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!

Pasadena jazz concert

Free Pasadena jazz concert at 7:00 pm; We will meet early to get something to drink or eat then get some seats as a group;

TRADITIONAL ACORN PROCESSING WORKSHOP

To attend and for exact location, Register [HERE](https://www.schoolofself-reliance.com/event/wild-food-cooking-workshop-focus-on-acorn-processing/) PROCESSING WILD ACORNS — FROM RAW ACORN TO DELICIOUS PANCAKES! SEPTEMBER 12, 10 a.m. **TRADITIONAL ACORN PROCESSING** This Session is a complete lesson on the historical value of the ACORN in west coast native societies, along with some nutritional information. You will then go through the entire process of turning the raw acorn into a delicious food. You’ll shell, grind, leach, test, leach some more, and blend with a few other ingredients to make acorn food products. If you didn’t already know this, ACORNS are a Super-Food, not simply squirrel food. They contain all the amino acids! Native Americans of the Americas understood this and regularly processed and consumed acorn products. In fact, acorns have been used for food by many cultures the world over. They are still commonly used in Korean dishes. In the U.S., the use of the acorn is experiencing a revival. We will also prepare a few other wild food dishes, depending on what is in season. There will be minimal walking today, but still bring your field notebook. This can apply to an Ethno-botany certificate. Location sent upon registration.

Greater Pasadena - Connect and Take Action

Beyond the Footprint: A Clearer Map for Climate Advocacy

Luma Link: [Beyond the Footprint: A Clearer Map for Climate Advocacy · Luma](https://luma.com/vw9dajw9) **What if one of the most impactful things you could do for the climate wasn't buying an EV or tracking your carbon footprint, but showing up to a public meeting?** ​Many of the decisions that shape our climate future, how we manage water, build housing, expand transit, invest in clean energy, and prepare for climate resilience, are made at the local level. Yet for many people, that process feels invisible, confusing, or out of reach. ​Join **Pasadena Climate Commons** for an engaging panel discussion exploring how everyday residents can meaningfully participate in local climate decision-making. ​Together with community organizers, public agency leaders, and elected representatives, we'll pull back the curtain on how local decisions are made, what effective civic engagement actually looks like, and where individuals can make the greatest impact with just a few hours of their time. ​Whether you work in climate, passionate about sustainability, or simply want to contribute to your community, this conversation will help you move beyond awareness and toward meaningful action. ​We'll explore: * ​How local climate decisions are made and who helps shape them * ​Why civic engagement often has greater impact than individual lifestyle changes alone * ​How to participate effectively in public meetings, comment periods, and local initiatives * ​Real stories of community advocacy leading to tangible climate outcomes * ​Practical ways to get involved in Pasadena and Los Angeles County without burning out ​By the end of the evening, you'll leave with a clearer understanding of where to show up, how to make your voice count, and concrete next steps for becoming part of your community's climate future. ​Whether you're new to climate advocacy or already working in the field, this event is designed to help you turn your motivation into meaningful local action. ## ​**Featured Speakers** ​**Sandy Krasner** recently retired from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he worked on missions from Mercury to Saturn. He is the Group Leader for the Pasadena–Foothills chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) and serves on the lobbying team for Climate Future California, a spin-off from CCL. Sandy is also a member of the Pasadena 100% Coalition working toward carbon-free electricity in Pasadena and is helping survivors of the Eaton Fire rebuild with all-electric homes. ​**Cynthia Cannady** is the **Co-Chair of Pasadena 100**, a coalition of organizations and community members working to transition Pasadena to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030. She is also the founder of IPSEVA and a former Director of the Intellectual Property and New Technologies Division at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), with previous leadership roles at Apple. She brings decades of experience turning innovative ideas into real-world impact through policy, technology, and collaboration. ​**More speakers will be announced soon**, bringing perspectives from local government, public agencies, and community organizations. ​Come connect with fellow community members, learn from local leaders, and discover how showing up can make a real difference.

