As John Muir observed, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” Caterpillars depend on specific host plants, and butterflies rely on nectar sources. Birds gather food and nesting materials while serving as pollinators and seed-spreaders. Fungi form mycorrhizal partnerships with certain trees, and gall-making insects choose not only particular shrubs, vines, or trees, but even specific parts – leaves, stems, or buds. Beetles disperse spores; ants carry seeds.

In this class, we’ll slow down and tune our senses to these connections — looking, listening, and even smelling our way through the habitats we explore. Together, we’ll learn to notice the subtle relationships and hidden stories woven into the tapestry of life along the trail.

Wendy Dreskin has been teaching the popular class Meandering in Marin at College of Marin since 1998 and Point Reyes Field Seminars since 2005. In recognition of her work inspiring both children and adults, she was awarded the Terwilliger Environmental Award and inducted into the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame.

Details

-We will be meeting at the Coast Trail Trailhead (across from Limantour Lodge)

– Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

– Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests less than 48 hours in advance will be declined.

– Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

– Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

– Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

– Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

– Waitlists are available when the class sells out

Ticket Pricing

A range of pricing options is available to meet your needs. We welcome your participation and appreciate your support at any level.

What to Bring

Hiking poles for those who regularly use them

Day Pack

Lunch

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

Binoculars (Optional)

Camera (Optional)

About the PRNSA Field Institute

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute volunteer facilitator, or are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Send an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Health Guidelines

Masks are welcome at your discretion as we all work together to remain healthy and safe.