Natural History Wanderings

Naturalist Walks Of Marin County Flora and Fauna

These outings are for adults who are interested in the diverse flora and fauna of Marin County. Our walks cover a variety of topics; some are quite specific, others are more general, but we never fail to take a moment to marvel at whatever natural wonders we encounter. Binoculars, a pocket sized magnifying lens, and your favorite field guide(s) are recommended for all walks. Most of the walks are moderately paced and cover less than 5 miles. Walks that are longer or more strenuous are noted in the descriptions. Bring a lunch if you plan to stay all day, and remember to bring plenty of water.

Click Read More to see detailed list of walks for March through May.

Saturday, March 2. 10am – 2pm

White Hill – to the Summit!

We’ll aim for lunch at the summit, but we’ll make the 1,000 foot ascent at a pace that will allow us to enjoy all of the wildflowers and wildlife we encounter along the way. The birds should be plentiful (don’t forget your binoculars). We might even hear the songs of Townsend’s warblers and ruby-crowned kinglets tuning up before they depart for the north. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 or DHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the White Hill trailhead on Sir Francis Drake Blvd on White Hill. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take exit 452 for Central San Rafael west. Follow 3rd St approximately 1 mile. Continue on 2nd St, which merges into 4th St. 4th St turns into Red Hill Ave after 0.6 mile; follow for 0.5 mile. Stay right onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd and follow 4.3 miles. Park in the big gravel pullout on the right side, below the crest of the hill.

Saturday, March 9. 10am – 1pm

Post Burn Recovery at Ring Mountain

We’ll join Ring Mountain Steward Sam Abercrombie for the second interpretive hike through the Ring Mountain burn area. In June of 2012 a wildfire swept through Ring Mountain, burning 14 acres of sensitive habitat that is home to numerous rare and endangered species. Since that time, the burn area has been closed off to the public in an effort to minimize further impact, study the effects of the wildfire, and rehabilitate this fragile habitat. We will walk through the main trail of the burn and take a look at what has started to regenerate after the winter rains. We will also talk about what we have learned about the impacts of the fire, and what efforts we have taken to ensure the area’s recovery. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Questions: Contact Ring Mountain Stewardship Coordinator Sam Abercrombie at (415) 473-2128 or SAbercrombie@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate at the end of Taylor Rd in Tiburon. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Corte Madera, take exit 449A for Tamalpais Dr east. Go straight onto San Clemente, which merges into Paradise Dr after 0.4 mile. Follow Paradise Dr approximately 1.7 miles, turn right onto Taylor Rd, and follow to end (dead end).

Wednesday, March 13. 10am – 3pm

Gary Giacomini

This ridge above the south side of the San Geronimo Valley is one of the great gems in the county. Wildflowers (including some unusual serpentine endemics), a pygmy Sargent cypress forest, and incredible views are our reward for the sustained climb that will bring us to the top (1,200 foot elevation gain, 7 mile round trip). This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 or DHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate on Redwood Canyon Dr in San Geronimo. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take exit 452 for Central San Rafael west. Follow 3rd St approximately 1 mile. Continue on 2nd St, which merges into 4th St. 4th St turns into Red Hill Ave after 0.6 mile; follow for 0.5 mile. Stay right onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd and follow 6.1 miles. Turn left onto Railroad Ave, sharp right onto San Geronimo Valley Dr, and take the second left onto Redwood Canyon Dr. The gate is immediately on the right.

Thursday, March 14. 7pm – 9pm

Lecture: A Primer on Raptor Courtship with Allen Fish

Birds of prey are some of our most charismatic birds, but they are most charismatic with their own species in early spring when they perform courtship behaviors. Courtship flights may serve multiple functions from the most obvious – to secure the attentions of a mate – to the not-so-obvious – defining the extent of a territory. Allen Fish, Director of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, will walk us through a range of interesting raptor behaviors, and discuss their possible functions. Questions: Contact David Herlocker at (415) 893-9508 or DHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at theauditorium at the Marin Humane Society in Novato (171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd). DIRECTIONS: From Hwy101 in Novato, take the Ignacio Blvd/Bel Marin Keys Blvd exit. Follow the signs to Bel Marin Keys Blvd, go past the overpass, and turn left at the first stop light into the parking lot.

