Nature Programs:
Summer Nature Programs
Crow Canyon Garden Speaker Series
Saturday, August 2nd from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm #29437 FREE
Rob Bennaton speaking on safe soils and edible landscaping.
Nature Camps
Ages 6 - 11 Weekly from June 9th - July 25th 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Nature is all around us, and in San Ramon there is so much to explore! From solar oven s’mores and animal tracking to splash days on the playground; campers learn real life skills and explore nature with games, crafts, and fun lessons on wilderness survival, natural history, field biology, environmental science and more! No week is the same, come back all summer for nature-filled fun! Details on each week's activities at: cityofsanramon.info/naturecamps
$170/week. June 9 - July 25, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
More information on all weeks of Camp and to Register
Field Biology Science Camp
Ages 6 - 14 August 4 - 8 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a field biologist? Wonder no longer! Campers will be led by trained, professional biologists in this week of engaging, fun science camp that also builds real life science skills and provides a window into career options for field biologists.
$500 Ages 6 - 14 August 4 - 8 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Register Here
Fall Nature Programs
Fall Programs (September - November 2025)
Note: Registration for Fall 2025 programs opens 8/18/2025, nothing will show in CivicRec prior to 8/18/2025
All Ages
Crow Canyon Garden Speaker Series
FREE - Saturday, September 6th from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm #29439 Christopher Shein speaking on Seed Saving
FREE - Saturday, October 4th from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm #30474 UC Master Gardener, Andrea Salzman, speaking on Microgreens
About Apples
With the changing leaves of Autumn comes fall harvest, including one of the most timeless and iconic fall favorites- the apple! Come learn about the fascinating history of the apple as we walk through the historic Crow Canyon Gardens which hosts over 14 varieties of heritage apples. Get an early access sneak peak of Crow Canyon Garden's annual apple tasting event and taste some apple varieties you're unlikely to find in stores!
Saturday, September 20th from 9:00 am - 10:00 am $10(R)/$12.50(N) #32901
Apple Tasting
Join us for Crow Canyon Garden's annual apple tasting! Garden Volunteers will have several varieties of heritage apples available for visitors to taste and compare.
Please note: apple varieties are based on harvest health and supplies may be limited.
Saturday, September 20th from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm FREE #32946
Nature Letterboxing: Celebrating Fall
Welcome autumn with Nature Letterboxing! Letterboxing is like geocaching, but without the use of GPS. Use clues to find boxes hidden throughout San Ramon. Participants are sent clues via e-mail at the start of the event. Each hidden box contains a stamp, fun facts and suggestions of things to do in the area the box is found in. Collect all five stamps to complete the Letterboxing challenge, a fun adventure for all ages!
Daily 9/22 - 10/3 $5(R)/$6(N) #32620
Preschool
Nature Storytime at Crow Canyon Gardens
Each story time consists of a nature themed story, craft, and either a game or song. While all ages are welcome, Nature Story Time was designed for ages 0 - 5 years of age in mind. Meet at the picnic tables of Crow Canyon Gardens. Follow up story time with a nature walk in the garden and enjoy the peaceful, natural setting. $8.00 per story time or bundle for $25 no pro-rating available.
Registration opens 8/18/2025
Themes
Nature Storytime Bundle Fridays Oct 3 -31 #32625
Nature Storytime: Bats Friday 10/3 #32626
Nature Storytime: Owls Friday 10/10 #32627
Nature Storytime: Coyotes Friday 10/17 #32630
Nature Storytime: Skunks Friday 10/24 #32631
Nature Storytime: Spiders Friday 10/31 #32632 Halloween Special (come in costume)
Youth
Wool Fiber Arts Workshop
Youth Fiber Art Workshop for Ages 10 - 17 years
Curious about working with wool to spin, felt, dye, knit or weave? Come discover if working with wool could be your new hobby and learn all about this classic and fun heritage skill. Learn about different techniques for working with wool from experienced spinners and weavers and meet new friends. While all ages are welcome, this workshop is designed for ages 10 - 17 years.
