rclc.org

Wreath Making and Open House
2024-12-07 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mill Bend Preserve, 46698 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA, United States
When: Saturday, December 7, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Mill Bend Preserve, 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala (map)
RSVP: The event is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be served.
Drop by to make a wreath from natural materials collected at Mill Bend Preserve or just sip some hot apple cider and chat with us about ongoing projects. We will have crafts for kids (and kids at heart), including making peanut butter pine cone bird feeders—messy, and always a crowd favorite!
We will hold the event rain or shine. No dogs at this event, but please feel free to take your furry friend for a walk on the many trails throughout the Preserve.

Volunteer at Mill Bend Preserve
2024-11-07 10:00 - 12:00 | CA
When: Thursday, November 7, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Mill Bend Preserve, 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala (map)
No RSVP required.
We need your help removing invasive plants at Mill Bend Preserve! Join us for a morning in the forest as we remove seedlings from invasive plants, such as ivy and broom, as well any other work that may be needed to restore the landscape and help native plants thrive once again. Sophia Pisciotta, Restoration Ecologist for RCLC, will be sharing information about why this work is important and providing tips for removing invasive plants in your own yards.
Please dress to work outside, and bring your water bottle. If you don’t have gloves to bring, we have some available.

Bear Scat Collection Training
2024-10-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Mill Bend Preserve, 46698 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA, United States
When: Tuesday, October 29, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Mill Bend Preserve, 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala (map)
RSVP: The event is free, but RSVP required.
Please email Meghan Walla-Murphy at phoksumdo.mwm@gmail.com to RSVP and receive additional information about the event.
Meghan Walla-Murphy of the North Bay Bear Collaborative will be leading a training in bear scat collection on the coast. Bear scat is being collected for DNA analysis in order to learn more about bear movement, diet and population in the region.
The North Bay Bear Collaborative is a working group of agencies, non-profit conservation groups, landowners and individuals committed to being proactive liaisons between humans and bears. Our aim is to help mitigate future challenges that may arise from the North Bay’s increasing black bear population.
What to Expect:

Learn about basic bear ecology
Learn how to collect hair and scat samples for DNA analysis
Safety measures for tracking in bear habitat

Meghan will provide printed protocols and data sheets when you RSVP. Please pack a lunch, drink and any snacks you may need.

Volunteer at Mill Bend Preserve
2024-10-23 10:00 - 12:00 | CA
When: Wednesday, October 23, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Mill Bend Preserve, 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala (map)
No RSVP required.
We need your help removing invasive plants at Mill Bend Preserve! Join us for a morning in the forest as we remove seedlings from invasive plants, such as ivy and broom, as well any other work that may be needed to restore the landscape and help native plants thrive once again. Sophia Pisciotta, Restoration Ecologist for RCLC, will be sharing information about why this work is important and providing tips for removing invasive plants in your own yards.
Please dress to work outside, and bring your water bottle. If you don’t have gloves to bring, we have some available.

Coastal Cleanup Day
2024-09-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Gualala Point Park Visitor Center, 42400 Leeward Rd, Sea Ranch, 95497, United States
You are invited to join RCLC and Sonoma County Regional Parks to Celebrate Coastal Cleanup Day!
When: Saturday September 21, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Gualala Point Park Visitor Center (map)
Join the California Coastal Cleanup
The Redwood Coast Land Conservancy and Sonoma County Regional Parks are teaming up to keep our oceans and other waterways clean. Join fellow volunteers at the Gualala Point Park Visitor Center on September 21st from 9-12pm and help pick up litter. All supplies will be provided including refreshments. Free park passes available to volunteers. Bring the whole family to help keep the beach clean.

