Conservation Groups Los Angeles

Community Habitat Restoration event at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Join us for a habitat restoration event! It’s a great opportunity to learn about native plants and local wildlife, all while spending some time outdoors in beautiful Baldwin Hills Parklands. This event is in partnership with California State Parks Foundation. Spaces are limited, so if you are interested in participating, **please RSVP to the coordinator at least 24hours in advance of the event: amendiaperez@naturenexusinstitute.org** Important things to know about this event: * Volunteers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Habitat restoration tasks are best suited for people who are 12 years of age or older. * Please wear long pants and covered shoes. * Please bring plenty of drinking water for yourself as well as ample sun protection. * Work sites are frequently off trail and may be on uneven terrain. * We typically meet up at the top parking lot adjacent to the visitor center to start the event, but we work in several sites throughout the park. If you arrive late you may have trouble finding us. Please be sure to RSVP via the email above so we know to expect you!

Greater Pasadena - Connect and Take Action

GOURD WORKSHOP, mid-day

To attend and for exact location, Register [HERE](https://www.schoolofself-reliance.com/event/noon-gourd-workshop-30/) The location noted below may change, please register for exact location. August 20 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm $30.00 – $45.00 mid-day GOURD WORKSHOP Thursday, August 20, noon. Here’s another ancient skill that you’ll enjoy learning. Botanists know that the “ornamental gourds” came out of Africa, and somehow made it to the American south, and spread to the Southwest. How they got to the Americas is a matter of debate — some say they simply floated, but it’s very likely that they simply came on one of the many boats from Africa that came to the Americas in the pre-Columbian era. You will get to choose a gourd, and learn all the steps necessary to clean, cut, sand, and create a funtional product. Each person will work on turning an ornamental gourd into a bowl for eating, or perhaps a canteen, ladle, or plate. There are several skill sets involved, and we’ll talk you through them so you’ll understand the mechanics of making a gourd that you’ll be happy to use. We’ll bring tools, but if you have a good knife, hacksaw, fine files, bring them! Not a highly-complicated craft, but requires patience. You will select a gourd that we bring, and clean it, decide where to cut it — no two gourds are alike — and then clean the inside and smooth the sharp edges. You’ll end up with a new skill and a bowl or dish that you can use right away. You’ll also get to take seeds home so you can grow your own if you have the space. *$45. [$30 for seniors/students] RSVP for this one so we bring enough gourds! Location given after you register.*

Evening Conditioning Hike in La Cañada

Our long-standing Thursday night hike has MOVED from Eaton Canyon/Henninger Flats to La Cañada! We'll enjoy great views of the LA basin and the night sky while getting an aerobic workout. This hike is 5 miles round trip, with 1300' elevation gain, along the Earl Canyon Motorway (which is actually a dirt fire road). At the top we'll pause to enjoy the city views from the lookout point on the concrete slab. No pets please. If you have a service dog, contact hike leader in advance. **Level**: Moderate. **Bring:** sturdy footwear, water, clothing layers (jacket or windbreaker), and a flashlight or headlamp. We'll start walking promptly at 7 PM, so please arrive in time to fill out waiver/signup sheet. Or, save time at the trailhead by filling out the online waiver in advance: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001xhxLiIAI . **Cancellation policy:** Steady rain cancels. **Please note, this hike and many more are also posted on the Sierra Club website and Facebook, so we always have more attendees than indicated on Meetup!** https://angeles.sierraclub.org/outdoors/activities You don't need to be a Sierra Club member to attend this hike -- all are welcome.

