rclc.org

Volunteer at Mill Bend Preserve
2026-01-24 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
When: Saturday, January 24, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Mill Bend Preserve, 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala (map)
No RSVP required.

Spend the afternoon outside with us and help the native vegetation reestablish at Mill Bend Preserve!

We’ll be laying down cardboard and spreading wood chips to smother invasive Vinca, allowing the native plants to reclaim the areas. Vinca, also known as Periwinkle, is a fast-spreading, non-native groundcover that forms dense mats and crowds out native plants. Vinca was likely planted in the cemetery as an ornamental and has spread to neighboring areas. Sheet mulching blocks sunlight and prevents regrowth. Over time, the cardboard breaks down naturally, improving soil health and creating space for native plants to return.

This is an easy, hands-on activity, and kids are welcome to join in too.

Please dress to work outside, and bring your water bottle. If you don’t have gloves to bring, we have some available.

Wreaths & Winter Crafts at Mill Bend Preserve
2025-12-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Mill Bend Preserve, 46698 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA, United States
When: Saturday, December 6, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Mill Bend Preserve, 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala (map)
RSVP: The event is free. Refreshments will be served.
Ring in the season at RCLC’s annual wreath making event! Every December, friends and neighbors gather at Mill Bend Preserve to craft holiday decor from natural materials found right on site. Tables overflow with holly, fir, redwood, eucalyptus, and other fresh greens, and our team will show you how to weave branches into festive wreaths and winter centerpieces. Enjoy hot drinks, tasty treats, and a range of crafts for kids—and kids at heart. Drop by, get creative, and take home a touch of nature for the holiday season.
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.

Outdoor Social Club with Mendocino Land Trust
2025-11-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Hearn Gulch, 29720 Highway 1, Gualala, CA, 95445, United States
When: Saturday, November 1, 11:00 AM
Where: Hearn Gulch, located 5 miles south of Point Arena.
RSVP: The event is free. Please RSVP to info@mendocinolandtrust.org.

We’re joining our friends from Mendocino Land Trust for an outing at Hearn Gulch!
Enjoy some hot cider and donuts as we take a walk along the trail. The bluffs of Hearn Gulch provide dramatic views of the ocean, volcanic rock formations, and a narrow sea tunnel. Depending on the ocean tide and surf conditions, this tunnel produces a distinctively loud (and impressive!) sound.
As we explore, RCLC ‘s executive director, Jim Elias, and MLT’s executive director, Conrad Kramer, will discuss how both organizations prioritize preserving and restoring habitat along this stretch of the coast. They will also answer questions about a new trail project that will connect Hearn Gulch to Saunders Landing, adding another link to the California Coastal Trail.

Explore the Historic Gualala Cemetery
2025-10-25 15:00 - 16:30 | Mill Bend Preserve, 46698 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA, United States
When: Saturday, October 25, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Where: Mill Bend Preserve, 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala (map). The cemetery is located across from the cottage.
RSVP: The event is free.
Explore the Historic Gualala Cemetery
Discover the stories of the pioneers who settled the Mendonoma Coast and the town of Gualala starting in the 1870s. Learn about the area’s rich history through guided visits and conversations with knowledgeable volunteers, who will share insights into the cemetery’s past and current restoration efforts.
Additional historical and genealogical information about the cemetery and those buried there is available online.

Restoring the River: Community Event
2025-10-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA, 95445, United States
Where: Gualala Arts Center
RSVP: The event is free.

Join us for a community event celebrating the Gualala River and connect with those who are working to protect it. This project is funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program.

At 2:00PM, Eric Wilder, former chairman of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, will open the event with a Kashia Pomo song and talk about the cultural significance of the Gualala River.

This will be followed by a panel discussion with RCLC and scientists from Prunuske Chatham, Inc. (PCI) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on early design concepts aimed at improving fish habitat in the Gualala River estuary.

Panelists include:

Matt Erickson – Fisheries Biologist and Grant Manager, CDFW. With over 30 years of experience in salmon management and habitat restoration, Matt plays a key role in the Fisheries Restoration Grant Program.
Carrie Lukacic – Principal Environmental Planner, PCI. Specializing in CEQA/NEPA compliance and environmental permitting, Carrie manages complex land management and restoration projects from concept to implementation.
Lauren Hammack – Geomorphologist, PCI. An expert in stream restoration design, Lauren brings 20 years of experience applying geomorphology, ecology, and hydrology to create effective, stakeholder-informed restoration solutions.
Moderated by Jim Elias, Executive Director, Redwood Coast Land Conservancy

A Q&A session with the panelists will follow the discussion. You can ask questions in person or submit them online here.

Throughout the afternoon , explore the river’s history, find out who won the Gualala River Community Photo Contest, enjoy light refreshments, and celebrate the importance of the river in our community.

Try Your Hand at Gyotaku Fish Printing: Discover the traditional Japanese art of Gyotaku, which originated in the early 1800s as a way for fishermen to document their catches. In this hands-on activity, you’ll use life-like rubber fish to create your very own fish print—while learning about the fascinating fish species found in our local waters.

Stop by educational booths to connect with state, federal, and local partners, including CDFW, Friends of the Gualala River, the Gualala River Stream Team, the Gualala River Watershed Council, Sonoma County Regional Parks, and more.

This work is part of a collaborative restoration effort funded by CDFW’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program, and developed in alignment with long-term ecological goals set by CDFW and NOAA Fisheries.

Kayak Tour: Habitat in the Gualala River Estuary
2025-10-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Mill Bend Preserve, 46698 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA, United States
Where: Meet at River Bend Kayaks on the west side of Highway 1 (immediately north of the Gualala River bridge).
RSVP: Contact rgagnon@rclc.org to reserve your spot on the tour. $35 to reserve a kayak, or you can bring your own.
Join us for a paddle through the Gualala estuary!

