E=Easy = Under 1 mile, usually level ground.
M=Moderate = 1 to 3 miles, moderately level ground.
A=Active = 3 miles and/or difficult terrain.
S=Strenuous = Difficult, requires high degree of fitness.
H=Hike = Active to strenuous, no intrepretation.
T=Talk = Talk or Lecture.
*=Poison Oak = Poison oak in the area.

May 1, Wed., 10:00 am Montaña de Oro Bluff Nature Walk Take a pleasant hike along the Bluff Trail for magnificent views and see a variety of birds, plants and sea life. Binoculars helpful. Meet at Bluff Trailhead, some 100 yards south of the MdO Ranger/Information/Ranch House, on Pecho Road. (*A) 2 mi., approx. 3 hours

May 2, Thu., 11:00 am Great Blue Herons, Egrets and Other Rookery Wonders Enjoy a short talk about Great Blue Herons,Great and Snowy Egrets, Black Crowned Night Herons and other residents at the rookery in Morro Bay State Park. Walk to the site to observe these magnificent birds. Learn about courtship rituals, nesting habits, and in spring, see adults caring for their young. Meet in the Learning Center at Morro Bay Museum. (E) 1/4 mi., 1.5 hr.

May 3, Fri., 9:00 am Work-Out Hike: Coon-Rattlesnake Flats-Bluff Loop 5 miles, 600 foot elevation gain, 2.5 hours. We start in the Coon Creek Parking Lot and head north on the Rattlesnake trail past environmental camp #4, turn onto Badger trail to the Valencia picnic bench. From here we access the new trail to the ranch house. After a break at Spooners Cove we return on the Bluff Trail to our parking. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection. Bring water, a snack, and trekking poles if desired. There may be ticks and poison oak on the trail. Park 3.8 miles from Montana de Oro entrance sign. You can find all our hikes posted at http://ccspa.info/awn/. (*S) 5 miles, 2.5 hours

May 3, Fri., 7:00 pm An Evening with Keith Hansen AN EVENING WITH KEITH HANSEN at the SLO Botanical Gardens Friday, May 3, 7:00 p.m. The noted bird illustrator will show his film “My Carbon Free Big Year,” when he did his birding by foot and bike. He will also talk about his newest project illustrating Birds of the Sierra Nevada. Plates from his new book will be on display. Tickets $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets on sale at the Morro Bay Natural History Museum or online at www.Ecologistics.org and www.ccspa.info (T)

May 4, Sat., 7:30 am Birding Expedition Keith and Morro Bay Natural History Museum Director Rouvaishyana will lead a birding expedition in Montaña de Oro from the newly-remodeled Ranch House. $50, lunch included Here is your chance to spend a day with two experts in the field. Tickets on sale at the Morro Bay Natural History Museum or online at www.Ecologistics.org and www.ccspa.info. (H)

May 4, Sat., 10:00 am The Otter Information Station! (weather permitting) View otters in the waters of Morro Bay, visit our information station, and learn about these incredible creatures from the museum docents! Located at Morro Rock in Morro Bay. Look for the exhibit and spotting scopes on Coleman Drive (at the end of the boardwalk and across from the restrooms), near the base of the Rock. (E) 2 Hours

May 4, Sat., 11:00 am White's Point Vistas Enjoy a short, but steep walk to view the estuary and learn about the forces that have created this watery world that serves as home to hundreds of marine and terrestrial animals. Learn why in the past century the estuary has lost 25 percent. Dress for wind. Meet at Morro Bay Natural History Museum entrance. (M) 1/2mi., 3/4 hr.

May 4, Sat., 2:00 pm Weekend Scientists: Mayflowers Learn to use binocular microscopes and what can be seen at different magnification levels. Participants will look at flowers and their parts to get a closer view and appreciate the diversity of life. A powerpoint presentation will start the program, explaining the different flower parts and functions. Bring your own flowers to look at if you wish. Meets at the Morro Bay Natural History Museum Auditorium. (T)

May 7, Tue., 1:00 pm Salt marsh to Mudflats Follow a path from the State Park Marina through native plants to the salt marsh and on to the mud flats. Learn the history of the salt marsh, and see the plants and animals living in and on these specialized environments. Dress for heat, wind and mud. Bring binoculars. Park close to the southeast end of the marina parking lot or across the street by the MB campground restrooms. (E) 0.5 mi., 2 hr.

