Research shows that just 120 minutes of nature connection per week significantly improves well-being. We invite you to join us in nature with these free events.
Nature Journaling with Sami Chang
Session 2: San Bruno Mountain, Saturday, May 30 from 10:00am-12:30pm
Registration will open in late April
Join science illustrator Sami Chang this spring for free nature journaling workshops. Whether you are a beginner interested in field sketching or an advanced illustrator, Sami’s courses offer tips and tricks for creating accurate sketches while exploring the natural springtime beauty of our San Mateo County Parks. These workshops blend scientific curiosity with artistic expression, focusing on firsthand observations to document what you see and sense in the local flora and the landscape.
What is nature journaling? In the words of nature journaling movement leader John Muir Laws, “Nature Journaling is collecting and organizing your observations, questions, connections, and explanations on the pages of a notebook using words, pictures, and numbers. You do not need to be an artist or a naturalist to begin.”
Materials to Bring:
- Needed: Sketchbook or notepad and pens/pencils
- Optional: Micron pens, watercolor palette, water brushes, and colored pencils
- Helpful: water bottle, hat, sunscreen, a collapsible or camping chair for comfort while sketching
Notes: Each session is limited to 15 participants and we will operate a waitlist if needed. Participants should be prepared to walk on possibly uneven terrain and stand and crouch at intervals.
Earth Month Habitat Restoration & Forest Bathing
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 9:30am – 12:30pm at Huddart Park Redwood Picnic Area
In partnership with Grassroots Ecology
Register Now through Eventbrite
Enjoy the outdoors and work to restore habitat at an essential wildlife corridor. Volunteers will support the restoration of this California ecosystem by removing French broom, a woody invasive plant, with Grassroots Ecology. After the habitat restoration activity, San Mateo County Parks Foundation will lead forest bathing to celebrate Earth Month and enhance our connection to nature.
What to Bring to be Prepared:
- Reusable water bottle
- Additional snacks, if desired
- Long pants, long sleeves are recommended
- Sturdy closed-toed shoes that can get dirty
- Hat/sunscreen or rain gear/boots
- Plan for potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks
Snacks will be provided as well as gloves, kneelers and all tools.
Notes: Accessibility considerations include hiking on uneven and steep terrain, being outside for the entire length of the event, and kneeling, squatting, and standing to pull invasive plants. Restrooms are available at the Redwood Picnic Area. Each person needs to complete their own registration.
Inaugural International Go To Forest Day: Deep Listening in the Redwoods
Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 12:00pm – 3:00pm at Huddart Park, Zwierlein picnic area
Hosted with Wendy Figone, Certified Forest Therapy Guide (ANFT)
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Wendy Figone, founder of Somatic Ecotherapy, will be joined by sisters Akiko and Yuko Dohi from Japan. Trained in both Shinrin-yoku and through Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, they will be attending to help us celebrate the first international forest bathing day.
This collaboration was inspired through Wendy’s friendship with Nagisa Ono, one of Japan’s leading Shinrin-yoku
Go to Forest! began in Japan in 2017 and has grown into a nationwide movement held each year, celebrating Japan’s “Greenery Day.” In 2026, Japan is inviting international hosts for the first time, with countries around the world participating.
Come alone or bring a friend—sharing is always optional, and you’re welcome to participate as you are comfortable.
Notes: This is a light rain or shine event, and heavy rain will cancel. This free event is for individuals ages 18 and over. Each person needs to complete their own registration. Limited to 40 participants.
Parents & Babies Monthly Meetup
Ongoing, Second Friday of the month, 10:30-11:30am at Coyote Point Recreation Area
Meetups continue in 2026, starting on January 16!
A collaboration with San Mateo County Libraries
Start from day one and give baby the gift of nature!
Because parenting is a wild and natural process, it’s best experienced with the support of others.
Come join us for a free monthly parents & babies meetup at Coyote Point on the 2nd Friday of every month. Connect with other parents and babies to enjoy the outdoors – the fresh air, open space and calm surroundings. We invite you to come together to share experiences, struggles, worries, growth spurts, milestones, and ideas in a safe and supportive environment. Each month we will offer an optional activity – such as yoga, stroller-friendly nature walk, music, baby sign language and more. We will have time to connect with each other and also learn about local resources from the library. Coffee and light snacks will be provided as well as blankets for sitting.
Please sign up by the 1st Friday of the month to help us prepare by emailing cristina@
Notes: Restrooms are available nearby and parking will be free for attendees. Stormy conditions will cancel or relocate.
This event is geared towards parents with babies under 18 months old.