Join State Park Staff for an interactive workshop to learn how to use iNaturalist, an app that was created by scientists at the California Academy of Science. This FREE app helps you instantly identify plant and animal species by taking a photo on your phone and uploading it into a digital database. This program includes a 15-minute indoor session where we will introduce you to the app’s features.  Then, we will venture outside to walk the Oceano Lagoon for 30 minutes to ID real plants and animals. 

Bring your own device (smartphone or tablet) and download the iNaturalist app before coming to this program. 

Meet at Guiton Hall located at the Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center at 555 Pier Ave Oceano CA 93445. 2 hours. Easy, .5 mile walk. All ages are welcome.

Please RSVP by calling 805-474-2664.

Saturday, July 27th 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.

Join Parks interpretive specialists Evelyn and Bridget on a guided walk through Junge Ranch. Beginning at 10 AM we will walk through the beautiful native scenery, and we will finish our walk with some tide pooling. We will include facts from Lloyd Junge’s oral history on his time working for Hearst Ranch. We will also be providing information on the native plants and animals as well as the creatures in the tide pools. This walk is suitable for all ages! We will have scavenger hunt sheets available for kids (or adults too!).

We will meet at the trail head. Heading North from Cambria on Highway 1, turn left on to Vista Del Mar after the San Simeon State Park Campground’s parking lot. The trail head is at the end of the road. Park along the side of the road, either Vista del Mar or the adjacent street Balboa Ave.   Wear closed toed shoes and layers!

Boardwalk to Butterflies to Beach 

TBA

This dynamic, guided walk covers many highlights of Pismo State Beach including monarch butterflies and Pismo clams.   Join State Park Docent Becky for an easy 1-mile walk starting along the boardwalk trail to Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove and returning by way of the beach. Learn more about the places you visit! Whether you are a long-time resident or just passing through, come and discover the plants, animals, history, and ecology of this popular part of the Central Coast.

Join Parks interpretive specialists Evelyn and Bridget on a guided walk along the Harmony Headlands trail. Beginning at 10 AM we will walk through the beautiful native scenery. Bring binoculars to view wildlife up close. The walk will last approximately two hours and under 3 miles. This walk is suitable for all ages. We will bring scavenger hunt sheets for kids (and adults too!).

Join us at Harmony Headlands located about 25 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo on highway 1. We will meet at the parking lot/ trail head left off of the highway.

Wear closed toed shoes and layers! We are approaching the end of tick season so long pants are recommended.

Join California State Park educators for a guided walk at Montaña de Oro State Park. Meet at the Spooner Ranch House.

Wear closed toed sturdy shoes and sun protection; dress in layers for the coast and bring plenty of water. All ages welcome for this easy-paced walk, which includes moderately strenuous terrain with walking through soft sand.