Sunday, March 17. 9:30am – 3pm

Birds of Bolinas with David Wimpfheimer

At this time of year the species diversity here should be fantastic: Waterfowl and shorebirds that have stayed for the winter will still be here, joined by others that are on their way north. We’ll start the day scanning the lagoon and later we’ll visit the forest at Pine Gulch where the trees should be full of birds and the songs of spring. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. Questions: Contact Shannon Burke at (415) 893-9520 or SBurke@marincounty.org. Meet at the big pullout across from the Stinson Beachschool (just north of the town of Stinson Beach) DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Mill Valley, take exit 445B for Hwy 1 N/Stinson Beach. Follow signs to stay on Hwy 1 N and go approximately 14 miles.

Thursday, March 21. 9am – 12pm

Birds at Cascade Canyon

This morning’s focus will be “birding by ear”—finding and identifying birds based on their vocalizations. This is a great time to focus on the voices of our year-round residents before most of our migratory breeding birds return and fill the forests with an exuberant chorus of song. There are just a handful of these common birds which overwinter and breed here, but many of these species have a wide range of vocalizations so becoming familiar with these now can make the later spring choir easier to unravel. With luck we may get a head start on some early returning migrants as well, such asorange-crowned warblers, pacific slope flycatchers and warbling vireos. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. Shannon Burke will lead. Questions: Contact Shannon Burke at (415) 893-9520 or SBurke@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate at the end of Cascade Dr. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Larkspur, take the Sir Francis Drake Blvd exit west to Fairfax. In downtown Fairfax, drive about 0.4 mile west on Bolinas Rd and make a soft right at Cascade Dr (at the stop sign). Continue about 1.5 miles to the gate (dead end). Parking is limited.

Thursday, March 28. 10am – 1pm

Raptor Courtship Behaviors with Allen Fish

Join us for a voyeuristic walk to watch for possible bird of prey flight behaviors at the peak of their pre-nuptial exuberance. Allen Fish, Director of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, will discuss the meaning of behaviors such as sky dancing, leg dropping and talon grappling. Possible species include red-tailed, red-shouldered, and Cooper’shawks, white-tailed kites, and northern harriers. Bring binoculars, field-guide, keen observational skills, and a sense of humor. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. Questions: Contact Shannon Burke at (415) 893-9520 or SBurke@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate on Deer Island Ln in Novato. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Novato, take exit 463 for Atherton Ave east 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Olive Ave and left onto Deer Island Ln. The gate and parking is on your right.

Monday, April 1. 9am – 3pm

Loma Alta – 680 Trail

We’ll meet at a trailhead in Lucas Valley (elevation 150 feet), and then carpool up to the Big Rock trailhead (650 feet). It sounds like a nice 500 foot stroll downhill, but we still have to climb up to over 1,300 feet along the way, so pack some extra water and food for this semi strenuous 7.5 mile walk that will include the beautiful new 680 Trail. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 or DHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the trailhead on Lucas Valley Rd directly across from Mount Muir Ct in San Rafael. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take exit 456 for Lucas Valley Rd west 2.1 miles. Turn left into the parking area on the left (or south side) of Lucas Valley Rd.

Wednesday, April 3. 7:30pm – 9pm

Lecture: Spring Wildflowers of Marin

We are blessed with an amazing diversity of flowering plants here in Marin. Any spring walk in our parks and open spaces is sure to be enhanced by the presence of dozens of species in bloom whether you visit a moist redwood forest or a parched chaparral covered hillside. This lecture will delve into the common species that we see in the different habitats around the county. We will talk a little about identification, but we will also discuss the roles they play in the ecosystem involving pollination, seed dispersal and the dynamics of herbivory and habitat stability. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 or DHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the auditorium at the Marin Humane Society in Novato (171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd). DIRECTIONS: From Hwy101 in Novato, take the Ignacio Blvd/Bel Marin Keys Blvd exit. Follow the signs to Bel Marin Keys Blvd, go past the overpass, and turn left at the first stop light into the parking lot.

