Naturalist Wanders
The Naturalist Wanders series, which takes place on Sundays, is the perfect jumping off point for those who are just starting their journey as a person who is curious about the natural lands, ecosystems, plants, and animals that surround us in the Bay Area! Each wander takes the form of a slow, 3-hour meander through an ecosystem, pausing frequently to learn about the specific flora and fauna observed in that spot!
While the focus of these wanders is to build naturalist knowledge, the teachers are also very well versed in foraging, survival skills, wildlife tracking, and ancient living skills (such as basketry and fiber plants), and will highlight elements of these disciplines as well.
Each Naturalist Wander is a stand-alone event, however, the series of wanders throughout the year is intended to serve as a well-rounded introduction to the many ecosystems of the Bay Area.
Time: 9am-12pm
Class Size: 12
What to Bring: Journal, pen and colored pencils, snacks, 1 liter of water, appropriate clothing for the weather. Field guides are encouraged and welcomed, but not necessary or required!
Cost: $60 per Naturalist Wander or $160 for three Naturalist Wanders (email Kate Peters at bayareaearthschool@gmail.com for the discount code)
Registration
To register, please follow the links below. This will take you to our Sawyer registration platform where you will fill out a registration form, a release of liability form, and can sign up for more than one of the wanders at the same time.
September 20th, 2026: Rancho San Antonio Open Space
September 27th, 2026: Huddart Park
October 11th, 2026: Ano Nuevo State Park
October 25th, 2026: Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge
November 8th, 2026: Castle Rock State Park
November 22nd, 2026: JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
December 6th, 2026: Pescadero Beach and Marsh
December 20th, 2026: Huddart County Park
January 10th, 2027: Palo Alto Baylands
January 24th, 2027: Shoreline (Charleston Slough)
February 7th, 2027: Stevens Creek County Park
February 21st, 2027: Arastradero Preserve
March 7th, 2027: Sierra Azul Open Space
March 21st, 2027: Coyote Ridge Open Space
April 4th, 2027: Los Trancos Open Space Preserve
April 18th, 2027: Coyote Hills Regional Park
May 2nd, 2027: Sunol Regional Wilderness
May 16th, 2027: Foothills Park
June 13th, 2027: Russian Ridge Open Space
June 27th, 2027: Windy Hill Open Space
August 8th, 2027: Monte Bello Open Space
August 22nd, 2027: Alum Rock Park
The San Francisco Bay Area is part of the California Floristic Province, one of the top 35 biodiversity hotspots in the world! The region is home to 50 species of mammals, over 350 birds, 30 reptiles, 20 amphibians, 70 fish, over 400 species of fungi, more than 3,000 plants including trees and shrubs, 30,000 insects, and thousands of other invertebrates!
The Bay Area is comprised of a wide range of ecosystem types including: oak woodlands, redwood forests, tidal wetlands, grasslands, coastal scrub, chaparral, sand dunes, riparian corridors, and marine environments! Each ecosystem is home to unique plant and animal communities that we get to explore and learn about during Naturalist Wanders!