Are you looking for something to do this month? Check these possibilities for some great outdoor fun.
Adventures With Nature Outings for June
San Luis Obispo Coast District State Parks Docents
E=Easy = Under 1 mile, usually level ground.
M=Moderate = 1 to 3 miles, moderately level ground.
A=Active = 3 miles and/or difficult terrain.
S=Strenuous = Difficult, requires high degree of fitness.
H=Hike = Active to strenuous, no intrepretation.
T=Talk = Talk or Lecture.
*=Poison Oak = Poison oak in the area.
* indicates possible presence of poison oak
Rain or Bad weather cancels outdoor activities. All duration times are approximate. No dogs, please.
June 1, Saturday, 9:00 am Birds at the Oceano Lagoon Walk along Oceano Lagoon and through the Pismo State Beach native plant gardens to look at waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and more. We sometimes see an unusual species or more. Bring binoculars, scope and bird book if you have them, hat, sunscreen, and water. Birders of all levels welcome. Meet at the Pismo Nature Center. (M) 3hrs.
June 1, Saturday, 10:00 am The Otter Information Station! (weather permitting) View otters in the waters of Morro Bay, visit our information station, and learn about these incredible creatures from the museum docents! Located at Morro Rock in Morro Bay. Look for the exhibit and spotting scopes on Coleman Drive (at the end of the boardwalk and across from the restrooms), near the base of the Rock. (E) 2 Hours
June 1, Saturday, 1:00 pm White's Point Vistas Enjoy a short, but steep walk to view the estuary and learn about the forces that have created this watery world that serves as home to hundreds of marine and terrestrial animals. Learn why in the past century the estuary has lost 25 percent. Dress for wind. Meet at Morro Bay Natural History Museum entrance. (M) 1/2mi., 3/4 hr.
June 4, Tuesday, 1:00 pm Salt marsh to Mudflats Follow a path from the State Park Marina through native plants to the salt marsh and on to the mud flats. Learn the history of the salt marsh, and see the plants and animals living in and on these specialized environments. Dress for heat, wind and mud. Bring binoculars. Park close to the southeast end of the marina parking lot or across the street by the MB campground restrooms. (E) 0.5 mi., 2 hr.
June 7, Friday, 9:00 am Work Out Hike: Valencia Peak Via Badger Trail, Oats Loop 4.5 miles, 1,300 foot elevation gain, 2.5 hours. Take the Oats Peak Trail to Badger Trail and then join the Valencia Peak Trail at the picnic table. Continue on to the summit where we can sign into the QR code registry, and admire the view. Return on the Oats Peak Trail for a more gentle descent. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, bring water, snack, trekking poles if desired. There may be ticks and poison oak on trail. Park at the Spooner Ranch house 2.6 miles from MDO entrance sign. Join yhoo.it/work-out-hikes to receive email reminders of AWN hikes in the workout series. (S*) 4.5 miles, 2.5 hours
June 8, Saturday, 9:30 am Native Plant Gardens & Oceano Lagoon Become acquainted with native plants of our county and Pismo State Beach on a stroll by the native plant gardens. Enjoy the beauty of Oceano Lagoon and learn about its flora and fauna. Meet at the Nature Center at the entrance to the Oceano Campground, Pismo State Beach. (M) 1.5 mi., 2 hr.
June 8, Saturday, 11:00 am The Pecho Sewing Society Participants in the "Life on the Pecho" redwork quilt will receive their monthly kit which includes all materials needed plus all instructions and a short history lesson pertaining to the months subjects. All are welcome!! For those not participating in the redwork quilt, many other small projects are available. Anyone can absolutely learn this old unique embroidery technique. As always, a light lunch is served. The cost is $10 for the redwork kits. I am so excited for all to come and see the amazing transformation of the Ranch house. It is gradually becoming a home again...yet with many of the old exhibits that have been readjusted to fit into the home. It is so beautiful, you won't believe it is the same building...and more new exhibits will be displayed as the seasons change. Meets at the Spooner Ranch House at Montana de Oro. 11am
June 8, Saturday, 2:00 pm Black Hill Trail Walk the most accessible of the volcanic sisters while we discuss their history and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding geography from atop the hill. Take Golf Course Drive past the clubhouse and bear left at fork in road. Meet at the overlook parking lot above Morro Bay Golf Course. (M) 0.5mi., 1-1.5hr.
