Click here for the 2018 Auction Preview
This year, we’re delighted to offer some wonderful bay and ocean-themed silent auction packages at Bay Nature’s Local Hero Awards Dinner on March 26th. And, for the first time ever, we’ll also hold a live auction, with exclusive getaways to Costa Rica and Baja California! Proceeds will support Bay Nature’s work inspiring people to explore and protect the natural world of the San Francisco Bay Area. Take a peek:
Cabo Experience (Live Auction): Immerse yourself in the beauty of the southern Baja Peninsula with a two-night stay at the oceanfront ME Cabo resort in Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip of Los Cabos, followed by three nights at the eco-friendly Vida Soul Hotel on the coast north of San Jose Los Cabos near the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park (harboring one of only three living coral reefs in North America). Offshore lies the Sea of Cortez, one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. Go whalewatching, sea kayaking, desert hiking, or simply relax in a hammock on the beach.
10 Nights in Costa Rica (Live Auction): Enjoy an unforgettable experience exploring one of the most bio-diverse regions on earth: Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Your first stop is four nights at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, a sanctuary for relaxation and wildlife adventure nestled along the breathtaking Golfo Dulce coastline. Accessible only by boat, this environmentally-sensitive lodge is set on a 165-acre nature preserve connected to Piedras Blancas National Park. Go kayaking, paddle-boarding, snorkeling or dolphin-watching in the blue-green waters of the Gulf, or head inland for a rainforest hiking adventure! Just across the Gulf is your destination for the next three days: the LagunaVista Villas, a secluded oceanfront refuge and a gateway to Corcovado National Park, the biological “crown jewel” of Costa Rica, boasting abundant wildlife and rare tropical forest habitat. And right next door is the Finca Exotica Eco Lodge, a retreat with roots in permaculture, where you can continue to connect with nature in your choice of uniquely-crafted Tarzan-style jungle cabins, some with ocean views.
Silent Auction Packages (View a detailed list here.)
JUST ADDED! Bed, Bird & Beyond, Mill Valley: Enjoy three nights at your own private getaway with views of Mt. Tam. Discover the native and migrant birds of Marin with a guided tour from expert Rich Cimino of Yellowbilled Tours. This package also includes kayaking from Sea Trek and a night of comedy at Mill Valley’s famed Throckmorton Theatre.
On The Beach: Explore the ancient rocks of Kehoe Beach on the Point Reyes Peninsula with geologist Doris Sloan, author of Geology of the San Francisco Bay Region, and pause to indulge in a picnic lunch from Perry’s Deli.
Point Reyes Refuge: Enjoy a restorative retreat at Point Reyes National Seashore with a two-night stay for up to eight guests at the spectacular Van der Ryn Eco Refuge, an architectural gem secluded on Inverness Ridge above Tomales Bay. This 4,000-square foot, three-story home surrounded by five lush acres provides ample opportunity for privacy, relaxation, and intimate encounters with nature. Paddle the wildlife-rich waters of Tomales Bay with a kayak rental from Blue Waters Kayaking, then take in sunset bay views as you savor a seasonal tasting menu at the charming Nick’s Cove restaurant.
Coastside Adventure: Cast off on a pelagic trip for two (from Half Moon Bay or Moss Landing) with noted ornithologist and birding guide Alvaro Jaramillo of Alvaro’s Adventures. Then relax with a one-night stay at the Beach House at Half Moon Bay overlooking Pillar Point Harbor.
A Day on the Bay: Unwind in the City with a cruise on San Francisco Bay courtesy of the Blue and Gold Fleet and a deluxe one-bedroom suite at the Inn at the Presidio, a National Historic Landmark in the heart of the Presidio.
Bay Area Farmstay: Go yurt or tent camping on a local farm or ranch courtesy of Hipcamp, and camp out in comfort with a queen-size bed-in-a-bag courtesy of REI. This package also comes with 2 sturdy REI camp chairs and a gift basket of delectable goodies from organic-certified Full Belly Farm.
Ridge to Bay Trek for 6: Join Sonoma Land Trust on a guided hike across the open grasslands of Cougar Mountain in southern Sonoma County (with sweeping vistas across the whole North Bay) down to the shore of San Pablo Bay at the newly restored 1,000-acre Sears Point tidal wetland restoration area (part of the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge). You’ll stop along the way for a scrumptious picnic lunch, and receive a beautiful set of San Francisco Bay Trail map cards with fold-out maps so you can discover your own favorite hikes around the Bay Trail. You’ll enjoy photos of your journey courtesy of Sonoma Land Trust photographer Corby Hines.
A View with a Room: Set at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge on San Francisco Bay, the sustainably-designed Cavallo Point Lodge at historic Fort Baker is the perfect destination for a restorative getaway, intimate escape, or family stay-cation. Includes a one-night stay with breakfast. This package also includes an REI Outdoor School gift certificate for two, good for any of their classes or activities.
Riverboat Cruise: Take in the rich bird life and history of the Napa or Sacramento Rivers aboard a Dolphin Charters boat. Or go on an osprey-nesting tour off Mare Island during the annual Osprey Days festival the last weekend of June! Take along a pair of artist/naturalist Jack Laws’ handy waterproof Pocket Field Guides, and learn more about the river with ecologist Richard Grossinger’s Napa River Historical Ecology Atlas (UC Press).
Don’t miss the chance to bid on these great getaways! For full details about our Local Hero Awards Dinner on Sunday, March 26, 2017 and to purchase tickets, click here. Last day to purchase is Wed., March 22, 2017.