The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy has many exciting events for the community during the month of September. Included are Native Plant Nursery, 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
Public Lands, Community Pride on National Public Lands Day will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Check in will open at 9:00 a.m., and you are encouraged to arrive early. You can help celebrate our public lands by helping to care for the White Point Nature Preserve native Plant Demonstration Garden. Weeding, seed preparation, watering activities, children’s activities and more. Your efforts will help restore this habitat for wildlife as well as create a beautiful place for the community to enjoy. Register at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Help Nature Come Alive for Others: Nature Education Docent Orientation, will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This is a virtual event. Learn how you can inspire curiosity and connect students and visitors with the natural world. Discover volunteer opportunities, meet the education team, and explore the many rewarding ways you can make a difference through environmental education. This is for 18 years+.
Hidden Wonders at George F Canyon Preserve: Nature Walk will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Wander along a willow lined canyon stream with restored coastal sage scrub habitat. Look down on the Peninsula’s exposed Catalina schist outcropping from one of the few places you can see this exposed rock in the LA basin. Easy to moderate walk. Sign up at pvplc.org/calendar.
Inspire Young Nature Explorers on Student Nature Field Trips will take place on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Help bring nature to life for local students. Join for the fun, hands on training to prepare for supporting 3rd grade nature field trips at the White Point Nature Preserve in San Pedro. You’ll help children discover wildlife, native plants, and the wonders of the outdoors through engaging learning experiences. No experience is needed, just enthusiasm for nature and inspiring young learners.
Monthly Guided Walks
Where Sea Meets Sky: Coastal Birdlife Walk will take place on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the White Point Nature Center. This is a free bird walk with an experienced naturalist, and binoculars are provided. The center is located at 1600 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro.
George F Canon Discovery Walk will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, 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.
Ocean Views & Native Wildlife Adventure at White Point Nature Preserve will take place on Saturday, September 19, 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, September 26, 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. Register at pvplc.volunteerhub.com
For The Kids
Storytime Trails – Interesting Insects at the White Point Nature Education Center will take place on Sunday, September 6, 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 – Reptiles at the White Point Nature Education Center will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Join in for a reptile themed nature club. You will do fun reptile activities and meet the live reptile ambassadors. The event is free and suitable for ages 3 to 10.
Plant Sales:
Bring Nature Home: Native Plant Sales will take place at George F Canyon on Saturday, September 12, 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.
Welcome Wildlife Home: Native Plant Sale will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the White Point Nature Education Center located at 1600 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Shop beautiful California native plants and get expert tips on creating a wildlife friendly garden that supports butterflies, birds, bees and other local species.
Hands-On Conservation
Lunada Canyon in the Agua Amarga Reserve will take place on Saturday, September 12, 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, September 12, 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.
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 Third Grade Docent Training
