Science and nature for all ages
In Sonoma County, where more than 90% of land is privately owned, a community educated and engaged in our environment is essential to preserve our natural resources. Pepperwood’s community education program increases knowledge of ecology and inspires an appreciation of the natural world. Through classes, lectures, hikes, and walks we enhance the lives of our participants while promoting environmental stewardship.
Deepen your understanding of Northern California’s incredible diversity of plant and animal life and strengthen your connection to the natural world through Pepperwood’s community education classes.
Classes & Workshops
Learn to identify mushrooms, wildflowers, trees, reptiles and birds through our field-focused natural history classes. Expand your skills in photography, wild food foraging, animal tracking, and much more through classes that enrich your relationship to the environment. Art classes help develop techniques to capture the natural beauty of Pepperwood and beyond. Sign up today for one or more of these amazing experiences.
Discover Nature
Pepperwood hosts exciting talks by local researchers, authors, artists and environmental leaders through our Discover Nature lectures series. Past topics have included black bears, beaver ecology, native pollinators, Native American land stewardship, ecological grazing for wildland management and more! These engaging talks are held most months on the first Thursday and include time for Q&A with our wonderful speakers. Click here to learn about upcoming lectures.
Public Hikes
Hike with friends, family and fellow nature lovers! Pepperwood hosts many opportunities to get out and explore our preserve’s various enticing habitats including oak woodlands and native grasslands. Family walks are two hour explorations and are appropriate for families with small children through teens. Public hikes are longer, more rigorous treks that take visitors further out on the preserve. Wildflower walks are leisurely springtime rambles through Pepperwood’s front meadows. Membership expeditions take members to some of our more remote locales and generally involve a whole day of nature exploration and fellowship. Click here to view and sign up for hiking opportunities. Click here to learn more about Pepperwood membership.
For Families
Research suggests that spending time in nature offers tremendous benefits to young children, both psychical and psychological. Pepperwood is committed to providing families with opportunities to explore the natural world, build comfort levels, and learn skills that can be used at open spaces throughout our region and beyond. We offer a range of options for families including family-oriented hikes, overnights, classes such as nature sketching, and special events. Many offerings are offered in English and Spanish. Family classes are offered at a minimal cost thanks to the generous support of our members and donors. Click here to view our family-friendly classes and events.