Bird Watching San Francisco

Bird Nests as Botanical Time Capsules

Bird nests may seem ephemeral, but they can be timeless! Come learn how nests represent a window to examine plants from the specific place and time when they were built, unlocking information about the ecology of extinct habitats. Dr Justen Whittall is Professor of Biology at Santa Clara College of Arts & Sciences. In addition to being a SCU Professor, he is an Evolutionary Biologist, Conservation Geneticist, Pollination Ecologist, Husband, Dad, Runner, Surfer, and Skater.

Nature Journaling Sea Lions @Pier 39, San Francisco

Event Page : \[https://luma\.com/na70tzoi\]\(https://luma\.com/na70tzoi\) ​Did you know the sea lions only started hauling out near pier 41 after the 1989 earthquake? Now hundreds call these docks home, barking, napping, and soaking up the sun. ​It’s one of the liveliest (yes, very crowded) spots in San Francisco — which makes it a perfect place to share the joy of nature journaling with curious passers by so come prepared to share what this group is all about! ​ALSO - This is a special collaboration with Sunset Sketchers! ​Sunset Sketcher's brains are trained for "How to draw", and Nature Journalist are in tune with "How to observe" skillset. Let's collaborate and see what we can learn from each other :) ​Event Details ​🕐 Time: 1pm to 4pm ​📍 Location: Sea Lions at Pier 39 ​🗺️ ​Meeting Point: Ben and Jerry’s on Pier 41 (we will walk to pier 39 Sea Lion Center after first 15 mins intro) ​🖊️ What to Bring: A journal or sketchbook, writing and drawing/coloring supplies. Optional: binoculars, a lightweight stool, and your curiosity! ​⚠️ You definitely want to take public transport or ride share for this one because it is the most crowded and touristy part of San Francisco! Also, if you want to cut-off from the noise - get ear buds / plugs ! Get warm layers and a sun protection. ​🧻 Nearest restrooms are at pier 39 (we will be very close to one) ​💰Cost: It's a free event\, but we encourage 20$ donations to Wild Wonder Foundation \[https://www\.wildwonder\.org/donate\]\(https://www\.wildwonder\.org/donate\) ​🐥Bonus add-ons ( if you want to explore beyond this meet-up ) \- ​Lot's of Gulls and pelicans in flight in the area to journal ​📚References: \- ​KtfNj email list: \[tinyurl\.com/ktfnj\]\(https://tinyurl\.com/ktfnj\) \- ​wildwonder\.org \- ​https://johnmuirlaws\.com ​Come as you are — no experience needed, just a sense of wonder. We can’t wait to explore with you!

Backpack in Spectacular Palisades Creek Trail

4 beautiful waterfalls! This is the Yosemite of Northern California without the crowds. After you RSVP. text 530-450-5768 to coordinate a call to discuss the trip, your experience, fitness etc. Please include your phone number and times that work for you for a call. We will meet at trailhead at Cascade Lake on 5/22 and camp there. On May 23rd we will backpack from the trailhead of Palisades Creek trail at Cascade Lake to the North Fork of the American River, 7 miles, all downhill and camp by a wonderful waterfall. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/palisades-creek-trail--2 (Note that there are two Palisades Creek trails. We are doing the one from that is all trail NOT the one that has scrambling. ) On May 24th we will enjoy the river and the waterfalls. We will camp another at beautiful waterfall one mile 500 gain above the river. On May 25th we will backpack out 6 miles and 2,000 gain. I Kathi Simonsen reserve the sole right to modify the trip itinerary as I deem necessary at any time. * PARTICIPATION IN THIS MEETUP AFFIRMS THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREED TO THE FULL LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY on [Meetup’s Backpackers of the American West's website](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5vagycqs7imueqnm4foud/Backpackers-of-the-American-West-Rules-and-Regulations-3-9-25.pdf?rlkey=q84l4kchrawlfa0yyugvkhvjo&st=zm3zzw76&dl=0).

