Easter Wildflower Hike
2025-04-20 10:00 - 11:30
Are skyrocketing egg prices putting a damper on Easter festivities? Skip the egg hunt and discover vibrant wildflowers with us during this scenic hike in our oak woodland forest. This easy stroll will afford views of a vibrant array of colorful spring blooms, including coast mule ears, blue-eyed grass, star lilies, California poppies, and Douglas irises. Enjoy the beauty of China Camp’s coastline while learning about these colorful blossoms.
Space is limited; registration required. Cancellations notified via email.
Date: Sunday, April 20
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: China Camp Ranger Station
Difficulty: moderate 2-mile round trip hike
Cost: free for FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 7 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
photo: wildflowers by Sheila Coll

Give-back morning at China Camp
2025-04-22 09:00 - 12:00 | China Camp Ranger Station, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA, 94901, United States
Today is international Earth Day—the perfect day to 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, work gloves, 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: Tuesday, April 22 (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

Junior Ranger Program - All About Bugs!
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00
Junior Rangers are in for a fun and fascinating adventure all about bugs! Discover the incredible world of invertebrates and uncover the mystery of why all bugs are insects, but not all insects are bugs. Junior Rangers will explore the roles of predators, pollinators, builders, cleaners, and even artists in the park’s invertebrate community.
Space is limited; registration is required. Cancellations notified via email.

Date: Saturday, April 26
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Back Ranch Meadows campground
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 7 to 9; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult

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Bay checkerspot butterfly courtesy of USFWS National Digital Library

Naturalist Book Club: Chief Marin by Betty Goerke
2025-04-27 19:00 - 20:00
For this month’s book club meeting, we will discuss Chief Marin by the late anthropologist and local teacher, Betty Goerke. In this well-researched book, Goerke uncovers fascinating historical accounts of an exceptional indigenous leader native to Marin County.
From the publisher’s website:
“It’s a little known fact that the San Francisco Bay Area’s Marin County is named after a Coast Miwok chief who achieved notoriety for defying Spanish authority over his people. Anthropologist and archaeologist Betty Goerke has pieced together a portrait of the life of this Native American leader, using mission records, ethnographies, explorers’ and missionaries’ diaries and correspondence, and other material.”
Date: Sunday, April 27
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

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