Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District Your adventure activities guide for all ages
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SPRING/SUMMER 2023 mprpd.org
Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District
LET’S GO
OUTDOORS!
Your adventure activities guide for all ages
Preserving and Protecting Parks and Open Space since 1972
Welcome
Welcome
Let’s Go Outdoors! Spring-Summer 2023
Dear Friends,
We here at Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD) warmly invite you to join the fun and enriching
outdoor activities planned for this spring and summer! Our parks, natural preserves, and open spaces, from their
stunning wildflowers to their seasonal flurries of wildlife activity, continue to offer excellent educational and
recreational opportunities, and this year already promises to be an exciting one for us all.
Spring is a time for rejuvenation and looking forward, but it is also important to remind ourselves of the rich
heritage of this region, of the Indigenous Peoples who were the first custodians of these resources and who
continue that legacy today. Throughout MPRPD’s fifty years of existence, we’ve partnered with these and other
groups to preserve and protect natural ecosystems and provide inspirational outdoor experiences for both
current and future generations.
As we work together to build a more sustainable future, a strong coalition of non-profit, private, governmental,
and research organizations joins us in the planning and implementation of numerous important endeavors,
while we remain firmly committed to such essential partnerships.
We also celebrate milestones along our continuing journey toward a more inclusive, environmentally
literate society. For example, construction is now complete on the first phase of improved access to Palo
Corona Regional Park, including a new accessible entry plaza and visitor drop-off area, an accessibility-
compliant restroom building, and trail network enhancements. Please stop by and check out these wonderful
improvements!
MPRPD’s team looks forward to both the challenges and the opportunities this year will present, and we thank
you for your ongoing support. We once again express our sincere gratitude to the volunteers, instructors, and
other partners who help us offer such an excellent array of educational and recreational programs, hikes,
cultural and natural resource conservation and restoration opportunities, and many other activities.
If perusing this guide for the first time, I wholeheartedly urge you to partake in some of this wonderful, free
programming. And for those who are returning participants, thank you for joining us and congratulations on
being a vital part of MPRPD’s ongoing mission!
Gratefully,
Dr. Rafael Payan
MPRPD General Manager
Cover photo Delphinium spp. by Ben Benner, MPRPD Volunteer.
2 MPRPD Activities Spring/Summer 2023
What’s Inside
Registration & Information
2 WELCOME MESSAGE
ICON KEY Seated Flashlight
3 REGISTRATION/INFORMATION Activity Advised
4 GET TO KNOW YOUR MPRPD PARKS Physical Binoculars Pack Additional
Activity Advised Materials
6 WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, & EXPLORATION
7 GET OUT, GET HEALTHY
8 FAMILY DISCOVERIES Registration required
9 OUT OF THIS WORLD! STARGAZING for all programs
10 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS Scan here to register
13 CAMPS & PROGRAMS
14 MPRPD PARK MAP PROGALL
R AM
15 ADVENTURE PLANNER FREE S
How to Register Waitlist | Waitlisting does not guarantee
admittance. If a spot becomes available, you will
be contacted by either email or phone and have 24
Online | Go to our website at mprpd.org hours to respond. Generally, this occurs within 1-5
or scan the MPRPD QR code. days of the program start.
Walk-in | Available weekends from 10 am to Cancellations | MPRPD may cancel programs due to
4 pm at Palo Corona Discovery Center or low registration, weather conditions, or unforeseen
Garland Park Visitor Center. circumstances. Cancellations will be sent by email.
Phone | Call 831-372-3196, extension 102. If you must cancel a program, please let MPRPD
staff know by email or telephone at least one
Email | lgo@mprpd.org calendar day prior to the class. Registration cannot
be canceled online.
Registration | Opens 1 calendar month prior to
the activity and closes at 4 pm the day before Reminders | Email reminders will be sent
the activity. Important: You must register for approximately 3-5 days prior to the start of class.
all programs unless otherwise stated. An email
confirmation receipt is sent upon successful online Policies | Only service dogs are allowed at activities,
registration. Contact staff if you do not receive unless otherwise indicated. All policies are
a receipt. available online.
24TH Annual
Summer Wildflower Show
Surround yourself with a variety
of summer wildflowers!
Saturday & Sunday | June 10 - June 11
10 am - 4 pm
Garland Park Visitor Center
FREE admission | mprpd.org
3
Get to Know Your MPRPD Parks
Get to Know Your MPRPD Parks
Children MUST be registered and be accompanied by a registered adult.
Whisler Overlook to
the Redwoods
Get a breathtaking view of the Carmel
Bay from the Whisler Overlook, then
hike down to the redwood trees of
the San Jose Creek and back up to
Animas Pond and Inspiration Point.
This strenuous trek to the Whisler
Overlook is sure to get your heart
racing. Instructor: MPRPD Volunteer
Naturalists.
Terraces, Redwoods, and Bird Walks Ages 18+
Creeks, Oh My Discover our feathered residents at all Saturday | 9 am-2:30 pm
Take time to appreciate the little times of the year. Each season features May 6; Jun. 17
things in life as you hike Terrace, different species and behaviors. Prowl Palo Corona Flag Pole
the oak woodlands of Palo Corona and Elevation change: Approx. 1600 ft.
Redwood Canyon, and Garzas trails Distance: Approx. 10 miles.
from the eastern portion of Garland Locke-Paddon Wetland community
Park. Experience the tranquility park in search of the 400+ species of
of Garzas Creek among towering birds that inhabit our wonderful region.
redwoods. Instructor: MPRPD Instructor: Rick Berg, MPRPD Naturalist.