Mill Valley Depot - Southern Marin Urban Sketchers

**Join the Southern Marin Urban Sketchers at Mill Valley's Depot Cafe & Bookstore, most Fridays from 12 - 2 PM.** The Depot is a historic railroad building in the heart of downtown Mill Valley and a lively community hub. Join us for the opportunity to sketch the historic downtown, people-watch, or enjoy a nice lunch or coffee. The area offers plentiful seating both inside and outside, public bathrooms, free wifi, and is flat and wheelchair accessible. Please bring your own sketching supplies. We typically meet at the picnic tables in the plaza, but some sketch inside the cafe. **About Us** We are a small group of artists based in Mill Valley, CA. We welcome all ages, skill levels, and mediums! This is a casual group where you can practice building your skills. **If you would like to join our weekly mailing list, please send me a message.**

Sunset for Outdoor Lovers at Lake Merritt

**RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/FFG4S2pOYMUXRi2yy6WZ **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later** You know that feeling when you finish a great walk, the weather is perfect, and all you want is to grab a bite with good company? That’s exactly what tonight is about. We’re bringing together East Bay locals who love being outside for a sunset evening that actually goes somewhere. Instead of swapping trail recommendations and never speaking again, you’ll spend the first hour in relaxed, one-on-one conversations. No awkward mingling, no wondering how to break the ice—just easy chats with people who share your energy. Then comes the best part. After the rounds, you’ll reconnect with your favorite people, form a group of 4-6, and take a golden-hour stroll around the lake straight to Grand Avenue for dinner. No "let’s grab coffee sometime" texts. No scheduling headaches. Just a great meal with a new crew, right then and there. Maybe they become your new weekend hiking squad, or maybe it’s just a really good Thursday night. Either way, you're not doing it alone. **Agenda** **6:30 PM - Check-In** Meet us at Empowerment Park. Follow the link to complete a quick profile setup on your phone. **6:35 PM - 7:30 PM - One-on-One Rounds** Our app pairs you up for focused, time-boxed conversations. Find out who shares your favorite routes, weekend plans, and active lifestyle. **7:30 PM+ - The Lake Walk & Grand Ave Dinner** Group up with the people you vibed with most. You'll walk the lake perimeter together and head to a nearby restaurant on Grand Avenue for dinner. Your group leaves together—tonight. *(Want to stay in touch with someone later? The app lets you connect without ever sharing your phone number.)* **RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/FFG4S2pOYMUXRi2yy6WZ **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later**

ADVECTION PHOTO WALK — MARIN HEADLANDS (HAWK HILL)

ADVECTION Bay Area Photo Walk — Marin Headlands 📍 Coastal Trail Parking Lot → Hawk Hill (Marin Headlands) 📅 Saturday, May 16, 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM Join us for a scenic ADVECTION Bay Area Photo Walk through the rugged beauty of the Marin Headlands, starting at the Coastal Trail parking lot and making our way up to Hawk Hill—one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Bay. This route offers dramatic coastal cliffs, sweeping ocean views, rolling hills, and unmatched angles of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline. Along the way, we’ll explore multiple vantage points perfect for capturing the raw, atmospheric energy that defines the Bay—especially when the fog rolls through. We’ll kick things off with a quick intro, then begin our walk along the Coastal Trail, gradually ascending toward Hawk Hill. Expect a mix of landscape photography, cinematic viewpoints, and opportunities to shoot both wide and compressed perspectives. **Important:** **Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and meet the group. We will begin walking promptly at 10:10 AM.** What to bring: • Camera (digital, film, or phone) • Comfortable walking/hiking shoes • **Water** and light snacks • Layers — weather can shift quickly along the coast • Your creative eye This event is open to all skill levels—whether you’re looking to refine your craft, meet other creatives, or just experience the Marin Headlands in a new way. Hosted by ADVECTION Bay Area — capturing the movement, mood, and identity of the Bay through photography. Let’s create something timeless. 🌉📷 - Kye

San Francisco McLaren Park Group Hike #sfparkguy

**Starting Point - 1229 Mansell Street and Visitacion Avenue @ SFMTA 29 Bus Stop** **San Francisco McLaren Park Group Hike** **If you want to attend bypass the waitlist and please register on** [EVENTBRITE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/san-francisco-mclaren-park-group-hike-tickets-1985869411869) **Established in 1927, the park is named for John Mclaren, the grandfather" of Golden Gate Park. At 313 acres, McLaren Park, San Francisco's second largest park, offers a wide range of both active and passive recreational opportunities.** **The park is a signiticant biodiversity hotspot, diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, and marshes, supporting over 300 reported species. Wildlife includes grey foxes, coyotes, black phoebes, Red-tailed Hawks, and the rare San Francisco forktailed damselfly.** **More Info:** [L³ LIVE + LIFE + LIVELY – WORLD Exploration ](https://worldexploration1.wordpress.com/welcome/) **Subscribe YouTube Channel** **Like Comment Share** [YouTube Channel](https://youtube.com/@world_exploration1)

