Naturalist Wanders
The Naturalist Wanders series 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 19th, 2026: Rancho San Antonio Open Space
September 26th, 2026: Huddart Park
October 10th, 2026: Ano Nuevo State Park
October 24th, 2026: Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge
November 7th, 2026: Castle Rock State Park
November 21st, 2026: JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
December 5th, 2026: Pescadero Beach and Marsh
December 19th, 2026: Huddart County Park
January 9th, 2027: Palo Alto Baylands
January 23rd, 2027: Shoreline (Charleston Slough)
February 6th, 2027: Stevens Creek County Park
February 20th, 2027: Arastradero Preserve
March 6th, 2027: Sierra Azul Open Space
March 20th, 2027: Coyote Ridge Open Space
April 3rd, 2027: Los Trancos Open Space Preserve
April 17th, 2027: Coyote Hills Regional Park
May 1st, 2027: Sunol Regional Wilderness
May 15th, 2027: Foothills Park
June 12th, 2027: Russian Ridge Open Space
June 26th, 2027: Windy Hill Open Space
August 7th, 2027: Monte Bello Open Space
August 21st, 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!