Monthly Nature Walks with Paul

last Saturday of each month beginning April 27
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!

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.
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
What to bring: Binoculars, windbreaker, journal and pencil

June 29 – Local Bees
Activity: Observance, catch and release, and discussion of local bees (native and non-native) and their biology
What to bring: Hand lens, journal, pencil, an insect net if you own one

July 27 – Riparian Forests
Activity: Observance and discussion of riparian forest flora
What to bring: Journal, pencil, waterproof boots, and your smartphone with iNaturalist app

August 31 – Late Summer Bloomers
Activity: Observance and discussion of late-summer blooming plants
What to bring: Journal, pencil, and your smartphone with iNaturalist app

THE DETAILS

• These tours are free with the cost of regular Gardens admission and just plain free for current MCBG members.
• Availability for each tour is limited, we recommend arriving a bit early to secure a spot on the tour.
• Walks leave from the entry plaza at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens at 10AM on Apr 27, May 25, Jun 29, Jul 27, Aug 31, Sep 28, Oct 26, and Nov 30.
• Please come prepared for the weather with appropriate layers. Also, come prepared with drinking water and a camera if desired.
• The walk may be cancelled due to heavy rain or wind, check our website for cancelation notices.