Explore fish habitat up close while learning about the life history and habitat needs of salmon and steelhead. We’ll discuss how scientists monitor wild populations, current restoration strategies, and some of the inspiring success stories happening right here along the Mendocino Coast.

This tour will be led by Sarah Gallagher, Senior Environmental Scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. With over 25 years of experience working with salmon and steelhead in California, Sarah focuses on tracking wild populations in coastal Mendocino County watersheds. She earned her degree in Fisheries Biology and Management from Frostburg State University, and has worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries. Since 2019, she’s led long-term monitoring efforts under the California Monitoring Plan—a collaborative, coastwide effort to support salmonid recovery.

The tour will also be led by Dave Wright, who has been a salmonid dedicated fisheries biologist/habitat specialist on the Mendocino Coast for the past 25 years. In that period, Dave worked on projects ranging from monitoring, research, management, and in-stream habitat restoration. Before retiring in 2021, he finished his career as a Project Director for The Nature Conservancy’s North Coast Restoration Project, which focused on large estuary restoration projects in the Ten Mile and Garcia Rivers.

Bird Walk: Gualala River Estuary
2025-10-04 08:30 - 10:30 | Mill Bend Preserve, 46698 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA, United States
When: Saturday, October 4, 8:30 AM
Where: Park at the Gualala River access area on Mill Bend Preserve, located on the west side of Highway 1 (immediately north of the Gualala River bridge). Turn at the sign for River Bend Kayaks. We encourage carpooling, as space is limited.
RSVP: The event is free. Please no dogs.

Join us for a bird walk in the Gualala River estuary! We will begin at the edge of the Gualala River, where we typically see a variety of song birds, raptors, and water birds. This rich habitat offers a unique opportunity to observe a wide variety of species in one of the most scenic spots on the coast. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about the local wildlife, all are welcome.

Volunteer at Mill Bend Preserve
2025-08-20 10:00 - 12:00
When: Wednesday, August 20, 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 at Mill Bend to spread wood chips near the historic Gualala Cemetery. We’ll be mulching with cardboard and wood chips to stop the spread of invasive periwinkle vines, and allow the native vegetation to reestablish and thrive.

Sophia Pisciotta, stewardship director for RCLC, will be sharing information about ongoing restoration at Mill Bend Preserve and how this work fits into those efforts.

Please dress to work outside, and bring your water bottle. If you don’t have gloves to bring, we have some available.

Bird Walk at Mill Bend Preserve
2025-05-22 08:30 - 10:30 | Mill Bend Preserve, 46698 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA, United States
When: Thursday, May 22, 8:30 AM
Where: Mill Bend Preserve. Meet at the pullout on the east side of Highway 1 (immediately north of the Gualala River bridge).
RSVP: The event is free. Please no dogs.

Join us for a bird walk at Mill Bend Preserve! We will begin at the edge of the Gualala River, where we typically see a variety of song birds, raptors, and water birds. We will then move to upper Mill Bend Preserve, where we will walk the meadows, chaparral & forest, and are likely to see many other species.

Gardening at Hearn Gulch
2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Hearn Gulch, 29720 Highway 1, Gualala, CA, 95445, United States
When: Saturday, May 17, 10:00 AM – noon
Where: Hearn Gulch (located on the west side of Highway One, north of the town of Gualala. Watch for mile marker 10.0).
RSVP: Free. Space is limited, so contact Mark Escajeda (mescajeda@rclc.org) for more information.

This hands-on experience offers a relaxed opportunity for gardeners to get to know the coastal plant life of Hearn Gulch, including low-growing natives and the invasive species they compete against. With trowels in hand, we’ll tackle some of the easier-to-pull invasives to give the native plants more room to grow.

Spring at Mill Bend Preserve
2025-04-12 09:00 - 13:00 | Mill Bend Preserve, 46698 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA, United States
When: Saturday, April 12, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Mill Bend Preserve, 46902 Old Stage Rd, Gualala (map)
RSVP: The event is free. Refreshments from Franny’s Cup and Saucer, and coffee from Little Green Bean Roastery will be provided.
Enjoy a spring morning at Mill Bend Preserve! We will be hosting bird and nature walks, crafts and activities for kids, and tours of the historic Gualala Cemetery. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry while you explore the trails and enjoy the start of a new season.
Activities are scheduled throughout the morning. For tours, meet at the Cottage at Mill Bend Preserve.
9:00 AM: Bird walk
11:00 AM: Native plants walk
All morning: Arts and crafts activities for families and kids
All morning: Docent-led tours of the historic Gualala Cemetery
The event is free, and will be held rain or shine. Parking is available just inside the open gate. If you need assistance, you will be able to drive up to the Cottage.

Spring Migration Bird Walk
2025-03-26 08:30 - 10:30 | Mill Bend Preserve, 46698 Old Stage Rd, Gualala, CA, United States
When: Wednesday, March 26, 8:30 AM
Where: Mill Bend Preserve. Meet at the pullout on the east side of Highway 1 (immediately north of the Gualala River bridge).
RSVP: The event is free. Please no dogs.

The Spring migration has begun! Join us for a bird walk at Mill Bend Preserve, as we look for new birds that are passing through or setting up nesting sites. We will begin at the edge of the Gualala River, where we typically see a variety of song birds, raptors, and water birds. We will then move to upper Mill Bend Preserve, where we will walk the meadows, chaparral & forest, and are likely to see many other species.

Wreath Making and Open House
2024-12-07 10:00 - 14:00 | 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
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
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