Volunteer Naturalist. Ages 12-Adult
Ages 12-Adult Saturday | 8:30 am-11 am
Discover Kahn Ranch
Sunday | 9:30 am-1:30 pm Apr. 8; May 6; Jul. 8; Aug. 12 Enjoy a strenuous yet relaxed-paced
Jun. 4; Jul. 2 Palo Corona Flag Pole hike with breathtaking views.
East Garzas Trailhead, Carmel Valley Located on the southeastern end of
Elevation change: Approx. 650 ft. May 13; Jul. 15; Sep. 16 Garland Ranch Regional Park, Kahn
Distance: Approx. 4 miles. Ranch boasts spectacular vistas and
No restrooms available. Marina Library Parking Lot
Elevation change: 20-80 ft. an enchanting waterfall. Enjoy the
Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles. beautiful scenery as you hike to Fern
Falls, up the Manzanita Trail, and down
Hitchcock Loop. Instructors: Mary
Dainton and Cath Farrant, MPRPD
Nature Night Hike Volunteer Naturalists.
Come to the dark side! Quietly prowl San Jose Creek Loop Ages 12-Adult
the woodlands and meadows in Explore San Jose Creek by hiking Sunday | 10 am-2 pm
search of the life that only comes out out and back from the Highway 1 Apr. 2
after others leave. Learn about our trailhead.. Only accessible through Kahn Ranch, Carmel Valley
nocturnal neighbors and their habits LGO! a shuttle will take you to and Elevation change: Approx. 1,100 ft.
Distance: Approx. 4 miles.
and prey. Reconnect with the skills from your destination to meander
of moving and listening like a wild through fields of flowers, lush
thing, while observing owls, bats, and redwood groves, and dry chaparral
other predators. Instructor: Rick Berg, hillsides that lead uphill to spectacular
MPRPD Volunteer Naturalist. views of the coast. Instructors: MPRPD
Ages 12-Adult Volunteer Naturalists.
Saturday Ages 10-Adult
15 minutes prior to sunset Thursday | 9:30 am-12 pm
Apr. 8; May 6; Jul. 8; Aug. 12 May 4 Registration
Palo Corona Park Plaza Entry Palo Corona Flag Pole
Elevation change: 100 ft. Elevation change: 600 ft. Required
Distance: Approx. 3 miles. Distance: 4-4.5 miles.
Scan here
to register
4 MPRPD Activities Spring/Summer 2023
Medicinal Plant Tour
Get to Know Your MPRPD Parks
There’s plant medicine all around us!
Come meet some of our plant allies
while taking a leisurely stroll through
California Wildlife Day
a lovely nature preserve. We’ll meet
several non-native plants, and a few
WILDLIFE & WATERSHEDS
native ones too. Some are medicine, Sponsored by the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy
some are food...some are both! Learn and Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District
how to identify and understand the
uses for these plants. Instructor: Sunday, March 26 | 10 am-3 pm | Palo Corona Regional Park
Lianne Neptune, Herbalist.
FUN FOR ALL AGES: Interactive Booths • Special Presentations
Ages 8-Adult Nature and Discovery Walks • Arts and Crafts
Saturday | 10:30 am-12 pm
May 13; Jul. 15; Sep. 9
Del Rey Oaks
Elevation change: Approx. 10 ft.
Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles.
Evening Blooms and Plants
Stroll through the forests, observe
wildflower blooms that only open
as the sun sets, and experience early
summer flowers at Garland Ranch
Regional Park. Instructor: MPRPD California celebrates its wildlife every spring equinox! Celebrate with us!
Volunteer Naturalist. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
Ages 12-Adult cawildlifeday.net | FOLLOW: @californiawildlifeday
Saturday | 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Jun. 3
Garland Park Visitor Center
Elevation change: Approx. 200 ft.
Distance: Approx. 3 miles.
Arduous Wildflower
Adventure
Challenge yourself on a strenuous
hike to experience spring wildflowers
along the ridges near Garzas Creek.
Enjoy a botanical journey up and down
steep hills to see unique wildflowers
and plants galore. Instructor: Stanley
Dudek, MPRPD Volunteer Naturalist.
Ages 12-Adult
Saturday | 10 am-2 pm
Apr. 8
Garzas Creek Trailhead, Carmel Valley
Elevation change: Approx. 1400 ft.
Distance: Approx. 4 miles.
No restrooms available.
Icon key on back cover. 5
Workshops, Seminars, & Exploration
Workshops, Seminars, & Explorations
Children MUST be registered and be accompanied by a registered adult.
Raptor Encounter Painting Nature in Nature
Raptor populations throughout the Gather outdoors in the beauty
world are just a fraction of what they of nature to paint a specific local
were a few hundred years ago. Meet flower, herb, or plant. Watercolor
several of our native birds, up-close paint, brushes, and canvas will be
and personal, as we discuss some provided to you. All experience levels
of the challenges these magnificent are welcome. Dress in comfortable
creatures face in our ever-changing layers as this will include movement.
world. Instructor: Antonio Balestreri, Instructor: Suzy Adra.
Master Falconer. Ages 18+
Ages 12-Adult Saturday | 11 am-12 pm
Friday | 6 pm- 8 pm How to Become Apr. 22, 29
May 12; Jul. 14 Marina Library, Locke-Paddon Park
Marina Library, Marina
a Field Naturalist Elevation change: 20-40 ft.
