The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy has exciting events for the community during the month of January. Included are Guided Garden Tour, Nature Walks, Storytime Tails, Nature Club for Kids, Native Plant Care & Sales, MLK Jr. Day of Service and Docent Orientation. Most of the preserves and the White Point Nature Center & George F Canyon Centers are open. In order to keep all these areas open, volunteers are needed to help restore and maintain the beauty of Palos Verdes. Today in the Volunteer Activities you can find additional opportunities to help our reserves.
Special Events
MLK Jr. Day of Service will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. This event will take place at the White Point Nature Preserve where you will help care for the Native Plant Demonstration Garden by planting native shrubs, removing invasive weeds, watering native plants, grooming trails and more. Your efforts will help restore this habitat for wildlife as well as create a beautiful place for the community to enjoy. Sign up at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Docent Orientation – Virtual orientation will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. You can share your love of nature to eductae students and the public. No experience is required. 18 years +. Sign up at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Guided Nature Walks
Naturalist Guided Walk at George F Canyon will take place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Naturalist will guide you along a trail through the preserve to discover a unique variety of wildlife in the canyon habitat with amazing views of the LA Basin. Meet on the back patio of the Nature Center. Park in the Preserve lot located at 27305 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rolling Hills Estates. Sign up at pvplc.org/calendar.
Explore Coastal Birdlife with expert Bob Shanman on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Meet in front of White Point Nature Education Center for a free bird walk with an experienced naturalist, binoculars provided. 1600 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro.
Naturalist Guided Walk at McBride Trail will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve and Catalina Island in the distance. This is considered an easy walk. To park travel south on Highridge Road, past Crest Rd. Turn right onto Ocean Terrace Drive, then meet at the cul-de-sac on the west end of Ocean Terrace Drive. Sign up at pvplc.org/calendar.
Explore White Point Nature Preserve on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Naturalist will guide you along a trail (with amazing views across to the ocean) to discover a unique variety of wildlife in their coastal sage scrub habitat. Meet in front of the Nature Center and come inside to explore after the hike. Preserve parking is available at the end of the street in a gravel lot at 1600 West Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro. Sign up at pvplc.org/calendar.
Native Plant Wonders: Guided Garden Tour will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the White Point Nature Plant Garden. Step into the beauty of the White Point Native Plant Garden and discover the wonders of California’s native flora. On this guided tour, you’ll learn expert tips on growing and caring for native plants, explore the vibrant garden habitats, and see firsthand how native plants support local wildlife. Perfect for gardeners, nature lovers, and anyone curious about sustainable landscaping. Meet at the White Point Nature Education Center and take home ideas to make your own garden a native plant paradise. Located at 1600 Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro.
For The Kids
Nature Club for Kids -Wildlife Tracking – will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at White Point Nature Education Center. They will have fun activities and learn about how scientists study animals that come out at night. This is for ages 3 to 10.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy Storytime Tails – Rowdy Raccoons – will take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join the group at the White Point Nature Education Center for fun stories about the cool critters that live on the nature preserve and includes crafts and hands on activities. Recommended for kids ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers.
Native Plant Sales
Native Plant Sale will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at George F Canyon from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Create your own butterfly garden with a beautiful native plant from the Palos Verdes Peninsula. A native plant expert will give you a professional tips on creating a garden way station which will become a home for local species. George F Canyon is located at 27305 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rolling Hills Estates. White Point Nature Education Center will also be having their Native Plant Sale on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to noon for another opportunity to get native plants. White Point Nature Education Center is located at 1600 Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro.
Outdoor Volunteer Activities
Restore wildlife habitat with Ocean Views at Abalone Cove on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. This is a great location to take in the breathtaking coastal reserve and help restore wildlife habitat. Students can receive community service hours. Register now at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Join a new Community Volunteer Day at San Ramon Reserve – the newest restoration area of the Conservancy’s on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. There you can take in stunning landscape views and assist in the planting of coastal sage scrub habitat, as they continue to expand native habitat for local wildlife and promote native plant diversity. Students may receive service hours. Register now at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Hands-On Conservation at the Lunada Canyon Nature Reserve Agua Amarga will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Join this canyon restoration site to help maintain one of the newest sites as we improve habitat for local wildlife such as the rare Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly. Students may receive service hours. Register at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Outdoor Volunteer Day at White Point which will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. You will be working to maintain the preserve’s restoration area of native plant species to improve critical habitat for wildlife at the preserve and beautify outdoor natural space for the community. Students can receive community service hours. Register at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Nature Ambassadors: Join the Community Outreach Team
Inspire the Next Generation as a Nature Education Docent by sharing your love of nature on the Peninsula with students and nature center visitors. For more information, contact Holly Gray at hgray@pvplc.org. This is for 18 years +.
The Conservancy is looking for Community Outreach volunteers who enjoy sharing their love of nature and the Peninsula, at community events held around the South Bay. Join the Community Outreach Volunteer Team to help engage our local community at events and greet participants at the free monthly guided nature walks. No experience is needed and a flexible schedule is available. For more information, contact Lynn Rotunno, at lrotunno@pvplc.org. This is open to ages 18+.
To read my prior article on Palos Verdes Hikes and Trails click here
Photo courtesy of Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
