The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy has many exciting events for the community during the month of August. Included are Native Plant Nursery, Stewardship Team Leader Training, Nature Walks, Coastal Birdlife Walk, Guided Garden Tour, Story Time Tails, Nature Club for Kids, Native Plant Care & Sales, and Volunteer opportunities for everyone. 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 preserves.
Special Events
Guided Nature Walk: Experience the Beauty of Abalone Cove Reserve on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. You will experience breathtaking cliffside views within recently restored wildlife habitats. Keep an eye out for seabirds and dolphins with the help of experienced guides. This is considered an easy walk. Park in the lot at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park located at 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes. Sign up at pvplc.org/calendar.
Trail Crew Introductory Class will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to noon. Discover how to create wildlife habitat with volunteers as a Team Leader for the Outdoor Volunteer Days. As a team leader, you will gain experience and share it with restoration teams of volunteers on Saturday or Sunday mornings across preserved natural lands on the Peninsula. Training will be held at White Point Nature Center, located at 1600 W. Paseo Del mar, San Pedro. You must be 16+ or older. Sign up at pvplc.org/calendar.
Guided Nature Walks
George F Canon Discovery Walk will take place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Naturalists will guide you along a trail through the preserve to discover unique wildlife in their canyon habitat with amazing views of the LA Basin. Park in the dirt lot on the west side of Palos Verdes Drive East about 400 feet south of Palos Verdes Drive North. Meet at the Stein Hale trailhead. Sign up at pvplc.org/calendar.
Where Sea Meets Sky: Coastal Birdlife Walk will take place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at the White Point Nature Center. This is a free bird walk with an experience naturalist, and binoculars are provided. The center is located at 1600 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro.
Explore the Hidden Gems of the White Point Nature Preserve on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Naturalists 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, August 22, 2026, at 11:00 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
Storytime Trails – Brave Butterflies at the White Point Nature Education Center will take place on Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Join at the White Point Nature Education Center for fun stories about the cool critters that live on the nature preserve with crafts and hands-on activities. Recommended for kids ages 3-6 and their caregivers.
Nature Club for Kids – Digging into Rocks & Fossils at the White Point Nature Education Center will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for a rocks and fossils themed Nature Club. They will learn about being a geologist and paleontologist while doing fun activities and crafts. This is for ages 3 to 10.
Plant Sales:
Bring Nature Home: Native Plant Sales will take place at George F Canyon on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The native plant expert will give you professional tips on creating a garden way station and home for local species! Park on the west side of PV Drive East just about 400 feet uphill from the intersection of PV Drive North.
Native Plant Sale at White Point Nature Education Center will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The address is 1600 Paseo del Mar, San Pedro.
Hands-On Conservation
Alta Vicente Reserve Outdoor Volunteer Day will take place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Help us to restore habitat on the 22 acre restoration site for rare native birds (the cactus wren and California gnatcatcher) and rare native butterflies (Palos Verdes Blue and El Segundo Blue). Enjoy ocean breezes and observe beautiful view of Catalina Island on site. Students can receive community service hours. Register at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Lunada Canyon in the Agua Amarga Reserve will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Join the canyon restoration site to help restore coastal sage scrub habitat and increase host plant resources for the rare and endangered Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly. Students can receive volunteer service hours. Register at pvplc.volunteerhub.com
White Point Nature Preserve Outdoor Volunteer Day will take place on Sunday, August 23, 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.
Help establish a thriving native habitat at the future George F Canyon Nature Education center site on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Help to restore and improve critical habitat for wildlife by helping plant native plants, prepare native seeds, water native plants and/or remove invasive plants. Register at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Share Your Love of Nature
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 +.
Be a Nature Influencer: Looking for a meaningful way to give back, meet new people, and spend more time outdoors? Then join the Community Outreach Team. Help represent the Conservancy at local events, welcome guests on guided nature walks, and inspire other to explore and protect nature. No experience needed and they will show you the ropes. Bring your enthusiasm, your love of nature, and your desire to make an impact. Flexible schedule and fun community events. Great for building experience and connections. 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 of El Segundo Blue Butterfly courtesy of Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