Unjected Singles Mixer

RSVP marcvara@protonmail.com

Animal Victory Meetup - Abolish Fur

​Do you love animals? Join local activists for the **Animal Victory Meetup**, a weekly space in Los Angeles to connect, organize, and take action. ​Together with activists from local and international advocacy groups, we’ll build community, share skills, and strategize on campaigns. Each meetup is followed by a high-impact action! ​This meetup is open to anyone interested in helping animals, regardless of experience level or diet. Whether you’re brand new to activism or deeply involved already, you belong here. ​Snacks will be provided, and additional plant-based treats are welcome! Optional to bring: plant-based snacks to share, megaphones/noise-makers, hearing protection, reusable water bottle

CRUELTY FOR CLICKS: A Lady Freethinker Documentary Premiere

Join us for an unforgettable evening, starting with a documentary and ending with a vegan meal Check out the Partiful link for full details: [https://partiful.com/e/nQg70udH6s5iBKRff3Y4?c=28Ydi4-S](https://partiful.com/e/nQg70udH6s5iBKRff3Y4?c=28Ydi4-S) The Indiewood Film Festival has selected Cruelty for Clicks for its world premiere at the famous TCL Chinese Theater. Directed by multi-award-winning filmmaker Kirk W. Murray and produced by esteemed non-profit, Lady Freethinker's Nina Jackel, this explosive new feature documentary exposes the dark underbelly of social media animal abuse. This thrilling documentary follows several animal advocates as they investigate and expose the people responsible that exploit animals for profit or notoriety. Watch the trailer here:[ https://vimeo.com/1189950976/035b63d95a?fl=pl&fe=s](https://vimeo.com/1189950976/035b63d95a?fl=pl&fe=sh) Stay for a brief Q&A after the film to get real insight into the making of the documentary. Check the Partiful link for parking, ticketing, and afterparty details (limited spots available). Please arrive early to allow time for parking and getting to the theatre so you don't miss the intro to the screening. . . . . . DISCLAIMER: By attending, you agree that participation is voluntary and at your own risk. The organizers and venue are not liable for any injury, illness, loss, or damage arising from or related to this event. You are solely responsible for your own safety and personal property.

TRADITIONAL BOW MAKING WORKSHOP

To register and for exact location, click [HERE](https://www.schoolofself-reliance.com/event/bow-making-workshop/) BOW-MAKING WORKSHOP A time to meet like-minded folks, and to discuss the important issues…….. September 5, 10 a.m. In our class time, we will cover all the basics of making your own archery bow. You’ll learn how to select a piece of wood for making a bow. You’ll learn the basics of creating a long bow (aka self bow). You will learn how to determine the belly from the back, how to slowly reduce, how to tiller, make nocks, etc. Your goal will be to learn all the steps involved in making a functional bow. If you rush because you simply want to take a bow home, you might be disappointed. We will supply the staves for you to use, and we have extra tools. **If you have tools, such as sharp axe, draw knife, files, rasps, etc., bring them.** We do bring tools if you don’t have any. Location given upon registration. This class requires a bit more prep, and so please RSVP. Limited to 14 participants. $75. ($55 for seniors/ students).

Ballona Wetlands

The Los Angeles Audubon Society will be hosting Open Wetlands at the Ballona Wetlands on the first Saturday of the month, from 9 am to noon. We recommend wearing masks and social distancing. Come enjoy the morning air and your local wetland under the guidance of our trained naturalists. Covid-19 protocols will be followed. Enter through the gate located in the northeast corner of the parking lot behind Alkawater/Gordon’s Market, in the 300 block of Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey. No baby strollers please. No pets. Please contact cindyhardin@laaudubon.org if you have any questions. To support this program, please consider making a donation to Los Angeles Audubon: http://losangelesaudubon.org/donate Thank you!

FREE: The Grammy Museum . . . for Smithsonian Day. (other museums too!!!!)