June 8, Saturday, 2:00 pm Insects: Up Close and Personal Learn what insects look like and what types live locally. Learn to use the Museum's binocular microscopes and be amazed at what can be seen at different magnification levels. Participants will look at a variety of types of insects looking at body parts such as antennae, simple eyes, compound eyes, wings, legs, and mouthparts.Insects are amazing animals and have many interesting and beautiful adaptations, many of which can only be seen up close and personal. Meet at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History auditorium (Family)(E)(T) 2 Hours
June 9, Sunday, 11:00 am Great Blue Herons, Egrets and Other Rookery Wonders Enjoy a short talk about Great Blue Herons,Great and Snowy Egrets, Black Crowned Night Herons and other residents at the rookery in Morro Bay State Park. Walk to the site to observe these magnificent birds. Learn about courtship rituals, nesting habits, and in spring, see adults caring for their young. Meet in the Learning Center at Morro Bay Museum. (E) 1/4 mi., 1.5 hr.
June 9, Sunday, 11:00 am Harmony Headlands and Its Fascinating Human History Humans have had a close and interactive relationship with this seemingly remote area for thousands of years. Discover how we can enjoy a connection with the past. Join me on this walk as we surround ourselves with the animal, bird, and plant environment of today. You may want to bring layers of clothing, sun block, a snack, water, and binoculars. We will meet at Harmony Headlands parking lot, located on the left side of Highway One about 5.5 miles North of Cayucos. (A) 4 miles, 2 to 2 1/2 hours
June 11, Tuesday, 10:00 am Los Osos Oaks Reserve Enjoy a shaded stroll through ancient forest. See native plants and evidence of Chumash habitation. Learn colorful historical background. Meet at Reserve entrance, 0.7 miles east of South Bay Blvd. on Los Osos Valley Road. (*E) 1 mi., 1.5 hr.
June 11, Tuesday, 10:00 am Sketch Walk - SLO Botanical Garden Visit the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden in Chorro Regional Park. Tour the demonstration garden with your sketch pad, pencils, watercolors, pastels, or other media. Meet at the garden. Turn North from Highway 1 into Chorro Regional Park, then turn right and proceed past the baseball field. (E) .5 miles, 2 hours.
June 12, Wednesday, 10:00 am Montaña de Oro Bluff Nature Walk Take a pleasant hike along the Bluff Trail for magnificent views and see a variety of birds, plants and sea life. Binoculars helpful. Meet at Bluff Trailhead, some 100 yards south of the MdO Ranger/Information/Ranch House, on Pecho Road. (*A) 2 mi., approx. 3 hours
June 14, Friday, 9:00 am Exploring Shifting Sands Learn about how sand is formed, and how wind and waves constantly work to reshape the beach. Walk along the beach and discover how a wide variety of organisms, both between the sand grains and on the surface of the sand, have adapted to this challenging environment. Heading north on HWY 1, turn left at the Yerba Buena stoplight and follow the road to Morro Strand State Beach. Meet at the entrance kiosk. Dress in layers and wear beach shoes. Bring water, binoculars and camera. (E) 2 hours, 0.5 miles
June 14, Friday, 9:00 am Work Out Hike: Horse Camp Road, Rim Trail, Zigzag, Hazard Peak, Back Manzanita Loop Strenuous 8 miles, 1,500 foot elevation gain, 3.5 hours. We will hike up the sandy Rim Trail and down the steep ZigZag Trail, then go up the East boundary, up to Hazard Summit and loop back on the Manzanita Trail. This new route will be a fun hike through varied terrain. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, bring water, snack, and hiking poles if desired. We may encounter poison oak and ticks. Park in turn-out 1/10 miles from MDO entrance sign. (S*) 8 miles, 3.5 hours
June 15, Saturday, 10:00 am The Otter Information Station! (weather permitting) View otters in the waters of Morro Bay, visit our information station, and learn about these incredible creatures from the museum docents! Located at Morro Rock in Morro Bay. Look for the exhibit and spotting scopes on Coleman Drive (at the end of the boardwalk and across from the restrooms), near the base of the Rock. (E) 2 Hours
June 15, Saturday, 11:00 am Harmony Headlands and Its Fascinating Human History Humans have had a close and interactive relationship with this seemingly remote area for thousands of years. Discover how we can enjoy a connection with the past. Join me on this walk as we surround ourselves with the animal, bird, and plant environment of today. You may want to bring layers of clothing, sun block, a snack, water, and binoculars. We will meet at Harmony Headlands parking lot, located on the left side of Highway One about 5.5 miles North of Cayucos. (A) 4 miles, 2 to 2 1/2 hours
June 15, Saturday, 11:00 am White's Point Vistas Enjoy a short, but steep walk to view the estuary and learn about the forces that have created this watery world that serves as home to hundreds of marine and terrestrial animals. Learn why in the past century the estuary has lost 25 percent. Dress for wind. Meet at Morro Bay Natural History Museum entrance. (M) 1/2mi., 3/4 hr.
