Bay Nature’s annual Summer Guide connects you with unique experiences throughout the Bay Area, from understanding the consequences of an unseasonably early heatwave to volunteer opportunities (link to volunteer section) that help maintain the ecosystems we call home.
This year’s guide is brought to you by our advertising partners, whose support helps us to continue to produce quality environmental journalism.
Discover a world of possibilities.
Your Summer Reading
Get Out and Explore
Dive Into Marine Mammal Mysteries
Nestled in the scenic Marin Headlands is the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, The Marine Mammal Center. Come join Marine Science Sunday, a free and interactive marine science event for all ages. Take a deep dive with expert educators into the world of seals, sea lions, and whales, and discover how you can take action for our ocean. Plus, each month explores a new topic! Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.
Rediscover Summer in East Bay Regional Parks
Every visit brings new opportunities for adventure, learning, and connection. Enjoy
guided hikes through redwood groves, shoreline birding walks, bat-watching programs, and hands-on volunteer projects. Seasonal highlights include the Return of the Terns at Crown Memorial State Beach and the Crab Cove Fish Festival in Alameda. With 1,300 miles of trails, family-friendly programs, and welcoming open spaces, the parks offer unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages all summer long.
Enjoy a Wild Season
Share Nature With the Next Generation
Learn to lead nature discovery walks for elementary school students during school hours! You’ll receive specialized training in natural science and outdoor teaching methods to amaze students from all over the Bay Area.
Orientation held in mid-September.
Sculpture in the Garden
June 13-August 9
Sculpture in the Garden returns June 13–August 9 at the Ruth Bancroft Garden, featuring 80+ sculptures. Visit Wednesday–Sunday, 9am–4pm, or experience the exhibition after hours during Sip and Stroll evenings on select Friday nights in June and July this summer.
Bring Nature Home
As an employee-owned local business in San Carlos, LYNGSØ Garden Materials offers expert guidance on sustainable landscaping. From organic soils, compost, and mulch to natural stone like pebbles, cobbles, flagstone and pavers, we provide high-quality products and professional advice to bring your vision to life.
Summer Escape to the Wild Coast
Escape to Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens this summer, where vibrant blooms meet crashing waves and cool ocean breezes offer relief from inland heat. Wander fern canyons, towering conifers, and coastal trails alive with birds and butterflies. Roses perfume the air as dahlias begin their dazzling summer display. Slow down and savor the beauty of the wild coast.
Great Maps For Wandering in Nature
Cartographer Ben Pease has been blessed to draw maps for Bay Nature since the very beginning, covering new parks and open space, environmental treasures worth preserving, and connections to nature for all Bay Area residents. His detailed trail maps show hiking and bicycle access, connections between parks and neighborhoods, plus shopping and transit.
See the big picture, with Pease Press.
Summer Events
Bring Home a Sculpture
June 13-August 9
Sculpture in the Garden returns to the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, June 13–August 9. Now in its 32nd year, this annual show transforms the Garden into an outdoor gallery, with sculptures available for purchase.
Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop with Eric Schroeder
June 7, 8 am – 10 am
This walk will take us through a tidal marsh, home to dozens of bird species. We should see various ducks and mergansers, herons and egrets, gallinules, and a variety of swallows, including nesting Cliff Swallows.
Bay Nature Hike: Butterflies of Mount Diablo with Liam O’Brien
June 6, 11 am – 2 pm
We’ll take a gentle out-and-back walk along one of the top five routes featured in Liam’s newly released book, Butterflies of the Bay Area, and (Slightly) Beyond, keeping our eyes open for the colorful winged residents that call this area home.
2026 Coastal & Estuarine Summit
September 22-25, 2026
The 2026 Summit will feature an exciting lineup of thought-provoking keynote speakers, dynamic panel discussions, immersive field sessions, cutting-edge exhibitors, interactive workshops, and training sessions.
Summer Volunteer Opportunities
Become a BN Hike Sweep
Year-Round
Bay Nature is looking for volunteers to act as “sweeps,” or those who walk at the back of the group to ensure all members’ safety. We need sweeps from all over the Bay Area, so don’t hesitate to apply!
Volunteer at Ruth Bancroft Garden
Year-Round
Volunteering at the Ruth Bancroft Garden is a great way to get involved and contribute to its success. Help care for the plant collection, support events, and connect with a community passionate about waterwise gardening. Applications are accepted year-round.
East Bay Green@Home Tour 2026
June 6, 11 am – 3 pm
This exciting event will spotlight a variety of homes that have embraced electrification and sustainable practices, offering attendees a firsthand look at the benefits of replacing gas-powered appliances with cleaner, more efficient electric alternatives.