Museum Free Day from the Smithsonian is a nationwide thing. [Smithsonian Day](https://nationaltoday.com/smithsonian-day/) is always September 17th Here is the expected full list: * Japanese American National Museum * The Grammy Museum * LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes * California African American Museum * Autry Museum of the American West * The Wende Museum * USC Pacific Asia Museum * Descanso Gardens * The International Printing Museum in Carson * Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach * Los Angeles Maritime Museum * Point Fermin Lighthouse Historic Site and Museum * Photo: @sfwineblog * Latino Art Museum in Pomona * Heritage Museum of Orange County * Dr. Willella Howe Waffle House and Medical Museum in Santa Ana * The Santa Ana Fire Museum * Yanks Air Museum in Chino * Laguna Art Museum * Fillmore Historical Museum Some of these museums are normally free. And others may be closer to you. BUT . . . for the moment . . . the plan is The Grammy Museum. . . FOR FREE!!!! On Wed the 17th. What a win. To attend this event #1 **RSVP on this event with the red RSVP button** *AND THEN* #2 **[Fill out the event form](https://forms.gle/FW4aozDwU1ngkqVu6)**[ https://forms.gle/FW4aozDwU1ngkqVu6](https://forms.gle/FW4aozDwU1ngkqVu6) This way you get the reminder as they update the new list with the 2026 info (spoiler alert: ***if you do not fill out the form you will not get accurate or updated event info)(Meetup messages is not reliable or efficient at getting out info. Too many have notifications turned off)*** **Got questions?** **[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881)**[ to send a Direct Message to Marc (screen name Oddie)](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) (be sure to mention the what event you are talking about) NOTICE: For our events we do not discriminate by Age, Gender, Gender Preference, Ethnicity, National Origin, Race, Color, Religion, or even Belly Button Lint. **[CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/join)**[ To see all our other events and join in on them.](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/join) Art makes for great social fun. Over the course of the year we a bunch of arty events. If you have any suggestions or if you wish to post an event the group or lead an event: **[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881)**[ to send a Direct Message to Marc (screen name Oddie)](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881)

Wild Food and Useful Plants by the Season

**Saturday, September 19, 10 a.m. WILD FOOD AND USEFUL PLANTS BY THE SEASON** To attend and for exact location, register [HERE](https://www.schoolofself-reliance.com/event/autumn-foraging-wild-food-and-useful-plants-by-the-season/) This series of workshops, one per season, will show you nature through the seasons, from a forager’s perspective. The essence of this class is to develop seasonal knowledge and observational skills: How to look, where to look, what to look for. Plus, we will also focus on responsible and sustainable gathering methods, including collection of seeds and cuttings so you can grow plants in your own backyard. You’ll learn how to identify and collect foods, medicines, soaps, fire-materials, and other useful parts of plants. You’ll learn to think like foragers of the past, who had to have an intimate knowledge of the seasons, and foresight for the future. (For example, sometimes you do NO foraging in an area if the plant or seed is not abundant.) Join us each quarter for an insightful walk into a wild area, with a focus on interpreting what’s available that season. Each session will include demonstrations, hands-on practice, and sampling of the seasonal foods. Each session includes a list of what is normally available in that season. AUTUMN In early autumn, it is usually dry, and plants are in a dormant phase. It’s typically hot, and dry. Streams will be dry, or running low. You’ll only find the hardiest of plants for eating, such as mustards. There still might be some manzanitas left to collect, and the acorns will just be starting to mature and to fall. Though it’s still early for toyon berries, you’ll be able to observe what sort of crop will be coming. You’ll be able to take note of what to look for in the next few months. You never know what to expect, but you might find some greens as well, usually the hardiest greens, and the late-blooming greens. This is a good way to look at the environment at a lean time, with an eye to the future. We’ll also share a few bushcrafting skills. Location: San Gabriel Mountains. Meeting location to be sent upon registration. Class fee:$65. (student/senior $45) [www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com](http://www.schoolofself-reliance.com/)