Dive into nature and become a field Distance: Approx. 1 mile.
naturalist. You will learn how to keep a
notebook to record your observations
in nature, use binoculars, use online
resources, and learn about the local
Flint Knapping- natural history of the Central Coast. Wildflower Wonder:
Making Stone Tools Inspired by the California Naturalist Journaling Nature
Watch a demonstration of basic stone program from the University of
Practice how to find the unseen
tool creation from the earliest 2.5 California. Instructor: Patrick Furtado,
wonder in nature! Nature journaling is
million-year-old tools of the Paleolithic Naturalist.
a perfect medium to explore and get
to the more refined tools of the 5,000- Ages 13-Adult to know wildflowers. Come learn to
year-old Neolithic. Tools have always Saturday | 9:30 am-12:30 pm sketch and describe them with ease
been created by available materials, Apr. 1 | Plants in a journal to record your experience
and the skill and ingenuity of the May 6 | Birds and continue learning of our local
user. Instructor: Blake Bufford, MPRPD Jun. 3 | Amphibians, Reptiles, flora. Open to all levels. Instructor:
Volunteer. Mammals Melinda Nakagawa.
All Ages Jul. 1 | Earth & Water
Ages 13-Adult
Saturday | 10 am-11 am Garland Park Visitor Center
Elevation change: 80-100 ft. Saturday | 10 am-12 pm
Aug. 12; Sep. 2
Distance: 1-2 miles. Apr. 22
Palo Corona Event Pad
Garland Park Visitor Center
Elevation change: 20-80 ft.
Distance: Approx. 1-2 miles.
Registration
Required
Scan here
to register
6 MPRPD Activities Spring/Summer 2023
Get Out, Get Healthy
Get Out, Get Healthy
Awe Walk Nature Immersion Qi Gong
Breathe Deep and BEE Happy! Walking slowly and sensing the Pronounced “chi-gong,” it is a simple
Experience boundless wonderment natural world can refresh, inspire, practice with profound results that
and get out of your head and into and even heal our bodies, hearts, combines movement, posture,
nature. Increase joy, vitality, and and minds. With invitations from breathing and meditation for the
gratitude and awaken your sense of the practice of Shinrin-yoku (Forest purpose of physical, emotional and
childlike curiosity. These are just a few Bathing), participants are guided spiritual improvements. No martial
of the side-effects of Awe Walking. into a way of mindfully relating with arts knowledge necessary. All physical
Discover the awe-inspiring power of the world around and inside of us levels are welcome. Instructor:
nature’s splendor. -- evoking a deep sense of relaxation, Michelle Polkabla.
Instructor: Monica Eastway, Eco belonging, and sometimes, awe. All Ages
Gerontologist. Instructor: Marianne Rowe. Friday | 9 am-9:45 am
All Ages Ages 18+ May 5, 12, 19, 26
Wednesday | 10 am-11 am Saturday | 10 am-12 pm Palo Corona Event Pad
Mar. 29; Apr. 12; May 17 Jul. 29
Garland Park Lower Parking Lot Palo Corona Flag Pole
Elevation change: Approx. 60 ft. Elevation change: Approx. 60 ft.
Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles. Distance: 1-2 miles.
Please note: some parts of the walk will
be in silence.
Slow Flow Yoga in Nature
Gather outdoors in the beauty of
nature for an evening of rejuvenating
Mindful Walking & and strengthening yoga flow practice.
Meditation Release stress and strengthen your
Tai Chi for Energy I mind, body, and soul while enjoying
Mindfulness in nature cultivates Tai Chi for Energy combines the the outdoors and building friendships
awareness of whatever is taking place oldest style of tai chi, Chen, with the with like-minded people.Bring a mat
within and around you: thoughts and newest style, Sun, to improve energy, and water. Instructor: Suzy Adra.
emotions, the breeze, the sounds balance, awareness, relaxation and Ages 13 - Adult
of nature, the warmth of the sun, increase strength and flexibility. Tai Wednesday | 5 pm-6 pm
invite wonder and awe. Join us for chi principles will be introduced with April 5, 12, 19
this mindful outdoor experience each session. Tai chi and its principles Palo Corona Flag Pole
combining nature meditation, mindful provide tools to assist with daily Bring a mat and water.
walking, sensory activation, and activities. Instructor: Liana Olson,
informal discussion. Senior Trainer & Board-Certified Tai
Instructor: Katie Dutcher.
Chi for Health Institute.
Ages 18+ Ages 10-Adult
Tuesday | 9:30 am-11 am Wednesdays | 4 pm-5 pm
Apr. 11; May 30 April 12, 26; May 3, 17, 24, 31
Palo Corona Flag Pole
Elevation change: Approx. 60 ft. Marina Library, Marina
Distance: 1-1.5 miles.
Icon key on back cover. 7
Family Discoveries
Family Discoveries
Exploring Nature Farm Discovery:
with Children Family Farm Field Trip
Join an experienced outdoor educator Come explore Live Earth’s 150-acre
and learn new ways to engage children organic farm! Learn farming and
in the outdoors. We’ll cover fun, gardening skills, play with farm
educational, and reflective activities animals, and taste some of our
to help all ages engage meaningfully seasonal harvests. With each tour,
with nature. Instructor: Ventana we cultivate relationships to nature
Wildlife Society Educator. and our food system and incorporate
All Ages environmental stewardship and
Sunday | 4 pm-5 pm nutrition. Instructor: Farm Discovery
May 14; Aug. 27 Staff.