Start Your Saturday with Qigong 免费大雁功, 开始美好一天

**Start your Saturday with Qigong** Gentle movement. Mindful breathing. Restored balance. Join our **free weekly sessions** to improve focus, reduce stress, and boost energy. All levels are welcome—perfect for beginners and families! **When & Where** 📍 San Francisco Marina Branch Library – Outdoor Patio *(Between the library and the children’s playground)* 🚍 Short walk from Muni lines 30, 45, 22, 28, and 43 🚗 Free/permit parking at Marina Green Park (12-min walk) **What to Bring** ☀️ Sunscreen, hat, gloves for sun protection 🌧️ Sessions canceled if it rains **Featured on the SF Marina Branch Library calendar:** https://sfpl.org/locations/marina

Roaming The Mission Alleys and Gardens

*I am going to be in the UK and on the East Coast for a couple of weeks, so this will be the last roam until June 12th.* The Mission district, as shown from Bernal Heights in this picture, is one of the flattest parts of the city, and as such was developed very early on - and then largely destroyed in 1906. This roam is primarily to visit the wonderful 'hidden garden', which is only open on Tuesdays and Sundays, but we will also pass through some of the famous alleys, and look for the traces of the old San Jose railroad line that cut diagonally across the neighbourhood. *These roams are offered by donation. They are one way I am able to pay my rent in San Francisco.* *Punctuality is always appreciated. Please send a message on the app if you are running a little late. I can usually respond to messages before we get underway, but then I won't be checking my phone.* *I know Meetup is notorious for no-shows and late changes of rsvp. I am not as strict as other organisers, but I do pay attention to those who regularly drop off or no-show, and there will be consequences for recidivists, as it is discourteous for others who would like to attend.*

Green Hairstreak Corridor

Help restore native plant habitat in the Inner Sunset district for the rare Coastal Green Hairstreak butterfly. Folks who join these workdays help create and expand the ecosystem for this little green gem of a pollinator. We emphasize biodiverse and ecologically relevant plants, and you will get to learn about many of our important native plant species. Be ready for activities like weeding, planting, seed collecting, pruning, and other land maintenance tasks. We often work in light rain, but heavy rain cancels. Please dress in long pants, closed-toe shoes, and layers - clothes that might get a little dirty! Bring your own water bottle and sun protection. We encourage you to sign our volunteer waiver ahead of time by visiting the following link: [Volunteer Waiver](https://natureinthecity.org/waiver) Visit the Corridor on iNaturalist to see what's living there: [iNaturalist Monitoring Project](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/green-hairstreak-corridor) And see our website to view a map of the sites: [https://natureinthecity.org/green-hairstreak](https://natureinthecity.org/green-hairstreak) \*\*\*Note\*\*\* There is no public restroom available in the Green Hairstreak Corridor, please plan accordingly.

Richmond Bay View Trail

Let's get out of the heat and join Bea on this 3.9-mile out-and-back trail near Richmond, California. It is all paved and flat with a huge 39 foot elevation. We will be walking into history and can read about WW2; Rosie the Riveter Visitor Center is our turn around point and we should make a visit! There is no charge to visit the museum. There are beautiful water views. Well behaved dogs are welcome but MUST be leashed. There are public bathrooms along the way. Meet at the Barbara and Jay Vincent Park at the end of Peninsula Drive (Marina Area) in Richmond. We will hike at an average to slower pace (20-25 mins per mile) since there is no elevation we should increase our pace so we can enjoy the experience while we get the heart pumping. Please update your RSVP if you cannot attend, so as many people as possible can enjoy this hike. LIABILITY WAIVER\*\* By joining The Sweeps Hiking Group for any event, you hereby release it's organizers, hosts and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, death and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice or information contained herein. By participating in this event, you assume all risks of injury, damage, and economic loss, without limitation, and release providers of all liability. It is advisable to consult your doctor before you participate in any physical event or hiking activity. The organizer is not trained for emergency or medical services.

Let in the Wow: Luxurious Walking in Delight Zen Mindfulness