FORAGING WALK — WILD FOOD OUTING

To attend and for exact location, register [HERE](https://www.schoolofself-reliance.com/event/ethno-botanical-walk-2/) WILD FOOD FORAGING AND ETHNO-BOTANICAL WALK The lost art of foraging for one’s meals is experiencing a renaissance as we are seeking to learn the uses of the many wild plants growing everywhere. Learning about some wild foods imparts a feeling of self-confidence. You can use wild foods and wild herbs in times of need, or just because you want to add these nutritious foods into your daily diet. Join us for our outing where we explore the edible, medicinal, and other useful qualities of many of the plants found in the environment with many introduced plants. Both natives and non-natives will be seen. This will be leisurely and you will get a chance to taste some of the plants. We will introduce a few basics of systematic plant identification, and ways you can take your own records. We’ll also bring up another important point: Many of the wild plants that we see — and especially the non-natives — can be easily cultivated in your own yard for ease of harvesting. Also, we’ll tell you about some of the local native plant nurseries where you can obtain native plants — such as toyon, ceonothus, oak trees, mulefat, elder, etc — and grow them in your own yards, which is an ideal situation. Wear comfortable footwear and bring water. Bring a bowl for eating. This class can be credited towards the Ethno-botany certificate. Directions sent upon registration. $65 (Seniors and students $45).

UX & Content Los Angeles: Aug 2026 Meetup

Our monthly coffee meetups are back: bringing together UX designers, UX researchers, content designers, content strategists, UX writers, and other product professionals to connect and build community. This month, we're returning to Central LA as part of our ongoing rotation across East, Central, and West Los Angeles. Best of all: this event is **FREE**! We'll be gathering on the outdoor patio at Coffee MCO. Just look for the UX & Content Los Angeles group when you arrive. As always, we'll have Sharpies and name tags on hand to help everyone learn each other's names. The name tags will be color-coded so you can easily identify whether someone is a product/UX designer, content designer/content strategist/UX writer, or UX researcher. **By attending this event, you agree to our Code of Conduct. [Our Code of Conduct can be found under the UX & Content Los Angeles Meetup About section.](https://www.meetup.com/content-strategy-los-angeles/)** **Parking:** Small private lot behind Coffee MCO off Eden Ave. Other than that, it's street parking. Coffee MCO's parking lot can fill up on weekends, so I recommend arriving a few minutes early and utilizing nearby street parking if needed. *** As I begin planning the next chapter of UX & Content Los Angeles, I'd love to hear your feedback. I've put together a short midyear survey to better understand how you'd like to engage with the community, what types of events you'd like to attend, and what topics you'd like to see covered in future programming. The survey takes approximately 3–5 minutes to complete, and your feedback will directly influence future events. **[Take the 3–5 minute survey here](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/95QMHSX)** Please submit your responses by **Friday, August 7th**. *** **Community Perks** Our friends at Button and LavaCon have generously offered discount codes for the UX & Content Los Angeles community: **Button 2026** — Save $100 on individual passes with code **CSLA100**. **[Learn about Button](https://www.buttonevents.com/2026-conference)** **LavaCon 2026** — Save $100 on in-person tuition with code **CSLA**. **[Learn about LavaCon](https://lavacon.org/)** Looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones!

SURVIVAL SKILLS, with emphasis on SHELTER SKILLS

To attend and for exact location, Register [HERE](https://www.schoolofself-reliance.com/event/weekend-warrior-workshop-shelter-focus/) The location noted below may change, register for exact location August 29 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm $45.00 – $65.00 Part of our Weekend Warrior classes THE SURVIVAL SKILLS YOU SHOULD KNOW — a field trip and workshop, with an emphasis on shelters. **Saturday, August 29, 10 a.m.** We will cover many topics in this class, including Water Purification, Making Fire without Matches, Wild Foods, Uses of Yucca, and yes — making a Wilderness Shelter. We’ll cover all of this. We will show how to construct make-shift shelters from tarps. Are there ready-to-occupy shelters in the woods? What sort of shelters would you be able to make in the wilderness? We’ll talk about your possible shelters ranging from the post-earthquake shelter, to ready-to-occupy wilderness shelters, to the shelters you’d build from what’s available in the wilderness. Learn about body hollows and their application and limits. Plus, bring your bowl since we’ll conclude this class with some wild food cookery! $65. (Senior/Student $45) Location sent upon registration.