Farm Discovery:
Palo Corona Flag Pole All Ages Spring Harvest
Saturday | 10 am-12 pm
Explore Live Earth’s 150-acre organic
Aug. 19; Sep. 16
farm and the first harvests of the
Farm Discovery at Live Earth,
season. Experience the farm hands-on
Watsonville
FATH Optional picnic lunch opportunity from as we cultivate relationships to nature
Herps of Fort Ord ER
DAY ’S 12 pm-1 pm. and our food system and incorporate
Fort Ord is a hot spot for snakes, environmental stewardship and
lizards, salamanders, and other herps nutrition. Instructor: Farm Discovery
in Monterey County. Observe these Staff.
animals up close and look for evidence All Ages
of them around Fort Ord. Instructor:
Farm Discovery: Saturday | 10 am-12 pm
BLM Staff.
Farming with Native Plants Apr. 15
Ages 8-Adult Come join us as we identify native Farm Discovery at Live Earth,
Sunday | 9 am-12 pm plants that call the farm home. Learn Watsonville
Jun. 18 Optional picnic lunch opportunity from
the benefits of native plants for 12 pm-1 pm.
Creekside Terrace Trail Head, Ft. Ord the environment and farming. We’ll
National Monument discuss ways our communities have
Elevation change: 200-300 ft.
Distance: Approx. 3 miles. used native plants for hundreds of
years. Instructor: Farm Discovery Staff.
All Ages
Saturday | 10 am-12 pm
Apr. 22
Family Geology Hike Farm Discovery at Live Earth,
Join expert naturalists from the PG Watsonville
Optional picnic lunch opportunity from
Museum for an informative hike for 12 pm-1 pm.
the whole family! Nature-lovers of all
ages will learn new things about the
geology of Monterey County, while
also practicing trail skills and getting
some exercise! Bring a nature journal,
camera, or binoculars and dig in.
Instructor: PG Museum Staff.
All Ages
Saturday | 10 am-12 pm
Aug. 19
Coastal Location
Elevation change: 10-30 ft.
Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles.
8 MPRPD Activities Spring/Summer 2023
Out of this
Out of this World! Stargazing
Children MUST be registered and be accompanied by a registered adult.
Discover San Jose Creek, Moon Movement &
World!
Ishxenta State Park Mysteries Stargazing
Crisscross this vibrant coastal stream Enjoy family-oriented activities with
over a series of wooden bridges on this a local astronomer that bring light Programs presented in cooperation
out and back interpretive adventure. to how we see and understand the with the Santa Cruz Astronomy
Immerse yourself in diverse plant moon. We will explore the moon and Club and the Monterey Institute for
life, including iconic coast redwoods; its motion across the sky through Research in Astronomy (MIRA) Club.
wonder at the curious clues of animal stories, drawings, and movement. We
life; experience the remarkable will also enjoy a view of the daytime
geology within this truly unique moon through a telescope. Instructor:
California ecosystem. Instructor: CA Jean Perkins, Astronomer.
State Parks Staff. All Ages
Ages 10-Adult Sunday | 3:30 pm-4:30 pm
Saturday | 9:30 am-12:30 pm May 28; Jun. 25
Apr. 15; May 20; Jun. 24; Jul. 15; Garland Park Visitor Center
Aug. 19; Sep. 16
Palo Corona Flag Pole Star Party
Elevation: Approx. 80 ft. Look up at the night sky and revel
Distance: Approx. 3 miles.
in its vast and seemingly endless
mysteries. Come and join us as
Baby on the Way? amateur astronomers share their
Let’s Go Hike Today knowledge of the cosmos. Observe
Hit the trail with other parents-to-be details on the moon and faint
Rocky Shore Science and their families. Build community objects such as galaxies and star
with nature-minded families, discuss clusters.
Be a marine ecologist! In this
what you need in your MPRPD parks,
workshop, you will get an introduction
and get your body moving. Instructor: All Ages
to the animals of the rocky shore and
Savannah Peña, MPRPD Program 15 minutes prior to sunset
to the tools and techniques scientists
Coordinator. Mar. 24 | Moon, planets and deep
use to study them. Then you will have
a chance to put your knowledge to All Ages sky objects
work on identifying key intertidal Friday | 4 pm-5:30 pm May 20 | Aquarid meteor shower
species of Monterey Bay. Instructor: Mar. 31 Aug. 13 | Perseid meteor shower
PG Museum Staff. Palo Corona Flag Pole Garland Park Visitor Center
Elevation change: Approx. 80 ft.
Ages 8-Adult Distance: Approx. 2 miles.
Saturday | 1 pm-2 pm
Apr. 15
Coastal location, Pacific Grove
Portable chair, warm
clothing, and hot
drinks encouraged.
Rain, fog, or cloud cover
cancels event.
For up-to-date weather
conditions, call 831-659-6065
within an hour of program.
Registration Bring a flashlight (red lens).
Required
Minors must be accompanied
Scan here by an adult.
to register
Only service dogs permitted.
Icon key on back cover. 9
Community Happenings
Community Happenings
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT BIG SUR LAND TRUST BLUE ZONES PROJECT
MONTEREY COUNTY
EcoCrew Events Get Out on the
The EcoCrew invites you to participate Lands You Love! Get Involved!
in workshops, webinars, tours, and Join Big Sur Land Trust out on The Blue Zones Project is a
planting events. conserved lands throughout Monterey geographically based, community-by-
County! Choose from trail running community comprehensive approach
All Ages
and hiking opportunities on lands not to well-being that drives measurable
Various Locations at Fort Ord
usually open to the public, docent-led improvement in key metrics. Our
National Monument (FONM)
hikes, project tours, and self-guided goal is to help people improve their
Volunteer hikes through a variety of beautiful overall well-being by providing the
Oak Woodland Restoration ecosystems. There’s something for tools to create sustainable lifestyles;
Mar. 17 | 10 am-1 pm every age and fitness level. through participating in interactive,
educational, and fun activities for
Goat Grazing and Grassland Ages Vary by Activity everyone!