June 15, Saturday, 2:00 pm Great Blue Herons, Egrets and Other Rookery Wonders Enjoy a short talk about Great Blue Herons,Great and Snowy Egrets, Black Crowned Night Herons and other residents at the rookery in Morro Bay State Park. Walk to the site to observe these magnificent birds. Learn about courtship rituals, nesting habits, and in spring, see adults caring for their young. Meet in the Learning Center at Morro Bay Museum. (E) 1/4 mi., 1.5 hr.
June 18, Tuesday, 11:00 am Salt marsh to Mudflats Follow a path from the State Park Marina through native plants to the salt marsh and on to the mud flats. Learn the history of the salt marsh, and see the plants and animals living in and on these specialized environments. Dress for heat, wind and mud. Bring binoculars. Park close to the southeast end of the marina parking lot or across the street by the MB campground restrooms. (E) 0.5 mi., 2 hr.
June 21, Friday, 9:00 am Work Out Hike: Islay Creek Hazard Peak Loop 10 miles, 1,500 foot elevation gain, 4 hours, We hike out the Islay Creek Fire Road and go up the Barranca Trail. At the top there is a picnic table lookout where we can stop and take a breather. We then continue on to the East Boundary Trail and head west to Hazard Peak, another great spot to take in the view. Continue down Hazard Peak Trail to the road and south to our parking area. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, bring water, snack, trekking poles if desired. There may be ticks and poison oak on the trail. Park 2.3 miles from MDO entrance sign in grassy parking lot on the right. (S*) 10 miles, 4 hours
June 21, Friday, 9:30 am Hike the Coon Creek Burn Walk through the landscape burned in November 2012 and observe the recovery of the plants. Look for "fire-followers" and flowering plants in unusual abundance. Observe the sprouting of charred shrubs and trees.400 foot elevation gain. Meet in Montana de Oro State Park at the end of the Pecho Road in the Coon Creek parking lot. Bring water and wear sturdy walking shoes. (*M) 3 miles, 2-3 hours
June 22, Saturday, 10:00 am Summer Fun Day Join us in a variety of beach-related activities such as sand art, tracks and scat, telescopes and testing whale blubber. North Beach Campground, Pismo State Beach. 10-1 pm. Family. Family Event, 10AM-1PM
June 22, Saturday, 11:00 am Summer Solstice Celebration Join the State Park Docents and Interprerters along with various other presenters in celebrating the beginning of summer. Many activities such as Native American medallion making, hoops and sticks games and walnut dice games, making fish prints, animal tracks, bird for a day, and puppets will be presented by the docents. Presentations by Pacific Wildlife Care, Wharwolves, Friends of the Elephant Seal and Audubon plus other groups will be set up. Live wolf hybrids, snakes, insects and other creatures too! Families and friends of all kinds are invited. Morro Bay State Park campground picnic area, 11-2. Family Event
June 23, Sunday, 11:00 am The Sea Otter Experience Come out to the Sea Otter Trailer to ask questions and listen to Docents talk about these beautiful curious sea mammals. Many items will be on display to view and touch. Spotting scopes and binoculars will be available for viewing the raft of otters close up, playing, relaxing and raising their young. There are also many otter-related items for sale at the trailer. The trailer is located at the harbor entrance, near the base of Morro Rock, across from the south parking lot restrooms on Coleman Drive in Morro Bay. Hours: 11 am - 3 pm, and Sunday through Labor Day. Open 11-3
June 25, Tuesday, 1:00 pm Salt Marsh to Mudflats Follow a path from the State Park Marina through native plants to the salt marsh and on to the mud flats. Learn the history of the salt marsh, and see the plants and animals living in and on these specialized environments. Dress for heat, wind and mud. Bring binoculars. Park close to the southeast end of the marina parking lot or across the street by the MB campground restrooms. (E) 0.5 mi., 2 hr.