Saturday, November 8th from 11:00 am- 1:00 pm $20(R)/$25(N) #32898 - Registration opens 8/18/2025
Teen
Teen Environmental Stewardship and Service Learning
Ages 14 - 17
Become a leader in environmental stewardship, earn volunteer service hours, build your portfolio, connect with nature, and meet new friends. Teens will meet weekly for four weeks to learn about environmental stewardship and science communication, a crucial skill for students interested in going into the fields of STEM, Education, or Journalism. Teens will create a capstone project they can put in their college portfolios while connecting with nature, gaining volunteer hours, and most importantly- having fun!
Meeting Dates are Mondays 4:30 - 6:30 pm on October 6, 20, 27 and November 3
Students who complete the program and their capstone projects will receive a certificate of completion and 8 volunteer hours.
Capstone project will be an interactive educational activity based on concepts learned during the program.
Students will spend a portion of each session outdoors at Forest Home Farms, so please dress in layers.
($100) Mondays from 4:30 - 6:00 pm (October 6, 20, 27 and November 3) - Registration opens 8/18/2025
Wool Fiber Arts Workshop
Adults and Teens Fiber Art Workshop for Ages 15+
Curious about working with wool or other natural fibers? Would you like to try your hand at spinning, weaving, felting, or dying wool? This workshop is designed for the curious and new-to-fiber arts dabblers to come and see what working with wool is all about. Learn about different techniques and methods from experienced Treadles to Threads Guild member spinners and weavers BEFORE investing money in equipment or supplies and meet new friends. This event is open to all ages but geared for adults and teens.
Saturday, October 25th from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm $20(R)/$25(N) #32897 - Registration opens 8/18/2025
Adult
Wool Fiber Arts Workshop
Adults and Teens Fiber Art Workshop for
Curious about working with wool or other natural fibers? Would you like to try your hand at spinning, weaving, felting, or dying wool? This workshop is designed for the curious and new-to-fiber arts dabblers to come and see what working with wool is all about. Learn about different techniques and methods from experienced Treadles to Threads Guild member spinners and weavers BEFORE investing money in equipment or supplies and meet new friends. This event is open to all ages but geared for adults and teens.
Saturday, October 25th from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm $20(R)/$25(N) #32897
Discovering the Urban Wilds Series
Discover the rich abundance of nature hidden in plain sight and see a side of San Ramon you may not have known existed. Learn local and natural history, fun facts, and tips for connecting to nature in an urban environment. Led by naturalists and botanists from Plantify, a local non-profit connecting people to nature. Save $5 per date with the bundle option (no pro-rating available) and join us for all three Urban Wilds programs!
Discovering the Urban Wilds: Urban Abundance Saturday, 9/13 $35(R)/$43.75(N) #32637 Join us as we explore nature's abundance even in urban environments, with select tastings and lots of natural history.
Discovering the Urban Wilds: Tree Spotting Saturday, 10/25 $35(R)/$43.75(N) #32649 Tree Spotting: Trees line our streets and parking lots, yet many people know little about the trees common in San Ramon. Join us on this unique tree tour to learn the secrets of San Ramon's urban trees.
Discovering the Urban Wilds: Hidden Gems Saturday, 11/15 $35(R)/$43.75(N) #32650 Hidden Gems and Native Transitions: San Ramon has some natural treasures that might surprise you. Join us as we find fall colors in some unlikely places and discover what sets California Native Plants apart from the rest.
Discovering the Urban Wilds Bundle 9/13; 10/25; 11/15 $90(R)/$112.5(N) #32651 Save $5 per date with the bundle option (no pro-rating available) and join us for all three Urban Wilds programs!