Management
Race for Open Space All Ages | Times Vary
Apr. 14 | 9 am-12 pm
Daily | April 2023 Monterey County
Habitat Restoration FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
Carmel River F.R.E.E. Project Tours
Apr. 18 | 12:30 pm-3:30 pm VISIT: montereycounty.bluezonesproject.
Palo Corona Regional Park com/get-involved/
Rare Plants and Vernal Pools Check website for dates CALL: 831-800-7355
May 4 | 9 am-12 pm FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
Monarchs and Milkweed!
VISIT: bigsurlandtrust.org ELKHORN SLOUGH RESERVE
EMAIL: info@bigsurlandtrust.org
Aug. 5 | 9 am-12 pm Tours and Volunteer
Learn VENTANA WILDLIFE SOCIETY Opportunities
Webinar - Oak Woodlands Join us for a variety of tours and
and Grasslands of FONM
Condor Zoom Chats opportunities each month! Discover
May 11 | 9:30 am-11 am Tune in for real-time answers to the “ins and outs” of native plant
Online your burning condor questions as Sr. landscaping at our Garden Day
Wildlife Biologist, Joe Burnett, and the volunteer events, take a sensory
FOR MORE INFORMATION Ventana Wildlife Society Condor Crew, exploration along the trails, or learn
EMAIL: bdelgado@blm.gov; jheckel@blm.gov
CALL: 831-277-7690
take you through the latest updates on about the history, research, and new
OFFICE: 940 2nd Ave, Marina the central California condor flock. restoration of California’s second
REGISTRATION: https://forms.gle/
All Ages largest estuary.
XEnFERRNaX5EdvwcA
Last Thursday of month | 4 pm Ages Vary by Event
Online
CARMEL RIVER WATERSHED Elkhorn Slough Reserve,
CONSERVANCY Discovery Center Watsonville
Watershed Educational Tour Home to the condor exhibit —
Garden Days
Bringing the Condors Home — learn
The Carmel River Watershed 2nd Saturdays | 10 am-12 pm
about condors and the efforts to
Conservancy will lead small groups
recover the birds to the wild. Spend Mindfulness Tour
on a driving tour of key sites within
time in beautiful Big Sur and go on 4th Saturdays | 2 pm-4 pm
the watershed, such as the Los
breathtaking hikes with views of the
Padres Reservoir and the former San Weekend Tour
mountains and ocean. We offer free
Clemente Dam, while explaining the Saturdays & Sundays | 10 am & 11 am
presentations upon request during
rich history and ecology of the area.
normal operating hours.
This program is approximately four Early Bird Tour
hours and available upon request All Ages 1st Saturdays | 8:30 am-11:30 am
throughout the year. Saturdays & Sundays | 10 am-4 pm
FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
FOR MORE INFO & TO REQUEST A TOUR
May 27-Sep. 3 VISIT: elkhornslough.org/calendar
VISIT: carmelriverwatershed.org FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION EMAIL: ariel.hunter@wildlife.ca.gov
EMAIL: carmelriverorg@gmail.com CALL: 831-728-2822
VISIT: ventanaws.org
All tours are filled on a first-come, first-
served basis - drop-ins are welcome!
10 MPRPD Activities Spring/Summer 2023Free Events & Programs Offered by Community Organizations
Community Happenings
CITIZENS FOR SUSTAINABLE MARINA FARM DISCOVERY AT LIVE EARTH HABITAT STEWARDSHIP PROJECT
(FORMERLY RETURN OF THE NATIVES)
Oak Woodland and Volunteer Opportunities
Community Garden Farm Discovery hosts a variety of Docents of Native Species
Plant native species, harvest and volunteer opportunities, like assisting Assist in a native plant greenhouse
plant community garden beds, spread with field trips, caring for the garden and garden. Help sow seeds,
mulch, water plants, and remove or animals, and working on the farm. transplant, weed, water, and care
European grasses from this oak Visitors can expect to be educated for native plants grown for habitat
woodland and community garden through farm immersion, field trips, restoration.
project. farm walks, and animal care. We All Ages
cultivate relationships to nature and Tuesdays | 10:30 am-12:30 pm
All Ages
our food system and incorporate Watershed Institute, CSU
Saturdays | 9 am-1 pm
environmental stewardship and Monterey Bay
Marina Library-Oak Woodland
nutrition.
Community Garden, Marina
FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION Community Stewardship
EMAIL: bdelgado62@gmail.com VISIT: farmdiscovery.org Events
CALL: 831-277-7690 EMAIL: education@farmdiscovery.org
No registration needed. CALL: 831-728-2032 In partnership with community
organizations on the Peninsula and
Broom Bash* FRIENDS OF SEASIDE PARKS
Salinas, join HSP and help plant native
Help preserve Fort Ord’s biodiversity species, weed, pick up trash that would
and habitat! Join other weed warriors Pollinator Garden Park go to the ocean, and restore native
habitat in your local parks and open
to uproot French broom, a noxious Clean-up
invasive weed. A brief on-line spaces.