June 26, Wednesday, 9:00 am Intertidal Life at Hazard Reef Walk through coastal scrub and sand dunes to the beach to see seaweeds and marine animals and learn a little about the geology of the area. Meet in the Hazard Canyon parking lot on the right side of the road, 1.6 miles south of the Montana de Oro State Park entrance sign. Look for the announcement board propped against the tree. Dress in layers, and wear non-skid shoes that can get wet. (A) 1 mi., 3 hr.
June 27, Thursday, 2:00 pm Discover Hidden Life in the Morro Bay Estuary Learn about some of our planet's most fascinating, seldom seen lifeforms. Meet at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History where we'll use a videomicroscope to take a look at the life that exists in a single drop of water. (E) (T) 1 Hour
June 28, Friday, 9:00 am Work-Out Hike: Coon Creek Rattlesnake Bluff Loop 6 miles, 800 foot elevation gain, 2.5 hours. We hike along the Coon Creek to ascent the switchbacks of Rattlesnake Flats Trail, we continue along this trail to the 3rd environmental camp road which leads us down to the Bluff Trail and return to the parking area. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection. Bring water, a snack, and trekking poles if desired. There may be ticks and poison oak on the trail. Park 3.8 miles from Montana de Oro entrance sign. (*S) 6 miles, 2.5 hours
June 28, Friday, 11:00 am Great Blue Herons, Egrets and Other Rookery Wonders Enjoy a short talk about Great Blue Herons,Great and Snowy Egrets, Black Crowned Night Herons and other residents at the rookery in Morro Bay State Park. Walk to the site to observe these magnificent birds. Learn about courtship rituals, nesting habits, and in spring, see adults caring for their young. Meet in the Learning Center at Morro Bay Museum. (E) 1/4 mi., 1.5 hr.
June 29, Saturday, 10:00 am Los Osos Oaks Reserve Enjoy a shaded stroll through ancient forest. See native plants and evidence of Chumash habitation. Learn colorful historical background. Meet at Reserve entrance, 0.7 miles east of South Bay Blvd. on Los Osos Valley Road. (*E) 1 mi., 1.5 hr.
June 29, Saturday, 11:00 am The Sea Otter Experience Come out to the Sea Otter Trailer to ask questions and listen to Docents talk about these beautiful curious sea mammals. Many items will be on display to view and touch. Spotting scopes and binoculars will be available for viewing the raft of otters close up, playing, relaxing and raising their young. There are also many otter-related items for sale at the trailer. The trailer is located at the harbor entrance, near the base of Morro Rock, across from the south parking lot restrooms on Coleman Drive in Morro Bay. Hours: 11 am - 3 pm, and Sunday through Labor Day. Open 11-3
June 30, Sunday, 11:00 am The Sea Otter Experience Come out to the Sea Otter Trailer to ask questions and listen to Docents talk about these beautiful curious sea mammals. Many items will be on display to view and touch. Spotting scopes and binoculars will be available for viewing the raft of otters close up, playing, relaxing and raising their young. There are also many otter-related items for sale at the trailer. The trailer is located at the harbor entrance, near the base of Morro Rock, across from the south parking lot restrooms on Coleman Drive in Morro Bay. Hours: 11 am - 3 pm, and Sunday through Labor Day. Open 11-3
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