Kokedama Workshop
Find your inner zen, make an aesthetic Kokedama to nurture at home, and learn more about this ancient art and the biophillic principles that guide it. Kokedama is a method of bonsai plant cultivation that uses moss to grow plants without a pot! Kokedama are aesthetically pleasing, easy to water and keep tidy, and an excellent way to keep plants like succulents. Each participant will take home their kokedama creation as well as biophillic design ideas to further explore at home. All supplies included and each registration supports Plantify, a non-profit that connects people to nature.
Kokedama Workshop Saturday, 11/21 $62(R)/$72(N) #32575
The Nature of Oaks
Join us for a night of inspiration as we screen a recording of Doug Tallamy's talk: The Nature of Oaks, followed by a Q&A. All participants will get a packet of native plant seeds donated by Native Plant Resource Teams. This event will also be a great opportunity to meets others interested in Oak conservation, birding, and California Native Plants. This event is open to all ages but is geared toward adults. Children are welcome as long as they are not disruptive and can handle sitting through the screening.
The Nature of Oaks Thursday, 9/25 $10(R)/$12.50(N) #32617
Backyard National Park - How you Can Be Nature's Best Hope plus Seed and Plant Swap
Get inspired! Join us for a screening of Doug Tallamy's "Backyard National Park" recorded talk, followed by a seed and plant swap. All participants will receive a packet of native plant seeds to kick start at-home conservation. This event is open to all ages but is geared toward adults and teens interested in conservation. This is an educational event and all participants must be able to sit quietly through the presentation and discussion time.
Backyard National Park Saturday, 10/11 $10(R)/$12.50(N) #32619
How Gardening with Native Plants Can Save the World plus Seed and Plant Swap
Get inspired! Join us for a screening of Doug Tallamy's talk "What's the Rush to Plant Natives" followed by a short discussion and native plant, cuttings, and seed swap. All participants will get a packet of native seeds to help jump start their garden conservation efforts. Meet members of the Native Plants Resource Team and make new friends who share a passion for gardening! This event is open to all ages but geared toward adults, all those interested in plant conservation welcome!
What’s the Rush to Plant Natives Saturday 11/1 $10(R)/$12.50(N) #32618
Birding Walks
Join local birders and Golden Gate Bird Alliance members, Steve and Carol, on a morning birding walk. Learn about neighborhood birds and meet other local birders both budding and seasoned. Please bring binoculars if you have them, as there will be limited pairs to share. This walk is ~2 miles round trip on paved paths, mostly flat, starting at East Branch Park.
Birding Walk – East Branch Park Saturday, 9/13 $10(R)/$12.50(N) #32652
Join self-proclaimed "Ornithangalist" and Gold Gate Bird Alliance Member, Jeff Manker, on a special birding walk as he shares his infectious enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge about local birds. Enjoy some fresh air while learning bird spotting tricks, increase your skill with binoculars, and meet other local bird enthusiasts! With luck we might spot some raptors on this walk. Walk is ~ 2 miles round trip on paved paths.
Birding Walk – Dougherty Saturday, 10/25 $20(R)/$25(N) #32653
Join self-proclaimed "Ornithangalist" and Gold Gate Bird Alliance Member, Jeff Manker, at Annabel Lake for the duck migration. Learn about the Great Pacific Flyway, spotting tricks, increase your skill with binoculars, and meet other local bird enthusiasts. This is a flat, unpaved path that is suitable for wheelchairs, 1 mile total walk.
Birding Walk – Annabel Lake Saturday, 11/15 $20(R)/$25(N) #32655
Join self-proclaimed "Ornithangalist" and Gold Gate Bird Alliance Member, Jeff Manker, on a special birding walk as he shares his infectious enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge about local birds. Forest Home Farms boasts over 22 species of birds from two different ecotypes, making it an incredibly fun place for birding. Ours will be a gentle stroll around the grounds of Forest Home Farms, less than 1 mile walking in total on paved and unpaved surfaces.
Birding Walk – Forest Home Farms Saturday, 12/6 $20(R)/$25(N) #32656