What we’re about
Want to learn more about Marin native plants? Join us for field trips, lectures, and work parties. Most of our events are free to our members and to the public. For more information, check out our website and subscribe to our newsletter.
For over 50 years, we have been dedicated to the conservation of California native plants and their natural habitats, and to increasing the understanding, appreciation, and horticultural use of native plants. Annual membership donations to the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) support our programs and conservation work. Additional benefits include our quarterly magazine Flora, our twice-yearly scientific journal Artemisia, and discounts at local nurseries.
Please:
- Sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2025, if you have not done so already.
- Practice clean trail etiquette. Pocket Guide – Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers
- Treat everyone with respect.
- No dogs at these events.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- A 1-Mile Walk Around California!Tilden Regional Park, Botanic Garden, Berkeley, CA
Exploring California Via The Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Berkeley
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 10 am to 2 pm
Leaders: Kurt Rademacher and Anna GilJoin us for a botanical excursion from California’s Klamath Mountains to the Mojave Desert; from the Big Sur chaparral to alpine Sierra meadows; and from the Lassen foothills to the Santa Barbara Channel Islands. Tucked into a valley in the Berkeley Hills, the Regional Parks Botanic Garden’s sunny slopes, shaded glades, brooks and rocky outcrops have replicated plant communities from all around the state; showcasing their classic as well as their rare wildflowers, shrubs and trees. Have you never seen a bristlecone pine, the ‘insectivorous’ cobra lily, or a Santa Lucia fir? If not, come join us on the winding paths and stony stairs through this delightful outdoor living museum!
This walk will be about one mile long, winding among paths and narrow stone stairs.
Directions: East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park, via Shasta Road in Berkeley, at the intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Road. Carpool Options: Meet at 9 am, leave by 9:15 Larkspur Landing Shopping Center, aka “Marin Country Mart” near the East end of the shopping center near Design Within Reach
Bring: Water, a snack/lunch. Dress in layers. A hiking pole and sturdy shoes are advised, as surfaces can be uneven. Rain cancels.
Email Ann with any questions: annonfire@gmail.com
Text for day-of-trip questions or issues: 530-521-4402Please:
● Sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2025, if you have not done so already.
● Practice clean trail etiquette. Pocket Guide – Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers
● Treat everyone with respect.
● No dogs on this trip. - Ring MountainRing Mountain Open Space, Corte Madera, CA
Ring Mountain Field Trips
Leader: Alison Pence or Karen MadsenJoin Ring Mountain Docents Alison Pence and Karen Madsen for short wildflower forays 10 am to noon. Each few weeks different wildflowers become showy.
Meet at the Taylor Road Trailhead off Paradise Dr. or the Phyllis Ellman Trailhead on Paradise Dr. in Tiburon. See map below. From Taylor Road Trailhead, the group will walk out and back about 2 miles. The Phyllis Ellman/Loop trail hike is about 2.5 miles, with about 600 feet of elevation gain and drop.
Bring: Water, lunch/snack, and rain gear.
If you have not done so already, please sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2025
Note: Destructive invasive plant pathogens and weed seeds can be transported to sensitive plant habitats when contaminated soil or plant material is shed from footwear, equipment (such as hiking poles), and other personal items. See these 2 brochures for how you can minimize your impact. Pocket Guide – Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers
- Abbot's LagoonAbbotts Lagoon Trailhead, Inverness, CA
Abbott’s Lagoon, Pt. Reyes National Seashore
Thursday, June 5, 10:30am – 2 pm
Leaders: Carolyn Longstreth, Stacey Pogorzelski, Caroline ChristmanThe gentle, flat two-mile long trail that leads out to Abbott’s Lagoon is a year-round favorite for plant lovers and bird watchers. It passes through coastal scrub, dotted by two marshes, passes over a stream between the upper and lower lagoon, and ends in the dunes near the beach. In early June we will see the end of the spring blooms and the beginning of the summer flower display. In the coastal scrub, we are likely to see yellow bush lupine, coast angelica, seaside daisy, possibly California golden-eyed grass in the wet areas, and a profusion of California poppies.
As we walk into the dunes, we’ll look for yellow sand verbena, beach evening primrose, Chamisso bush lupine, and the rare Tidestrom’s lupine. This will be a flat out and back walk of 4 or 5 miles. We plan to walk into the dunes, covering some areas of loose sand to reach the beach. Those who are not comfortable walking in the dunes can turn around at the end of the maintained path.
Plants lists for this area include Calflora’s Abbott’s Lagoon Trail and Dunes and the CNPS Abbott’s Lagoon Public Trail list.
Meet at the Abbotts Lagoon trailhead on Pierce Point Road. Dress in layers, bring lunch, water, and sun protection.
Max 15 people. Rain cancels.
- Point Blue Novato Baylands Nursery WorkdayPoint Blue Novato Baylands Nursery , Novato, CA
Point Blue Novato Baylands Nursery Workday
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 9:30 am to Noon
Leader: Stacey PogorzelskiPlease join Point Blue Conservation Science staff at the Novato Baylands for a nursery workday! The Novato Baylands is a 2,600-acre restoration site consisting of a mosaic of tidal marsh, seasonal wetlands, and upland habitat. This is an amazing project, transforming/restoring a military airfield to a thriving wetland. Activities include potting up native plant seedlings and weeding within plant containers. Attendees will learn how their efforts will increase biodiversity, benefit wildlife and local communities, and make the landscape more resilient to climate change. Point Blue staff will also give a short overview of the history of the restoration.
Volunteers should wear sturdy, close-toed shoes and clothing layers they don't mind getting dirty. Please bring a hat and a water bottle. Gloves, tools, and snacks will be provided. No prior nursery experience required.
A Point Blue staff member will be waiting at the gate at the entrance to Aberdeen Rd. with a sign labeled "Marin CNPS Volunteers." Proceed through the gate (note: 15 mph speed limit), keeping to the right of the road until you reach the nursery.
Signups start Tuesday, May 20 at 8 am.
Limited to 12 attendees.
Sign the waiver if you haven't done so already.
