Looking to get in touch with nature and share the experience with other community-minded people? This weekend’s California Biodiversity Day is built for you.
While this fun day happens on Saturday, September 7, the following week (through September 15) is set aside for exploring California nature. The week involves an array of “bioblitz” micro-events designed to have a hands-on experience with our environment, as well as guided nature walks, art experiences, cultural demonstrations and restoration efforts. There are currently 180 events planned all across California. Our state is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world—so let’s celebrate it and protect it.
California’s 30x30 initiative (conserving 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030) inspired Biodiversity Day to create its own 30-based checklists. Among these is the Find 30 Species Challenge through iNaturalist.org. With this challenge, you observe and photograph at least 30 wild species anywhere in the state between September 8 and 15 and submit them to the portal. There are several others, such as finding 30 birds through eBird or holding 130 in-person nature-based events that reach at least 3030 people. See the website for more details.
Of course, many of San Francisco’s museums and parks are hosting events, all of them free:
Sept 7
Urban Nature Walk at the Presidio
From 9am to noon, join a guided walk through the Presidio, where a guide will point out the beauty of urban biodiversity. You’ll learn how to use iNaturalist to explore and document species on the walk. Start by Thompson Reach and then stroll to El Polin Springs to discuss restoration and wildlife management. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a curious beginner, you’re invited to this free bioblitz in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences. Bring binoculars and—since space is limited—register in advance here to save your spot.
Sept 7
Presidio Biodiversity Mini Portraits
This art-based bioblitz involves stopping by the Presidio Field Station from 11am to 4pm to choose from a variety of photos of Presidio flora, fauna and fungi that you’ll then use as inspiration to draw your own small portrait of your favorite species. The drawings will all be displayed together in the Field Station, showing all visitors that the Presidio is a biodiversity hotspot.
Sept 7
Greening Day at Sunset Boulevard Biodiversity Corridor
From 10am to noon, come help weed native gardens in this corridor connecting Lake Merced and Golden Gate Park. Meet at 36th Ave. and Santiago. RSVP requested so there are enough gardening tools on hand.
Sept 10
Laguna Honda Reservoir Volunteer Workday
From 9:30am to 12:30pm, join a volunteer workday at the reservoir to restore native habitat around its edges, take down a fence, weed and prepare a winter planting site. Learn about the site’s history, as well as stewardship work underway and how you can volunteer in the months to come. Meet at north corner of Clarendon Avenue and Laguna Honda Boulevard, at the top of the steps.
Sept 11
Lake Merced lend a hand for habitat
From noon to 2:30pm, join to help restore spectacular habitat at Lake Merced. There are a variety of volunteer tasks, but wear appropriate footwear since some of it will be on steep slopes. Tools and gloves will be provided. Meet at the parking lot on the west side of the concrete bridge on John Daly Boulevard.
Sept 14
Wierd & Wonderful Wildlife at Angel Island State Park (webinar)
A brief event, from 10 to 10:45am, this live webinar lets you stay at home and still discover all the bizarre plants and animals on the largest natural island of the San Francisco Bay. RSVP required.
Sept 14
Bird Curious at Glen Canyon Park
From 9 to 11am, join the Golden Gate Bird Alliance members for a leisurely, meditative bird walk around Glen Canyon Park. This walk is part of the Bird Curious series for new birders. The goal is a contemplative walk of listening and being present. The alliance wants to create community around birds and a deepening relationship with the natural world. Fall migration will be near its peak, so you’ll see plenty of overwintering warblers and sparrows. Meet at the park entrance on Elk Street and Chenery Street. Register in advance (participation is limited) and request binoculars ahead of time if needed.