Bloom Kaboom: California Native Plant Week
California Native Plant Week is April 14-22 and after this years epic rain storms in the Bay Area our wildflower payback is at the starting gate. Every where you go hints of color pop against the lush green grasses. Soon it will be a feast for the eyes and nose. Plan to head out and embrace our glorious spring.
Wildflower Mountain Bike Ride on Mt. Tam, Saturday, March 31, 9am-2pm, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and NorCal High School Mountain Bike League present a Wildflower Ride on Mt. Tam, Mountain Home Inn, Mill Valley.
Yerba Buena Island Bioblitz 2018, Come explore Yerba Buena Island and help collect data on its living species using iNaturalist. This will be a great way to learn about the island's biodiversity and become a confident naturalist of the 21st century! Treasure Island Building 1, San Francisco.
Coastal Wildflower Day 2018, artists, native plant enthusiasts, and community groups who support the mission of Coastal Wildflower Day will present a diverse array of fun, interactive activities to educate and inspire stewardship of our parks for all ages, Francis State Beach, Half Moon Bay.
Spring Native Plant Sale, Saturday, April 14, 9am - 1pm, Get your garden ready for summer at our spring plant sale, co-sponsored by the Marin Master Gardeners. Browse a fine selection of unusual native perennials, bunchgrasses, and shrubs grown from seed, cuttings, or divisions and will offer expert advice on which plants do well together. Limited quantities of unique native seed packets will be for sale as well as a wide selection of native plant books, educational posters, and notecards, Falkirk Cultural Center Garden, San Rafael.
Community Science: Pollinator Workshop, Saturday, April 14, 9am - 12pm, ages 13+, MMWD and San Francisco State University have begun studying the bees of Mt. Tamalpais. This is the first time this part of Marin has ever been surveyed for pollinators. The volunteer event involves sorting through the insects that were collected in traps on the mountain. We will separate bees from other insects and debris and then attach the bees to small pins by piercing or gluing them to the pins. Labels are then affixed. These prepared specimens are then sent off to entomologists for further study.
Park Stewardship Marin, Saturday, April 14, 10am - 1pm, ages 10+, Help restore critical habitat in Marin. Whether it be protecting an endangered species, restoring a historic feature, or improving a trail, community support is the key to ensuring the long term protection of these unique park sites. Work day events include a combination of hands-on service and short natural or cultural history lessons. Come out and lend a hand!
Bee Friends in Your Garden, 12-1pm, “If you build it, they will come.” When enhancing your garden with bee-friendly natives,what will show up? Although many people can easily recognize a honey bee or a bumble bee, most are unaware that bees come in many sizes and colors, including blue and green! Come get acquainted with the Marin County native bees that may visit your garden, Marin County Civic Center Library, Room 427, San Rafael.
Saturday Hiking Program, 1-3pm, New growth and stunning April wildflowers, Hikes range from easy to moderate, ranging from 1.5 to 2 miles. Please bring appropriate hiking gear, warm clothing water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat, China Beach Camp, San Rafael.