May is a beloved month for Mother's Day and Memorial Day but it’s more then just that. After this years winter rains nourishing our land, May is the perfect time to really appreciate the bounty of wildflowers and gardens now at their peak. Yet another month to enjoy wonderful family outings and appreciate gifts from the earth and sky. So get ready for a roundup of the absolute best ways to love our wonderful world.

5 Ways to Love the Earth

Garden Faire
Sunday, May 1
12pm - 4pm
Edna Maguire Elementary School, Mill Valley

Families are invited to experience the magic of this year’s Garden Faire. Not only will they have an amazing plant sale but will be featuring a Maypole dance, garden fairies, crafts and games, such as fairy house building, creating potions, wreath making, hunting for golden eggs, nibbling on donut trees and bobbing for apples. Other activities will include face painting, hair extensions, and henna tattoos. DJ Jason will fill the garden with toe-tapping music while an array of eateries will serve up fresh, delicious local food, and Bake-Off. 100% of the proceeds go to the Mill Valley Children’s Garden. For festival information, call 415-389-7733 or visit ednamaguire.org.

Blossoms, Bees & Barnyard Babies
Saturday, April 30 & Sunday, May 1
10am-4pm
Various Locations around Sonoma County

Sonoma County farms are abundant with seedlings and barnyard babies. Pack up the family and head out to the farm to celebrate Spring and see what's flowering! Tour your way through Sonoma County and visit farms of your choice. Activities include farm tours, demonstrations, animal petting, games and crafts for kids, tastings, cooking demos, flower arranging, and more. Many stops will offer snacks, lunches and epic picnic sites. Farm stands will be open for fresh-from-the-source purchases.

Junior Ranger Jamboree
Saturday, May 7
12pm
Crissy Field, San Francisco

Enjoy entertainment, refreshments, and hands-on activities and games, while learning a Junior Ranger’s duty to “Explore, Learn & Protect.” Gather ’round the campfire, roast some s’mores, and sing “Happy Birthday” to our national parks. All youth will be sworn in as official Junior Rangers and receive a commemorative ranger badge. This event is FREE for the whole family with your RSVP!

Storybook Ball 2016 – Charlotte’s County Fair! 
Sunday, May 22
3-6pm
Mill Valley Community Center

The theme for this year’s event is based on Charlotte’s Web, the classic children’s book by E. B. White. Children up to age 10 and their parents will spend a fun-filled afternoon at the Mill Valley Community Center, which will be transformed into an old-fashioned county fair, complete with games, music, dance and craft activities. Attendees will also be treated to delicious local food with beer and wine for the adults.

Nature for Kids: Indian Tree
Monday, May 30
10am-1pm
Meet at the trailhead on Vineyard Rd in Novato

Ranger-led hike through one area shaded by bay trees, then an oak covered hill, and finally end up in a little grove of redwoods. Learn about different habitats, plants, and animals that live in each place. Remember to bring lunch. 

3 Ways to Love the Sky

Astronomy Night: Aquarids Meteor Shower
Saturday, May 7
8-10pm
Meet at the gate on San Andreas Dr in Novato

Bring the whole family out for an evening under the stars on Mount Burdell. Look at the planets and night sky through a telescope, or bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the view. The star of the show will be the Aquarids Meteor Shower, which will be at its peak. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. 

Astronomy Nights on Mt. Tamalpais
Saturday, May 14
8:30-10pm
Cushing Theatre, Mt. Tamalpias

Mt. Tam Astronomy Programs are Free and Open to All! If your dwarf star is fascinated by the night sky, then they will love the awesome astronomy programs at the top of Mount Tamalpias. Once a month, from April through October, enjoy amazing talks by professionals in the field followed by a Night Sky Tour. 

Full Moon Adventure at Indian Tree
Saturday, May 21
7:30 – 9pm
Meet at the trailhead on Vineyard Rd in Novato

Join a ranger for a hike to experience this unique preserve after dark. We’ll discuss nocturnal animals and things that go bump in the night! All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary.