The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy has many exciting events for the community during the month of October. Included are Garden Nocturne event, Native Plant Nursery, Nature Walks, Coastal Birdlife Walk, Guided Garden Tour, Story Time Tails, Nature Club for Kids, Native Plant Care & Sales, Wildlife Tracking & other 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
Palos Verdes Pastoral: 2026 Garden-to-Table Dining Event “Garden Nocturne” will take place on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Terranea Resort. This event will feature a unique sustainable menu served al fresco under an autumn sunset. For more information go to pvplc.org/pastoral.
Become a Wildlife Tracking Volunteer to help monitor evidence of wild foxes and coyotes in the nature preserve. This is a two day training event and you must pre-register and attend both days. One will be on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the George F Canyon Nature Preserve and the other will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m in San Pedro. More information will be available upon registering. Register at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Halloween Dog Parade will take place at the White Point Nature Preserve on October 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Bring your costumed pups and let them strut their stuff. White Point Nature Preserve is located at 1600 West Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro.
Monthly Guided Walks
George F Canon Discovery Walk will take place on Saturday, October 3, 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, October 7, 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.
Portuguese Bend Reserve nature walk will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Hike Fire Station Trail to Eagle’s Nest while enjoying sweeping ocean views and walking through restored coastal sage scrub habitat. This is considered a strenuous walk. Sign up at pvplc.org/calendar.
Ocean Views & Native Wildlife Adventure at White Point Nature Preserve will take place on Saturday, October 17, 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, October 24, 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 – Batty Bats at the White Point Nature Education Center will take place on Sunday, October 4, 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 – Wildlife Tracking at the White Point Nature Education Center will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Join in for a wildlife tracking themed nature club. You will do fun activities and learn about how scientists study animals that come out at night. 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, October 10, 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, October 24, 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, October 3, 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.
Restore Coastal Habitat at White Point Nature Preserve on Sunday, October 11, 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.
Restoration with a View: at Abalone Cove Reserve will take place on Saturdays, October 17 & October 31, 2026, from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Volunteer on a breathtaking coastal reserve helping restore wildlife habitat. Students can receive community service hours. Register at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Alta Vicente Reserve Outdoor Volunteer Day will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Help 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 views of Catalina Island on site. Students can receive community service hours. Register at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Inspire Others to Explore Nature
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 children enjoying Storytime Tails