Join us each Saturday as we beautify
Munitions Safety Training must be and create habitat in Seaside parks! All Ages
taken at least 5 days before each Help plant native plants and trees,
event. CSUMB Earth Day Stewardship
remove weeds, prune, and water while 2:30 pm-4:30 pm
Ages 13-Adult learning about how drought-resistant Apr. 20
May 28; Jun. 25; Jul. 23; Aug. 27; and pollinator-friendly gardening Saturday | 10 am-1 pm
Sep. 24 | 9 am-12 pm benefits bees, birds, butterflies, and Marina Dunes Preserve, Marina
13630 Sherman Blvd., Marina people. Workdays rotate each week Sep. 9
through eleven different parks. Carr Lake, Salinas
FOR MORE INFORMATION
VISIT: sustainablemontereycounty.org/ All Ages Mar. 25, Apr. 8
marina-home/ Saturdays | 10 am-12 pm Creeks of Salinas
EMAIL: sustainableeastgarrison@gmail.com
*Registration required.
Locations vary, Seaside Apr. 1, Apr. 15, 22; May 8, 13;
FOLLOW: facebook.com/SustainableMarina/ Jun. 17; Jul. 15; Aug. 26; Sep. 16
FOR MORE INFORMATION
VISIT: sustainablemontereycounty.org/ FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
seaside-home VISIT: csumb.edu.hspmb
EMAIL: pkennedy1950@gmail.com EMAIL: friendsofhspmb@gmail.com
Icon key on back cover. 11Community Happenings
Community Happenings
MEARTH PACIFIC GROVE MUSEUM SIERRA CLUB
OF NATURAL HISTORY
Community Events Using POLES for Hiking,
Join MEarth at the Hilton Bialek Inspiring Discovery, Wonder, Walking/Exercise
Habitat this year! Celebrate Earth Day and Stewardship Expert Training: Learn strategies to
at a festival-style event focused on The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural enhance your outdoor experiences.
sustainable living and becoming better History has a spring and summer full of Improve confidence and performance
environmental stewards, or check fun and excitement for all ages. Enjoy on varied terrain. Uphill: Improve
out the Glass Pumpkin Patch event family days, scientific talks, community power, endurance, posture, upper
with music, food, a kids zone, and an science projects, day camps, and the body strength, spine function.
opportunity to support local art and incredible new exhibit “Wonder.” Downhill: Develop skills for feeling
MEarth education programs. Museum admission for Monterey safer and preserving joints – save
All Ages County residents is always free! your knees! Easy practice hike. Quality
MEarth, Carmel All Ages POLES provided (learn about pole
PG Museum of Natural History fitting).
MEarth Day Festival Ages 18+
Saturday, Apr. 29 | 10 am-4 pm First Fridays: Museum Exploration Saturday | 9:30 am-1:30 pm
1st Friday | 6 pm-9 pm Aug. 19
Glass Pumpkin Patch Palo Corona Flag Pole
TBA September Garden Work Bee: Gardening
1st Saturday | 10 am-12 pm FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
VISIT: SierraClub.org/Loma-Prieta/
VISIT: Mearthcarmel.org
FOLLOW: @mearthcarmel
Science Saturdays: Military-Outdoors
Educational Activities Registration required.
EMAIL: info@mearthcarmel.org
CALL: 831-624-1032 4th Saturday | 10 am-3 pm
SPARK IN NATURE
Amazing Animal Families | Feb. 25
MONTEREY AUDUBON SOCIETY
Sneaky Natural Tricksters | Mar. 29 Online Nature Journaling
Monthly Bird Watching Fossil Festival | Apr. 29 with Melinda
Field Trips Native Plant Party | May 27 Nature journaling is about exploring
Join free monthly birding field trips nature, then documenting your
Nature Exchange
at various locations in the Monterey experience in a journal with sketches
Fridays - Sundays | 10 am-12 pm;
region. Learn how to use binoculars and words. Melinda will teach
1 pm-3 pm
(provided) and spot birds on a strategies to help you to see more
Beginning Birding tour at Asilomar. FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION in nature, simplify the process of
Explore various ADA accessible VISIT: pgmuseum.org recording, deepen your ability to
EMAIL: education@pgmuseum.org observe, and find wonder and joy in
parks and trails while observing bird CALL: 831-648-5716
behavior and song with fellow birders the world around you.
on an Accessible Birding tour. Ages 10-Adult
All Ages 3rd Sunday of month
Dates, Times, and Locations Vary 9:30 am-11:30 am
Online
FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
VISIT: montereyaudubon.org/outings FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
CALL: 208-520-8794 VISIT: SparkinNature.com/events
EMAIL: sparkinNature@gmail.com
12 MPRPD Activities Spring/Summer 2023Camps & Programs
Camps & Programs
MEARTH PACIFIC GROVE VENTANA WILDLIFE SOCIETY
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Community Workshops Summer Programs
Check our website for more
Summer Camps Meaningful experiences in nature
information on upcoming community Discover a world of wonder this inspire passion for stewardship of the
workshops! Scholarships available. summer with the Pacific Grove planet. Whether it’s journaling in the
Museum of Natural History’s Summer shade of a giant redwood, exploring
All Ages Camps! Campers will get the chance tide pools, or having a condor soar
Make a Gift for Mom to roar into the ancient world with so close overhead the rustle of its
May 13 | 10 am-12 pm dinosaurs and archeology, explore the feathers can be heard, Ventana
Make Your Own Pizza Night science of galaxies, stars, and planets, Wildlife Society programs generate
Jun. 23 | 4:30 pm-6:30 pm uncover the secrets of the museum’s memories that will last a lifetime.
collections, and enjoy time in the
FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION Cost: $40-$365/child
VISIT: mearthcarmel.org/ museum and outdoors.
Scholarships available.
community-connections/ Museum naturalists are ready with a
EMAIL: info@MEarthCarmel.org Wee Ones in the Woods
Call: 831-624-1032
host of experiments, crafts, games,
and activities, and campers will have Ages 4-7
an amazing time making new friends Weekdays | 8:30 am-11:30 am;
and learning all sorts of incredible 12:30 pm-3:30 pm
Summer Camps Jun. 12-16; Jul. 17-21
things about the natural world.