May 8, Wed., 9:30 am Hike the Coon Creek Burn Walk through the landscape burned in November 2012 and observe the recovery of the plants. Look for "fire-followers" and flowering plants in unusual abundance. Observe the sprouting of charred shrubs and trees.400 foot elevation gain. Meet in Montana de Oro State Park at the end of the Pecho Road in the Coon Creek parking lot. Bring water and wear sturdy walking shoes. (*M) 3 miles, 2-3 hours

May 8, Wed., 10:00 am Montaña de Oro Bluff Nature Walk Take a pleasant hike along the Bluff Trail for magnificent views and see a variety of birds, plants and sea life. Binoculars helpful. Meet at Bluff Trailhead, some 100 yards south of the MdO Ranger/Information/Ranch House, on Pecho Road. (*A) 2 mi., approx. 3 hours

May 9, Thu., 9:30 am Harmony Headlands History & Wildlife Walk Walk through a ranch landscape, past extensive wetlands, to a rugged coast. Learn the history of the land and its people. See a variety of plants. Discover its current occupants. Meet at the entrance parking lot, 5 miles north of Cayucos. (M) 3miles 2 hours

May 9, Thu., 1:00 pm Discover Magnificent Morro Rock Explore the beauty of Morro Rock and learn about its geology and history and the animals that live on and near the rock. Meet at the rest rooms in the parking lot in front of the rock. (E) .5mi., 1-1.5hr.

May 10, Fri., 9:00 am Hazard Peak Parking, Shuttle Horse Camp 6 miles, 800 foot elevation gain, 3 hours. Park at the Hazard Peak Trailhead and we will shuttle back to the Horse Camp Road. We hike Horse Camp, Manzanita, East Boundary, Barranca, and return on the Islay Creek Fire Road to the Hazard Peak Trailhead. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, bring water, snack, trekking poles if desired. There may be ticks and poison oak on trail. Park 2.2 miles from the Montana de Oro entrance sign. You can find all our hikes posted at http://ccspa.info/awn/. (*S) 6 miles, 3 hours

May 11, Sat., 10:00 am Los Osos Oaks Reserve Enjoy a shaded stroll through ancient forest. See native plants and evidence of Chumash habitation. Learn colorful historical background. Meet at Reserve entrance, 0.7 miles east of South Bay Blvd. on Los Osos Valley Road. (*E) 1 mi., 1.5 hr.

May 11, Sat., 11:00 am The Pecho Sewing Society After extensive renovation, the Spooner ranch house will be the meeting place for the April meeting of the Pecho Sewing Society. We will gather at 11:00 on Saturday April 13th for our stitching of redwork blocks. Everyone is welcome...we can and will teach All the wonderful outline stitch used for our blocks. The theme of our blocks is the history of the Spooner ranch. Each kit is $10 and everything you need is included. We also end our gathering with a bowl of soup and bread. 11am

May 11, Sat., 11:00 am White's Point Vistas Enjoy a short, but steep walk to view the estuary and learn about the forces that have created this watery world that serves as home to hundreds of marine and terrestrial animals. Learn why in the past century the estuary has lost 25 percent. Dress for wind. Meet at Morro Bay Natural History Museum entrance. (M) 1/2mi., 3/4 hr.

May 12, Sun., 11:00 am Great Blue Herons, Egrets and Other Rookery Wonders Enjoy a short talk about Great Blue Herons,Great and Snowy Egrets, Black Crowned Night Herons and other residents at the rookery in Morro Bay State Park. Walk to the site to observe these magnificent birds. Learn about courtship rituals, nesting habits, and in spring, see adults caring for their young. Meet in the Learning Center at Morro Bay Museum. (E) 1/4 mi., 1.5 hr.

May 12, Sun., 11:00 am Harmony Headlands and Its Fascinating Human History Humans have had a close and interactive relationship with this seemingly remote area for thousands of years. Discover how we can enjoy a connection with the past. Join me on this walk as we surround ourselves with the animal, bird, and plant environment of today. You may want to bring layers of clothing, sun block, a snack, water, and binoculars. We will meet at Harmony Headlands parking lot, located on the left side of Highway One about 5.5 miles North of Cayucos. (A) 4 miles, 2 to 2 1/2 hours

May 13, Mon., 10:00 am Discover Hidden Life in the Morro Bay Estuary Learn about some of our planet's most fascinating, seldom seen lifeforms. Meet at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History where we'll use a videomicroscope to take a look at the life that exists in a single drop of water. (E) (T) 1 Hour

May 14, Tue., 10:00 am Sketch Walk- (Surprise) The destination depends on weather, flower displays, and the choice of the group. No drawing experience necessary, just bring some paper and pencils, watercolors, or pastels and some water to drink. Meet at the Spooner Ranch House Visitor Center in Montana de Oro State Park. (E) 1-1.5 miles, 2-2.5 hours

May 15, Wed., 10:00 am Salt marsh to Mudflats Follow a path from the State Park Marina through native plants to the salt marsh and on to the mud flats. Learn the history of the salt marsh, and see the plants and animals living in and on these specialized environments. Dress for heat, wind and mud. Bring binoculars. Park close to the southeast end of the marina parking lot or across the street by the MB campground restrooms. (E) 0.5 mi., 2 hr.

