San Diego County, California
Sunday, April 30: Join VMF's outdoor naturalist educator, Janice Smith, as we identify, collect, and cook wild edible plants at VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center.
We will start with a short walk to identify and harvest some of the easy to find edible plants growing around the nature center. Then we will roll up our sleeves and work in teams creating a delicious meal together from our harvest.
Join VMF on January 11 for a stewardship day on Volcan Mountain. As a wildfire prevention measure, we will be creating piles of wood collected from the forest and burning them throughout the day.
Date: Wednesday, January 11
Time: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (Volunteers are free to leave at any time).
Bring: Work gloves (VMF has its own supply as well), water, snacks, lunch.
Wear: Sturdy shoes and dress warmly and in layers.
January 22, 2023 – Winter Conifer Tea Party!
There is nothing more cozy than enjoying a hot cup of tea on a cold winter day. In this class, VMF's Education Coordinator, Janice Smith, will teach you to identify, forage, and make an assortment of wild conifer teas. We will pair these teas with delicious fresh baked conifer rosehip scones that we will also make together. Finally, you will create your very own conifer tea bag blend to take home.
Monday, December 19: Join the Volcan Mountain Foundation for a citizen science bird survey on Volcan Mountain in Julian. This is a great opportunity to contribute valuable data for the National Annual Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count. We'll be focusing our attention on the areas near our Sky Island trail as well as VMF's recently acquired pond. There is a combined two miles of walking during this survey. Hiking is easy to moderate.
Date: Monday, December 19
Time: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
December 3: Join Tori Klinge for a presentation on coyotes. As a coyote enthusiast and volunteer for Project Coyote, Tori will talk about their unique features, their habitat, and life cycle. She will also discuss the challenges they face in a fragmented landscape. After her presentation, we will go on a 1 1/2 mile hike along VMF's Sky Island Trail.
To learn more about Project Coyote and the work that they do, visit https://www.projectcoyote.org
Date: Saturday, December 3
February 26: Join Janice Smith, VMF’s Education Coordinator and Certified Forest Therapy Guide, on a guided Forest Bathing walk at VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center. This is a new program of bi-monthly Forest Bathing walks offered through VMF.
What is Forest Bathing?
November 19, 2022 Wildcrafting: Acorns
Join Ana Gloria (Martha) Rodriguez of the Kumeyaay tribe and VMF's Education Coordinator, Janice Smith, as they share their knowledge of acorns.
*** EVENT SOLD OUT ***
December 4: We're very excited to have you join us at a special Rubenson Endowment Artists' Reception featuring art of Volcan Mountain created by 2022 Residents, Melanie LaMay and Lucy HG Solomon!
Date: Sunday, December 4
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Ilan-Lael Foundation in Julian. Parking and event location directions will be sent after registration.
Price: $45 per person.
Saturday, October 29: Join Diane and her family at VMF's dedication of the Diane B. Coombs Watershed Trail at VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center. We will have a light lunch catered by VMF's own volunteer committee followed by a trail dedication ceremony and plenty of time for conversation and exploration of the trail.
Time: 11:00 am
Tuesday, November 1: Thank you to all the artists and merchants who have donated to VMF's Annual Dinner Dance and Auction Fundraiser. As a way to acknowledge your generosity and partnership, you are invited to VMF's Auction Donor Appreciation Day, which includes a light breakfast and tour of VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center, including its newly acquired 42 acres.