Monthly Nature Walks with Paul

4th Saturday of each month
from 10AM to 12PM
this monthly guided tour begins at the MCBG entrance

Join MCBG Horticulturist Paul Ruiz-Lopez for our monthly nature walks! These guided tours will lead you through the horticultural and natural areas of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. The main focus of the walk will vary from month to month (see schedule below). Plants will be the main subject of observance and discussion, but we will also keep an eye out for animals such as birds, marine mammals, insects, amphibians, and more. The idea is to highlight the prominent “phenomenon” that is occurring in our garden and natural areas each month. Come explore the Gardens' natural history and learn to think like a naturalist!

THE DETAILS

• These tours are free with the cost of regular Gardens admission (paid upon registration) and just plain free for current MCBG members (verify your membership to receive discount). The Museums for All and Member Guest discounts must be paid for in person at the Gardens' gift shop.
• Availability for each tour is limited, advanced registration is necessary to secure your spot.
• Walks leave from the entry plaza at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens at 10AM on Apr 27, May 25, Jun 22, Jul 27, Aug 24, Sep 28, and Oct 26.
• Please come prepared for the weather with appropriate layers. Also, come prepared with drinking water and a camera if desired.
• The walk may be canceled due to heavy rain or wind, check our website for cancelation notices.

REGISTER FOR WALKS

Registration for these walks can be made in advance online or in the Gardens' gift shop. Please note, all registration fees are non-refundable unless the walk has been canceled or rescheduled by the Gardens. Click the links below to reserve your space on the walk.

Walk Registration .......................... $0 - $20 regular admission

$20.00           General Admission (18 and older)
$17.00            Seniors (65 and older)
$8.00             Juniors (age 6 to 17)
FREE             Children (age 5 and younger)

$12.00            Military – available for all military personnel (be prepared to show ID)
$10.00            Local – Residents of the MCRPD district (be prepared to show proof of residency)
$10.00            Member's Guest – Member must purchase in advance in our gift shop
$2.00              Museums for All Program – Must purchase in advance in our gift shop and present EBT or WIC card

Member Walk Registration ............ $0 per current MCBG Member   *Verify your membership to receive discount

WALK DATES & TOPICS

April 27 – Coastal Wildflowers
Activity: Introduction to common annual and perennial wildflowers of the coastal bluffs/prairie. Introduction to use and application of iNaturalist.
Terrain: Paved trails with some off-trail walking in the grass prairies
What to bring: Journal and pencil, hand lens (jewelers lens), field guides, and your smartphone with iNaturalist app

May 25 – North Coast Seabirds
Activity: Observance and discussion of resident and local seabirds of MCBG and greater North Coast area
Terrain: Paved trails with some off-trail rocky/sandy scrambling at the bluffs
What to bring: Binoculars, windbreaker, journal and pencil

June 22 – Riparian Forests
Activity: Observance and discussion of riparian forest flora
Terrain: Small windy trails with some hills
What to bring: Journal, pencil, waterproof boots, and your smartphone with iNaturalist app

July 27 – Local Bees
Activity: Observance, catch and release, and discussion of local bees (native and non-native) and their biology
Terrain: Paved trails with some off-trail walking in the grass prairies and garden beds
What to bring: Hand lens, journal, pencil, an insect net if you own one

August 24 – Late Summer Bloomers
Activity: Observance and discussion of late-summer blooming plants
Terrain: Mostly paved trails with some off-trail walking in the grassy areas
What to bring: Journal, pencil, and your smartphone with iNaturalist app

September 28 – Fall Migrating Birds
Activity: Observance and discussion of fall migrating songbirds
Terrain: Mostly paved trails with some off-trail walking in the grassy areas
What to bring: Binoculars (if you have them), journal, pencil, and your smartphone with iNaturalist app

October 26 – Deciduous Trees and Shrubs
Activity: Observance and discussion of native and non-native deciduous trees and shrubs
Terrain: Primarily paved trails
What to bring: Journal, pencil, and your smartphone with iNaturalist app