Sunday, April 7. 10am – 2pm

Wildflowers of Mount Burdell

We’ll visit a variety of habitats which include volcanic outcrops, serpentine soils, freshwater springs, and oak woodlands. The flora of this Novato preserve is incredibly diverse and includes a number of rare plants as well as many species that don’t occur anywhere else in Marin County. The bloom at this location is among the best wildflower displays to be found in Marin County—prepare to be overwhelmed! This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 or DHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate on San Andreas Dr in Novato. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Novato, take exit 463 for San Marin Dr west 2.3 miles. Turn right onto San Andreas Dr and follow approximately 0.5 mile. The gate is on the right (before dead end).

Sunday, April 14. 10am – 2pm

Deer Island

No longer is a true island, this small preserve still a wildlife oasis at the edge of urban Novato and the surrounding seasonal wetlands. The forest and grasslands here are home to a variety of birds (including many breeding raptors), reptiles, insects and wildflowers. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. Shannon Burke will lead. Questions: Contact Shannon at (415) 893-9520 orSBurke@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate on Deer Island Ln in Novato. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Novato, take exit 463 for Atherton Ave east 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Olive Ave and left onto Deer Island Ln. The gate and parking is on your right.

Thursday, April 18. 10am – 2pm

Wildflowers of Ring Mountain

Truly one of the best wildflower displays in the Bay Area, the overwhelming floral diversity of this site makes this walk a “spring classic”. In addition to the many rare species found here, there are often expanses of goldfields, tidy tips, andother species providing a multicolored carpet and foreground for spectacular views of the entire bay. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 or DHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate at the end of Taylor Rd in Tiburon. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Corte Madera, take exit 449A for Tamalpais Dr east. Go straight onto San Clemente, which merges into Paradise Dr after 0.4 mile. Follow Paradise Dr approximately 1.7 miles, turn right onto Taylor Rd, and follow to end (dead end).

Tuesday, April 23. 10am – 2pm

Cascade Canyon

Flowers, birds, and butterflies will surround us as we enjoy a spring day in this Fairfax preserve. This canyon is the upper reach of the San Anselmo Creek watershed, a pristine wildlife refuge, and truly one of the jewels in all of Marin County. We should see an assortment of lilies and other shade loving flowers in the forest. The open grasslands will be producing their own blooms, and the serpentine soils should be sprouting their own unique flora. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 or DHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate at the end of Cascade Dr. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Larkspur, take the Sir Francis Drake Blvd exit west to Fairfax. In downtown Fairfax, drive about 0.4 mile west on Bolinas Rd and make a soft right at Cascade Dr (at the stop sign). Continue about 1.5 miles to the gate (dead end). Parking is limited.

Monday, April 29. 9am – 12pm

Old Railroad Grade

We will enjoy a slow stroll along the old railroad grade, a route that takes us in and out of a series of forested valleys separated by open grassland and coastal scrub habitats—a great combination which will provide us with a nice variety of birds, flowers, and everything else we are lucky enough to encounter along the way. We will employ a car shuttle so we can have a relaxing morning walk. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 orDHerlocker@marincounty.org. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take exit 452 for Central San Rafael west. Follow 3rd St approximately 1 mile, continue on 2nd St, which merges into 4th St. 4th St turns into Red Hill Ave after 0.6 mile; follow for 0.5 mile. Stay right onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd and follow 3 miles, turn right onto Glen Dr and follow .5 mile to end (dead end).

Thursday, May 2. 9am – 1pm

Birds at Mount Burdell

By now, the breeding season should be in full swing. bullock’s orioles, lazuli buntings, and black-headed grosbeaks deliver an elaborate color scheme. House wrens, lark sparrows and western meadowlarks provide background vocals. We will get an early start so we can enjoy just a little bit more of the morning chorus and activity. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 or DHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate on San Andreas Dr in Novato. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Novato, take exit 463 for San Marin Dr west 2.3 miles. Turn right onto San Andreas Dr and follow approximately 0.5 mile. The gate is on the right (before dead end).