At MEarth your camper can become a
junior environmental steward! We are Incoming Grades 3-5 Natural Science Discovery Camp
stewards by taking care of our garden Monday-Friday l 9 am-3 pm Ages 8-12
using organic methods, cooking fresh Cost: Members: $365 Weekdays | 8 am-4 pm*
foods, discovering our natural history, Non-Members $400 Jun. 12-16; Jul. 17-21
exploring the habitat, and crafting
things from the land we protect! Paleontology & Archeology Single-day Adventures
Jun. 12-16 Ages 8-12
Cost: $400-450 per child. Early Discover Community Science Weekdays | 8:30 am-4:30 pm
registration discount available! Jun. 26-30 Jul. 5, 6, 7
Microgreens Cooking Camp Wonders of the Museum | Jul. 10-14
Ages 6-8 All the Ologies | Jul. 24-28 Outdoor Leadership Training
Jun. 26-Jun. 30 Ages 13-16
Incoming Grades K-2 Weekdays | 8 am-4 pm*
Green Tweens Cooking Camp Monday-Friday l 9am-12pm Jun. 12-16; Jul. 17-21
Ages 9-11 Optional “Lunch Bunch” 12 pm-1 pm FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
Jul. 10-Jul. 14 Cost: Members: $255 VISIT: ventanaws.org/education
Non‑members $280 EMAIL: grodriguez@ventanaws.org
Microgreens EcoExplorer Camp “Lunch Bunch” Aftercare: $50/week CALL: 831-215-6010
Ages 6-8 *Thursday overnight campout,
pick up Friday 12 pm
July 17-21 Discover Dinos | Jun. 12-16
Amazing Animals | Jun. 19-23
Green Tweens EcoExplorer Camp Backyard Science | Jun. 26-30
Ages 9-11 Junior Curator Camp | Jul. 10-14
Jul. 24-Jul. 28 Outer Space Explorers | Jul. 17-21
Be a Scientist | Jul. 24-28
Green Teens Choose-Your-Own-
Adventure Camp FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
Ages 11-13 VISIT: www.pgmuseum.org/camp2023
EMAIL: education@pgmuseum.org
Jul. 31-Aug. 4
Icon key on back cover. 13MPRPD Park Map
MPRPD Park Map
Parks and properties owned and managed N
by the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District MARINA Map not to scale.
For a complete map
Let’s Go Outdoors! is published by the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park
District (MPRPD) © 2023 MPRPD. All rights reserved. of MPRPD parks,
visit mprpd.org.
Reservation Road
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
n
WARD 1 Kelly Sorenson
SAND CITY
ksorenson@mprpd.org
PACIFIC GROVE
Marina, northern Ft. Ord
n
WARD 2 Shane Anderson
shanea@mprpd.org
Seaside, northern Sand City, SEASIDE
southern Ft. Ord
n
WARD 3 Kevin Raskoff MONTEREY
kraskoff@mprpd.org
Monterey, southwest Seaside,
southern Sand City, Del Rey Oaks PEBBLE BEACH DEL REY Highway 68
n
WARD 4 Kathleen Lee (President) OAKS
klee@mprpd.org
Pacific Grove, New Monterey,
northern Pebble Beach Carmel Valley Road
Laureles Grade
n
WARD 5 Monta Potter
mpotter@mprpd.org CARMEL
Carmel, Carmel Valley, Big Sur,
southern Pebble Beach
Board meetings are typically held
the first Wednesday of each month. CARMEL VALLEY District Boundary
Check mprpd.org for more information. Highway 1 Carmel Valley
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND Village
COMMUNITY OUTREACH (EECO) TEAM
Jackie Nelson | Environmental Education Supervisor
nelson@mprpd.org
BIG SUR
Debbie Wyatt | Environmental Education
Coordinator-Volunteers
wyatt@mprpd.org
Savannah Peña | Environmental Education
Coordinator-Programs Carmel River
pena@mprpd.org
Claire Ackland | Environmental Education Specialist
eesgarland@mprpd.org
Jonathan David | Environmental Education Specialist Cachagua
eespalo@mprpd.org
Rafael Payan, PhD | General Manager Palo Colorado Road
payan@mprpd.org
A special thanks to the MPRPD Volunteers.