Mill Bend Preserve Volunteer Workparty
2024-09-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Mill Bend Preserve, 46698 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA, United States
You are invited to join us for a Mill Bend Preserve Restoration Work Party.
When: Thursday, September 12, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Mill Bend Preserve, 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala (map)
Why: Because we love Mill Bend Preserve!
Please join other enthusiastic eco-volunteers on Thursday, September 12 at 10:00 AM to seize on this perfect time to pull small broom seedlings at Mill Bend Preserve, before these young invasives grow and become tougher to remove.
Believe it or not, left alone, these seedlings can grow to more than eight feet tall, and typical shrubs can produce over 8,000 seeds, spreading seeds over ten feet away. So, now’s the time to act!
You’ll be treated to lunch and good company, so come join us!

Can’t come to this event but want to help?
There are weekly volunteer opportunities with RCLC:

Every Tuesday 9:00-11:30 AM Gualala Bluff Trail maintenance. Contact Bob Rutemoeller: bobrute@gmail.com
Every Tuesday 9-11:30am Cemetery Restoration: Mill Bend Preserve. Contact Perk Perkins: rjperks@pacbell.com

Mill Bend Preserve Open House: Walking Through Time
2024-07-20 10:00 - 14:00 | CA
Sometimes a walk through redwood trees feels like a journey back in time. Come to Mill Bend Preserve to enjoy that feeling and get a taste of the site’s history. Visitors can tour the Gualala Cemetery, take a guided walk down to the Gualala River where the old railroad carried logs to the mill (sturdy shoes recommended), or enjoy a shorter saunter on our newest trail for views of the estuary. There will be fun activities for kids, as well.
Speak with one of our Board members or volunteers to hear about the history of Mill Bend Preserve, learn about our ongoing projects, and find out how you can get involved at any of Redwood Coast Land Conservancy’s sites.
﻿The event is free to attend, and refreshments will be served.
For more information, visit http://www.rclc.org or contact Nicole Forte at nforte@rclc.org.

Water Monitoring on the Gualala River
2024-06-15 09:00 - 11:00 | CA
Join the Stream Team and other community members to monitor the Gualala River’s 4 monitoring stations. Free training provided.
What to Bring: Sturdy shoes that can get wet (river level is high), personal items for 2-hour outing on the river, e.g. water, snack, sunscreen, hat and insect repellent.
Contact Timmarie for further information at timmariehamill@gmail.com or call 530-342-6620

Mill Bend Volunteer Workparty
2024-06-13 11:00 - 12:30 | CA
Everyone welcome! Come see the results of your previous volunteer work, walk a new trail, hear of our plans for future access. Please join us to do a little general cleanup. Light work: pulling invasive Forget-me-nots and broom seedlings, clearing trail edges, light pruning and cleanup.
Bring water and pruning shears if you have them. Hand tools and garbage bags will be provided. Light refreshments.
Questions? contact Cheryl Harris charris@rclc.org

Bird Walk at Mill Bend Preserve
2024-05-23 08:00 - 10:30 | Meet at the CalTrans pullout immediately north of the Gualala River bridge
Join RCLC Board Director Rich Trissel and other naturalists on a discovery bird walk along Mill Bend Preserve’s Gualala River access road and beach, which provide excellent views of the estuary. Bald Eagles and water birds such as Common Mergansers and Buffleheads are often seen. Belted Kingfisher, grebes, and the occasional rail may also be spotted on this walk. Stay tuned for more information.

Celebrate the Coast!
2024-05-18 10:00 - 15:30 | Point Arena Lighthouse, 45500 Lighthouse Rd, Point Arena, CA 95468, USA
RCLC will have a table at this wonderful celebration! Find more details on the organizer’s website: https://pointarenastornetta.org/docent-days-hikes/discover-the-coast-2/

Gualala River Stream Team training
2024-05-18 | 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA 95445, USA
Gualala River Stream Team is back to conduct monthly river water testing with members of the community. Timmarie Hamill will be holding a training on May 18th at Mill Bend Preserve for all interested. Contact Timmarie at timmariehamill@gmail.com for more information.