BOTSWANA – Moremi Reserve Chobe NP Photographic Safari

Get checked your bucket list by visiting this fascinating destination! Start in Maun and end in Kasane! With the Safari tour Moremi reserve and Chobe NP Photographic Safari, you have a 10 days tour package taking you through Maun, Botswana and 5 other destinations in Botswana. Tour Start Maun Tour End Kasane Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 2pm • Return: Day10 after 4pm Fly IN Airport: Maun Intl. airport (Botswana) Fly OUT Airport: kasane Intl. airport (Botswana) Itinerary Day01 Maun Day02 Moremi Game Reserve Day03 Moremi Game Reserve Day04 Khwai Day05 Game drives and Mokoro excursion Day06 Chobe National Park Day07 Chobe National Park Day08 Chobe National Park Day09 Chobe National Park: game drive and cruise Day10 Chobe National Park and transfer to Kasane Cost: $3990 (Double Occupancy) $4520 (Single Supplement) Inclusions Price Includes * 2 person spacious dome tent (L3m x W3m x H2.20m) with built in groundsheet, 2 large aerating * windows with mosquito netting. * high density foam mattress, * sleeping bag and pillow. * Bucket shower facilities * A large canvas tent (7m x 5m) is used as a dining area. * Services of a professional guide, safari chef and camp assistants * Meals as per the itinerary * Tea and coffee available in camp * bottoled water is provided * Spacious and comfortable tented accommodation * High density foam matress and bedding * Services of a professional guide, safari chef and camp assistants * Utility vehicle for more than 4 pax * Game drives and local transfers in customised safari vehicles * Exclusive camping in private campsites within the national parks and reserves * All entrance and camping fees within the national parks and reserves * All meals (mineral water, tea, coffee) whilst in Travel Creations Botswana Tented Camps * All activities as specified in the itinerary * All transportation included as per the itinerary. Please mind that the tour starts in Maun and ends in Kasane Price Excludes * Flights * Meals other than mentioned in the itinerary * Personal Expenses * Optional activities * Travel insurance / Visa * Tips ———————————————— For detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/botswana-moremi-reserve-chobe-np-photographic-safari/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/botswana-moremi-reserve-chobe-np-photographic-safari/) Questions? Text / Call - 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer

PRIMITIVE to MODERN FIRE WORKSHOP

To attend and for exact location, Register [HERE](https://www.schoolofself-reliance.com/event/noon-primitive-fire-workshop-25/) The location noted below may change, so register for exact location. HANDS-ON FIRE-MAKING WORKSHOP — August 15, 10 a.m. FIRE! Yes, it can be dangerous, and yet, it can save your life. Uncontrolled, fire can be devastating. Yet, once you learn how to make and control fire, it’s possibly one of your most important survival skills since you use fire to stay warm, to purify water, to cook food, to signal, to make tools, etc. etc. Learn how to make fire by several primitive methods. You will learn the 4 Principles by which fire is generated: friction, the sun, chemicals, and electricity. You will practice several of these, and learn the best techniques for mastery. You will use reflectors and magnifying glasses, batteries, flint and steel, the bow, the hand drill, the piston, magnesium and others. You will learn by doing. You goal will be to create an ember, and “mother” it to a flame. You will learn which woods are best, and how to process your woods. A short walk will be included to see which plants are best for your fire-making kit. This class applies to our Bushcraft Certificate. Location 2. Details sent with registration. Copies of our books are available at all classes.

A South Pas/Garfield Park & Beyond, 10K-Step Challenge #27 [TCP MOAI Adventure]