Volunteer-led Activities
Scenic/Env. Resources
Accessibility Trail Info
Children’s Play Areas
* Management Partnership
Historic Resources
** Access Permit Required
Equestrian Trails
Meeting Room
Coastal Access
† Temporarily Closed
Visitor Center
Dogs Allowed
Bicycle Trails
Sports Fields
Hiking Trails
Picnic Areas
Restrooms
MPRPD Parks and Preserves
Cachagua Community Park* ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
de Dampierre Park (unit of Garland Park)* ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Eolian Dunes Preserve ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Frog Pond Wetland Preserve ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Garland Ranch Regional Park (Garland Park) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Kahn Ranch (unit of Garland Park)** ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Locke-Paddon Wetland Community Park* ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Marina Dunes Preserve ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Mill Creek Redwood Preserve † ✔ TEMPORARILY
✔ CLOSED ✔ ✔
Palo Corona Regional Park (Front Ranch) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Rancho Cañada (unit of Palo Corona Regional Park) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
14 MPRPD Activities Spring/Summer 2023Adventure Planner
Adventure Planner
MARCH 2023 PAGE 24 Wed Tai Chi for Energy I 7
24 Fri Star Party 9 26 Fri Qi Gong 7
26 Sun California Wildlife Day 5 28 Sun Moon Movement & Mysteries 9
29 Wed Awe Walk 7 30 Tue Mindful Walking & Meditation 7
31 Fri Baby on the Way? Let’s Go Hike Today 9 31 Wed Tai Chi for Energy I 7
APRIL 2023 PAGE JUNE 2023 PAGE
1 Sat How to Become a Field Naturalist 6 3 Sat Evening Blooms and Plants 5
2 Sun Discover Kahn Ranch 4 3 Sat How to Become a Field Naturalist 6
5 Wed Slow Flow Yoga in Nature 7 4 Sun Terraces, Redwoods, and Creeks, Oh My 4
8 Sat Arduous Wildflower Adventure 5 10 Sat 24 Annual Summer Wildflower Show
th
3
8 Sat Bird Walks 4 11 Sun 24 th Annual Summer Wildflower Show 3
8 Sat Nature Night Hike 4 17 Sat Whisler Overlook to the Redwoods 4
11 Tue Mindful Walking & Meditation 7 18 Sun Herps of Fort Ord 8
12 Wed Awe Walk 7 Discover San Jose Creek,
24 Sat 9
Ishxenta State Park
12 Wed Slow Flow Yoga in Nature 7
25 Sun Moon Movement & Mysteries 9
12 Wed Tai Chi for Energy I 7
JULY 2023 PAGE
15 Sat Earth Day Locke-Paddon 5
1 Sat How to Become a Field Naturalist 6
Discover San Jose Creek,
15 Sat 9
Ishxenta State Park 2 Sun Terraces, Redwoods, and Creeks, Oh My 4
15 Sat Farm Discovery: Spring Harvest 8 8 Sat Bird Walks 4
15 Sat Rocky Shore Science 9 8 Sat Nature Night Hike 4
19 Wed Slow Flow Yoga in Nature 7 14 Fri Raptor Encounter 6
Farm Discovery: Farming with 15 Sat Bird Walks 4
22 Sat 8
Native Plants
Discover San Jose Creek,
15 Sat 9
22 Sat Painting Nature in Nature 6 Ishxenta State Park
22 Sat Wildflower Wonder: Journaling Nature 6 15 Sat Medicinal Plant Tour 5
26 Wed Tai Chi for Energy I 7 29 Sat Nature Immersion 7
29 Sat Painting Nature in Nature 6 AUGUST 2023 PAGE
MAY 2023 PAGE 12 Sat Bird Walks 4
3 Wed Tai Chi for Energy I 7 12 Sat Flint Knapping-Making Stone Tools 6
4 Thu San Jose Creek Loop 4 12 Sat Nature Night Hike 4
5 Fri Qi Gong 7 13 Sun Star Party 9
6 Sat Bird Walks 4 19 Sat Using POLES for Hiking, Walking, Exercise 12
6 Sat How to Become a Field Naturalist 6 Discover San Jose Creek,
19 Sat 9
Ishxenta State Park
6 Sat Nature Night Hike 4
19 Sat Family Geology Hike 8
6 Sat Whisler Overlook to the Redwoods 4
19 Sat Farm Discovery: Family Farm Field Trips 8
12 Fri Qi Gong 7
27 Sun Exploring Nature with Children 8
12 Fri Raptor Encounter 6
SEPTEMBER 2023 PAGE
13 Sat Bird Walks 4
2 Sat Flint Knapping-Making Stone Tools 6
13 Sat Medicinal Plant Tour 5
9 Sat Medicinal Plant Tour 5
14 Sun Exploring Nature with Children 8
16 Sat Bird Walks 4
17 Wed Awe Walk 7
Discover San Jose Creek,
17 Wed Tai Chi for Energy I 7 16 Sat 9
Ishxenta State Park
19 Fri Qi Gong 7 16 Sat Farm Discovery: Family Farm Field Trips 8
Discover San Jose Creek,
20 Sat 9
Ishxenta State Park
20 Sat Star Party 9
Icon key now
Register on back
at mprpd.org
cover. 15PRSRT STD
Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District U.S. POSTAGE
4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA 93923 PAID
MONTEREY, CA
Post Office Box 223340, Carmel, CA 93922 PERMIT NO. 255
Tel: 831-372-3196
ECRWSS
www.mprpd.org
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
The MPRPD MISSION:
ICON KEY Seated Flashlight
Activity Advised To acquire and maintain open space in the District for preservation
and use, working with partners and the community, for public benefit,
Physical Binoculars Pack Additional
Activity Advised Materials enjoyment and environmental protection.
Community ALIVE!
Act Locally In Volunteer Efforts
Join our team! We need your help and so do our parks!
Volunteers help preserve, protect, • Volunteer as a: outdoor program assistant, hike leader, special
educate, and inspire! events & outreach, school program leader, trail and visitor center
guide, gardener, trail monitor, fuel management.
Whether you’re a student, recent • Learn more and apply to become a volunteer.
graduate, a retiree, or simply looking VISIT: mprpd.org/volunteer-community-alive
for a change of scenery, the Monterey CONTACT: wyatt@mprpd.org | 831-372-3196, ext. 113
Peninsula Regional Park District
• As a volunteer, you’ll get the training and tools you need to help
provides meaningful volunteer
us create fun, accessible, parks and open spaces for all to enjoy.
opportunities. Ages 18+.
BE GREEN! To reduce our carbon footprint and to be leaders in environmental sustainability, this guide is printed on recycled paper.
A paper version is sent to district residents via bulk mail and listings of our classes are available online. Please recycle.You can also read