May 17, Fri., 9:00 am Work Out Hike: Valencia Peak Via Badger Route 4.5 miles, 1,300 foot elevation gain. From the trail head we take the Rattlesnake Flats trail past the 3rd Environmental Camp and continue up the Badger Ridge Trail to intersect with the Valencia Peak Trail. We head on up to the summit and after admiring the view, and signing in to the QR electronic logbook, we will return on the more gently sloping Oats Peak Trail. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, bring water, snack, and trekking poles if desired. Poison oak and ticks may be on trail. Park at Valencia Peak Trail Head, 2.7 miles from the Montana de Oro entrance sign. You can find all our hikes posted at http://ccspa.info/awn/. (S*) 4.5 miles

May 17, Fri., 10:00 am Biodiversity 101 at Oso Flaco Lake Learn about some of the 1,200 different species in the fascinating plant and wildlife communities as we walk the trail and boardwalk to Oso Flaco Lake and adjacent dunes. Layered clothing and drinking water recommended. Highway 1, 3 miles N of Guadalupe turn on Oso Flaco Rd. and park in the lot at the end of the road. (*M) (H) 2 miles, approx. 2 hours

May 18, Sat., 10:00 am Oceano Lagoon Explore the tranquil surroundings of the lagoon. Learn about the plants and animals found there. Meet at Oceano campground entrance station, Pismo State Beach. (*E) 1.5 mi., 2 hr.

May 19, Sun., 10:00 am Grand Dune Trail A leisurely walk through the Pismo Dunes. Learn about the dunes and various habitats close to the ocean. Meet at the entrance kiosk at the ocean end of Grand Avenue, Grover Beach. Free parking is available. (*M) 2 mi., 2 hr.

May 23, Thu., 9:30 am Hike the Coon Creek Burn Walk through the landscape burned in November 2012 and observe the recovery of the plants. Look for "fire-followers" and flowering plants in unusual abundance. Observe the sprouting of charred shrubs and trees.400 foot elevation gain. Meet in Montana de Oro State Park at the end of the Pecho Road in the Coon Creek parking lot. Bring water and wear sturdy walking shoes. (*M) 3 miles, 2-3 hours

May 23, Thu., 1:00 pm Eucalyptus- Beauty or Beast? Do you love Eucalyptus? Hate it? Can't decide? Come on this informative walk through one Eucalyptus grove in Montana de Oro and learn the history, biology, pros and cons, and uses of the trees. Then decide for yourself! Meet at the Hazard Canyon parking lot, on the right, 1.6 miles from the park entrance. Enjoy the ride in looking at the grove, trees, bark and light filtering through. Dress for the weather, bring binoculars. (E) 0.5 miles, 2 hours

May 24, Fri., 9:00 am Work Out Hike Hazard Reef to Hazard Peak 6 miles, 1000 feet elevation gain, 2 1/2 hours. After crossing the Pecho Ranch Road we hike past Camp Keep on the Heidra Trail and join the Hazard Peak Trail up to the summit. Enjoy the view and return on the same route. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, bring water, snack, trekking poles if desired. There may be ticks and poison oak on trail. Meet at the parking lot 1.6 miles from Montana de Oro sign. You can find all our hikes posted at ccspa.info/awn/ (*S) 6 miles, 2.5 hours

May 25, Sat., 8:00 am Birding Multiple Habitats Observe birds on a short hike along the seashore, creek, wetlands, chaparral and pine forest habitats. Suitable for birders with all levels of experience. Bring binoculars, bird identification books helpful. Meet in the Washburn day use parking lot north of Cambria on the east side of Hwy 1 just south of San Simeon Creek. (*M) 2 mi 3 hrs

May 25, Sat., 10:00 am The Otter Information Station! (weather permitting) View otters in the waters of Morro Bay, visit our information station, and learn about these incredible creatures from the museum docents! Located at Morro Rock in Morro Bay. Look for the exhibit and spotting scopes on Coleman Drive (at the end of the boardwalk and across from the restrooms), near the base of the Rock. (E) 2 Hours

May 25, Sat., 11:00 am Great Blue Herons, Egrets and Other Rookery Wonders Enjoy a short talk about Great Blue Herons,Great and Snowy Egrets, Black Crowned Night Herons and other residents at the rookery in Morro Bay State Park. Walk to the site to observe these magnificent birds. Learn about courtship rituals, nesting habits, and in spring, see adults caring for their young. Meet in the Learning Center at Morro Bay Museum. (E) 1/4 mi., 1.5 hr.

May 29, Wed., 9:00 am Intertidal Life at Hazard Reef Walk through coastal scrub and sand dunes to the beach to see seaweeds and marine animals and learn a little about the geology of the area. Meet in the Hazard Canyon parking lot on the right side of the road, 1.6 miles south of the Montana de Oro State Park entrance sign. Look for the announcement board propped against the tree. Dress in layers, and wear non-skid shoes that can get wet. (A) 1 mi., 3 hr.

May 31, Fri., 9:00 am Point Buchon Coastal Trail 6.8 miles, 75 foot elevation gain. This is an easy walk along the coastal bluff on PG&E property which forms the southern boundary to Montana de Oro. ID is required for access, such as a drivers license. Park in the Coon Creek Lot, 3.8 miles from the Montana de Oro entrance sign. (E) 6.8 miles