What we’re about
Want to learn more about San Diego's Backcountry? Then this group is for you. Whether it's the Coast to Crest Trail, Volcan Mountain or the Anza-Borrego Desert, there is always something new to see. This group has activities for people interested in learning more about plants and animals, the history of the region, or the natural landscapes that makes this our backcountry special. Join us for hikes, lectures, walks and other meetups.
Please consider carpooling with people from your area -- we can all do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the county meet its Climate Action Plan goals.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Nature Education Series: Birding 101VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center, Julian, CA
If you’ve ever wondered what that bright yellow bird is, who's singing that beautiful song, or what made those rows of little holes in a tree, then join us for an introductory presentation about birds and bird identification. We’ll cover a variety of ways to observe birds, including physical characteristics, behaviors, and their habitats. We’ll also share some of the best birding apps to help you identify birds wherever you go.
After a one-hour presentation, you’ll get to try out your new skills by birding at some of Volcan Mountain Foundation’s most beautiful trails.
MUST REGISTER AT www.VolcanMt.org/NES-Birding-101
Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: $12 per person - Nature Education Series: Sex Lives of PlantsVMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center, Julian, CA
Join us for a look into the little known yet truly fascinating world of plant reproduction. From mosses to ferns to pine trees, we’ll learn some of the complex ways these plants create the next generation.
A more in-depth look at the extremely diverse group of flowering plants will reveal some remarkable and unbelievable ways some species use mimicry, trickery, and seduction just to attract pollinators and get their pollen transported to other flowers. You’ll never look at plants the same again!
After the presentation, we'll go on an easy walk through the forest to look at plants and their flowers.
MUST REGISTER AT www.VolcanMt.org/2025-NES-Plants
Date: Saturday, June 14
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: $12 per person - Volunteers Needed: Invasive Plant RemovalVMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center, Julian, CA
VMF needs your help! Join botanist and conservationist Larry Hendrickson and VMF's Suzie Meyer for a morning removing non-native and highly invasive bull thistle at VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center in Julian, CA.
By removing this plant species, you will have the satisfaction knowing that you are restoring the forest to its healthy, natural ecosystem!
MUST register at www.VolcanMt.org/June-2025-Bull-Thistle
Date: Saturday, June 21
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