A Mill Bend Wildflower Walk in May
2024-05-05 10:00 - 12:30 | 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA 95445, USA
Please join California Native Plant Society (CNPS) members Mary Hunter and Julia Larke for a guided walk at Mill Bend Preserve on Sunday, May 5th. It is a springtime tradition and all are welcome! Thanks to recent hard work by the California Conservation Corps and many RCLC volunteers, you will have a beautiful view of the Gualala River estuary from the trail. Enjoy seeing the occasional banana slug, maybe a newt, and of course a variety of wildflowers. This April we have been enjoying the Calypso Orchid, Spotted Coralroot, and Pink Flowering Currant as well as many others. With the recent rains, we may see unexpected fungi and lichen of various kinds.
The details:May 5th (Sunday) at 10am at 46902 Old State Hwy (just off hwy 1). Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the unpredictable weather. The walk usually lasts about an hour or longer depending on the speed and interests of the group. Don’t forget your camera!
For more information, please contact Cheryl Harris or Nicole Forte at the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy, charris@rclc.org or nforte@rclc.org. Visit the Dorothy King Young Chapter of the NPS at http://www.dkycnps.org for more information about CNPS.

Nature walk at Mill Bend Preserve
2024-04-13 10:30 - 11:30 | 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA 95445
Join RCLC Docents for a nature walk. Beginning at the Gualala Cemetery, this hour-long stroll along old and new trails will explore the Bishop PIne forest to see recent work accomplished by the California Conservation Corps. Sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for both activities. If you have binoculars, you are encouraged to bring them.

Open House at Mill Bend Preserve
2024-04-13 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-04-06 10:00 - 14:00 | 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA 95445
Docents will be on hand to welcome you and provide information about ongoing conservation and restoration activities on the Preserve, as well as other exciting RCLC projects in the planning stages. From there, you can explore on your own, inspired by docent recommendations for trails and experiences catered to the abilities and interests of visitors. Picnickers can lunch at picnic tables near the house or find a secluded spot to spread a blanket.
Where: Mill Bend Preserve, 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA 95445 (First right hand driveway after turning on to Old Stage Road from Highway 1)

Bird Walk at Mill Bend Preserve
2024-04-06 08:00 - 11:00 | Mill Bend Preserve – meet at the CalTrans Pullout northeast of the Gualala River Bridge
Meet at the CalTrans Pullout northeast of the Gualala River Bridge
Join RCLC for a bird walk led by Board Member Rich Trissel. We will walk the road to the boat launch site and traverse the gravel beach while watching for birds in the willows, on the water and in the air. From there, the group will drive to upper Mill Bend Preserve to look for bird species that prefer the chaparral, meadows, and forests of the Preserve. Bring binoculars if you have them. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes as the trails may be rough and muddy. No dogs, please.

March Bird Walk
2024-03-04 08:00 - 10:30 | CA
When: Monday, March 4, 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Where: Mill Bend Preserve – meet at the CalTrans Pullout northeast of the Gualala River Bridge
Join RCLC for a bird walk led by Board Member Rich Trissel. We will walk the road to the boat launch site and traverse the gravel beach while watching for birds in the willows, on the water and in the air. From there, the group will drive to upper Mill Bend Preserve to look for bird species that prefer the chaparral, meadows, and forests of the Preserve. Bring binoculars if you have them. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes as the trails may be rough and muddy. No dogs, please.

CANCELLED Great Backyard Bird Count at Mill Bend Preserve
2024-02-17 09:30 - 11:30 | CA
Due to the weather forecast this event has been cancelled. We hope to offer a similar event in April. Stay tuned!
The Redwood Coast Land Conservancy invites you and your family to join us at Mill Bend Preserve for the Great Backyard Bird Count on Saturday, February 17. Meet at 46902 Old State Hwy, Gualala at 9:30 AM. Walk with RCLC volunteers to observe birds in meadows, along forest edges and in the sky! Participants will learn where to look for birds and how to identify them. There will be crafts for kids, and an opportunity to visit the historic Gualala Cemetery. Please bring binoculars if you have them and wear sturdy shoes. The event will last until 11:30 AM.
If you have questions about the event please email us at rclc@rclc.org.
