Adventures with Nature Programs are guided walks and talks facilitated by California State Park Staff and Volunteers. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. These fun, free programs are exploratory in nature, revolving around cultural and natural resources in the coastal California State Parks in San Luis Obispo County. No dogs, please. Rain and/or inclement weather will cancel all outdoor events. For a full list of upcoming events, please check our event calendar.
Adventures with Nature
Explore the Natural Beach: Guided Walk at Morro Strand State Beach
Every other Friday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
September 6th & 20th, October 11th & 25th, November 8th & 22nd
Join California State Park Volunteer Sally to learn how plant communities thrive along the central coast and maritime environments. Enjoy a 1.5 mile walk along the lush Coon Creek riparian corridor, located at the far south end of Montaña de Oro State Park. Learn how to identify diverse plant species and a bit about the history of this beautiful canyon.
Meet at the farthest south parking lot in Montaña de Oro State Park, located 1 mile south of Spooner’s Cove. Arrive early as parking is limited and may fill up.
Wear closed toed sturdy shoes with good traction and dress in layers for the coast. Hiking poles are recommended for anyone needing extra stability on the initial steep decline down into the canyon from the parking lot; the rest of the trail this program will cover is relatively flat and considered easy to moderately strenuous. Bring water, camera, and binoculars.
1.5 mile; 2 hours
*There is limited cell phone service coverage in this area of the park.
Marina Peninsula Bioblitz
Friday, September 13th 11:00-12:00pm
Join interpreters on a 1 mile, 1 hour guided walk along the Marina Peninsula Trail to celebrate California Biodiversity Week! Along the way, we will identify and record the many plant and animal species we see using iNaturalist. Please bring water, have the iNaturalist app downloaded on your phone, and meet at the Marina Peninsula Trail Head at 11:00 am for an easy walk along this ADA trail. Meet at the Marina Peninsula Trail Head, located in the parking lot of the Morro Bay State Park Marina.
Oceano’s Beavers
Saturday, September 14th 10:00am-12:00pm
Join State Park Docent Dan to learn about the beaver’s physical adaptations, their role in our country’s westward expansion, why they were hunted, and their local history. Enjoy an easy-paced walk around the Oceano lagoon as we search for evidence and signs of beaver activity.
Meet at Oceano Dunes Visitor Center at the Oceano Campground, 555 Pier Ave, Oceano. Dress in layers with comfortable walking shoes. Bring insect repellent and water: binoculars are a plus. Moderate walk; 0.5 miles; 2 hours. All ages are welcome. Please RSVP by calling 805-474-2664.
Coon Creek Native Plant Walk at Montaña de Oro State Park
Sunday, August 25th 9:30 – 11:30 am
Join California State Park Volunteer Sally to learn how plant communities thrive along the central coast and maritime environments. Enjoy a 1.5 mile walk along the lush Coon Creek riparian corridor, located at the far south end of Montaña de Oro State Park. Learn how to identify diverse plant species and a bit about the history of this beautiful canyon.
Meet at the farthest south parking lot in Montaña de Oro State Park, located 1 mile south of Spooner’s Cove. Arrive early as parking is limited and may fill up.
Wear closed toed sturdy shoes with good traction and dress in layers for the coast. Hiking poles are recommended for anyone needing extra stability on the initial steep decline down into the canyon from the parking lot; the rest of the trail this program will cover is relatively flat and considered easy to moderately strenuous. Bring water, camera, and binoculars.
1.5 miles, 2 hours.
*There is limited cell phone service coverage in this area of the park.