Bay Nature Events

Bay Nature’s events connect people with the nature of the San Francisco Bay Area through expert-led talks and hikes that bring our magazine stories to life. These programs offer meaningful, immersive experiences that blend science, storytelling, and exploration—helping our community deepen its relationship with the natural world and each other.

Bay Nature hosts nearly 75 events per year and welcomes close to 5,000 participants. And judging by all the smiles we see out on the trail and over Zoom, attendees are having a great time. From night sky photography to banana slug ecology, every event is a chance to explore, learn, and connect.

“We had a wonderful time and met people whose names we knew, or who knew our organization, or with whom we only had online connections. Refreshing to be in the flesh for a chance. Thanks for getting us involved!”

Ken, Mill Valley

Bay Nature Talks are live, virtual presentations featuring educators and naturalists sharing insights about the San Francisco Bay Area’s ecology, wildlife, and conservation issues.

Why attend a Bay Nature Talk?

  • Explore Bay Nature stories more deeply
  • Opportunities for live Q&A and discussion
  • Interactive sessions with experts
  • Hear behind-the-scenes field adventures

Bay Nature Hikes are small-group outings guided by expert naturalists and scientists that explore the San Francisco Bay Area’s most beautiful and biodiverse habitats.

Why join a Bay Nature Hike?

  • Build community with fellow nature lovers
  • Gain exclusive access to unique places and stories
  • Learn from local ecologists and field researchers
  • Engage deeply with wildlife and ecosystems
No event found!

Join Us

Most events are free for Bay Nature members and available to the public for a small fee. Whether you prefer to explore outdoors or learn from home, our events program offers rich opportunities to connect with nature—and each other.

As a Bay Nature Member, you receive quarterly issues of Bay Nature magazine online and mailed to your home, plus live educational talks and naturalist-led hikes that bring our stories to life.

Our community is stronger with you in it. Join us.

Your questions answered

Where can I find event information such as time, location, and price?

Events are announced in the weekly Bay Nature email bulletin and details can be found on each individual event registration page.

Can I invite a friend to attend a Bay Nature Talk or Hike even if they are not a member?

Yes! Event registrants are allowed one guest.

If I miss a Bay Nature Talk, are recordings made available after the event?

Yes! Access to the Bay Nature Talk recordings are a benefit of Bay Nature membership.

Can I bring my child on a Bay Nature Hike?

Yes! Unless otherwise noted, children ages 18 and under can attend Bay Nature Hikes if they are accompanied by an adult.

How will I know whether I am admitted to a full event from the waitlist?

We will email you if a spot opens up on a full event.

Is press allowed at BN events?

Yes! We are a nonprofit, independent journalism organization and our events are open to the media. The exact number of press passes depends on each event’s capacity. Information shared during our events may be published by outside outlets as long as credit is given to Bay Nature’s event and the respective speaker(s). All media organizations must declare themselves and their intent by emailing Lia Keener, event coordinator, in advance of attending the event (ideally one week).

Bay Nature will introduce each media org at the start of the event so that attendees are informed of who is represented. Attendees and event hosts should consider Bay Nature events to be on the record, and Bay Nature photographers as well as photographers from other media outlets may be taking photos and covering the event. If you’d prefer to not have your photo taken you can let us know during the event.

What should other media know prior to attending a BN event? 

In order to attend a Bay Nature event as a media representative, please ask for a press pass from our events coordinator, Lia Keener, ideally a week in advance of the event. You are responsible for getting the necessary consent for any photos you take. Please do not take photos that will be used for commercial purposes or for any photos taken on private property. To be courteous to attendees, please ask attendees before taking their photos, inform them of where the photos would be used, and ensure you have the attendee’s informed consent before taking the photo.