**SNIFF - EXPLORE - EXERCISE** **Welcome to [The Canis Pack IKIGAI 10K Adventure] + Purpose, Friendship, Togetherness & Support!** **We Will Not Wait Until Life Is Not Hard To WELCOME Strength, Beauty & Joy Into Our Lives!** [**THIS IS A WALK FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE DOGS - AND FOR THOSE WHO DO**] **AGENDA;** **\- Gathering at 5:45 \- 1000 Park Ave\ Garfield Park** **\- Leaving at 6:00 pm Promptly** **\- Bathroom Break as we head out** **\- Continue with the Inner and Outer Loop walk** **\- After the Loops\, then exploring the surrounding South Pasadena neighborhood\.** **\- This will be a 10K Walk – About 6\.2\-5 miles** **\- 2 Hours or so Walk** **\- 8:00 pm \- Returning to Garfield Park** **WHAT TO BRING;** **\- Water** **\- A Warm Jacket for Chilly Nights** **\- Flash Lite** **\- Bug Spray** **\- Snacks if needed** **\- Good walking shoes** **\- Comfortable walking clothes** **\- A bright Jacket for the Dark days** **LISTEN, THERE'S MORE** **Goal: A STRONG LIKE-MINDED TOGETHERNESS!** \* We will Establish Togetherness \* We will Bring about a Strong Awareness \* We will Establish a Strong National Presence \* We will Be Active and Responsible \* We will Always Think as a Like-Minded Group \* We will Put our Health and Wellbeing First \* We are a Pack-Family \* We will Gather and Walk with Harmony **THE IMPORTANT POINTS ARE THESE;** ONLY (10) TEN DOGS FOR THIS WALK, SO SIGN UP QUICK AND BE ACTIVE AND SHOW UP. CALLING UP TO (60) HUMANS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING SOME STRONG, INVIGORATING, FRESH AIR! **[ALSO, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE BRINGING YOUR DOG!]** We will be walking around. No running involved. Just a casual, social walk. Bring water if you need it. Around the center loop of GP and around the outer loop of GP. Then we will venture through the neighborhood and back to the Park. At the end of the walk, the humans with the dogs may stay for 15 to 20 minutes to ask questions or get tips on dog behavior. 🙏🏾Space is limited, so **Please (RSVP) only if you’re 100% sure you will attend.** If you (**RSVP)** and don’t show, it is a **🚩Red Flag🚩** for future events—we all appreciate strong reliability and respecting others’ being able to have a spot.🙏🏾 We’ll be **walking until** **around 8:00 PM.** Expect to hit somewhere between **10,000–12,000 steps (approximately 7.5-9 miles),** depending on the pace and group. This is going to go really well, and I will be hosting more **midweek walking events** **every other week** so we can **stay active together** and **make exercise a routine in our day-to-day lives.** **NOW IS THE TIME, LET'S GET TO IT – GENERAL INFO;** This meetup group is for Dog owners and Humans who enjoy exploring, exercising, and socializing with their furry friends. Whether you're into agility training, dog training, or simply love visiting the great outdoors and fun places with your pup, or just yourself, this group is for you. All sizes and breeds of dogs are welcome to join us for group walks, or meetups, and social gatherings. Let's make new friends, strengthen the bond with our dogs, neighboring humans, and have a Pawsitively good time together! Join us and become part of the pack today. Garfield Park allows dogs. But they must be on a leash, and it will be your own responsibility. **Free street parking is available in the surrounding areas** **Garfield Park is located at 1000 Park Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030**

Vegan Foodbank Volunteer Day (Sorting Day)

The Vegans of LA Foodbank needs volunteers to help sort food on this day. Gwenna Hunter will be your contact upon arrival for this opportunity. We are at the very corner of 23rd and Union ave inside the white warehouse. For more info: Http://www.VegansofLA.com

Lunchtime Clay Workshop

To attend and for exact location, register [HERE](https://www.schoolofself-reliance.com/event/lunchtime-clay-workshop/) August 27, Noon CLAY is everywhere! Really. Clay is in the soil, and in some places, you can find a high percentage of quality clay. Look at the abundance of pots and bowls and dishes that the indigenous peoples of the American Southwest have produced. It’s amazing. At this class, you will work with raw natural clay dug from the local hills. Once you collect the clay, you test it to determine how pure it is. Sometimes you add temper, sometimes not. Next, you do some sort of processing, and then set about making a useful product. You will learn the ways to process clay, and we will be doing one of those methods. You will process clay, and attempt to make a useful item from the clay. (We won’t do any firing.) You will take home whatever you make. A great opportunity to get outdoors and learn another survival skills August 27 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm $30.00 – $45.00