Wednesday, May 8. 10am – 2pm

Stafford Lake

The day will start at the small pond near the western end of the reservoir, always a good spot for birds, amphibians, snakes and interesting insects. Then we’ll follow the willows that line Novato Creek which are great habitat for birds and other wildlife. The Terwilliger Nature Trail will take us up through flower–filled meadows and mixed forests to a hilltop clearing where we should be able to scan the sky for raptors and enjoy a spectacular view. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 or DHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the area 2 parking lot at Stafford Lake Park in Novato (3549 Novato Blvd). DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Novato, take exit 463 for San Marin Dr west 2.9 miles. Turn right onto Novato Blvd and follow for 2.6 miles. The park is on the left. Turn right after the gate house and follow to the last parking lot.

Saturday, May 11. 9am – 1pm

Birds and Flowers at Loma Alta

This public trail easement passes through some great wildflower habitats including serpentine soil that hosts some unusual species. It’s also one of the best places to see some great birds, including grasshopper sparrows, horned larks, and lazuli buntings. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 orDHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate to Loma Alta Fire Rd on Lucas Valley Rd in San Rafael. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take exit 456 for Lucas Valley Rd west approximately 4 miles. Look for the big rock and roadside parking. The gate is on the south side (or left) of Lucas Valley Rd.

Sunday, May 19. 9am – 1pm

Birds at Mount Burdell

We’ll get an early start so we can focus on vocalizations. Bird activity should be at its peak: Some species will be working overtime to satisfy their ravenous broods, some will be tending newly fledged young, and a few will even be tending new nests. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 orDHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate on San Andreas Dr in Novato. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Novato, take exit 463 for San Marin Dr west 2.3 miles. Turn right onto San Andreas Dr and follow approximately 0.5 mile. The gate is on the right (before dead end).

Thursday, May 23. 10am – 2pm

Focus on Grasses with Ashley Ratcliffe

This walk will explore the theme “how to look at a grass” and will serve to familiarize those of us who are botanically inclined but are intimidated by the completely new vocabulary that applies to these familiar plants. Bring a hand lens and a Marin Flora if you can. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. Questions: Contact David Herlocker at (415) 893-9508 or DHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate at the end of Cascade Dr. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Larkspur, take the Sir Francis Drake Blvd exit west to Fairfax. In downtown Fairfax, drive about 0.4 mile west on Bolinas Rd and make a soft right at Cascade Dr (at the stop sign). Continue about 1.5 miles to the gate (dead end). Parking is limited.

Saturday, May 25. 10am – 3pm

Indian Tree

We’ll try to make it to the top for lunch, but that will depend on how many flowers, birds, butterflies, and other discoveries catch our eye along the way. We’ll ascend through a series of cool forests to the top of the ridge where giantredwoods catch the summer fog. The trek to the summit is long, but worth every step. Distance: 6.5 miles; elevation gain: 1,300 feet. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 orDHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the trailhead on Vineyard Rd in Novato. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Novato, take exit 463 for San Marin Dr 2.7 miles San Marin turns into Sutro at Novato Blvd. Follow Sutro Ave 1 mile, turn right at Vineyard Rd and follow 1 mile. Trailhead is on the left where the paved road becomes a dirt road.

Tuesday, May 28. 10am – 3pm

Rare Plants of the Tiburon Peninsula

The late season bloom on this ridge includes one of the rarest and most unusual plants in the world, the Tiburonmariposa lily. We’ll look for this and other flowers as well as butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. After lunch, we’ll drive over to Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve to see the lovely Tiburon jewelflower and a number of other late blooming beauties. This walk is for adults. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. Heavy rain may cancel. If questionable weather, call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk for a recorded message to see if the walk is cancelled. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 or DHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate at the end of Taylor Rd in Tiburon. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 101 in Corte Madera, take exit 449A for Tamalpais Dr east. Go straight onto San Clemente, which merges into Paradise Dr after 0.4 mile. Follow Paradise Dr approximately 1.7 miles, turn right onto Taylor Rd, and follow to end (dead end).