Mission Statements

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

Docent volunteers serve as a visible representative of California State Parks at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve promoting the California State Parks mission.  These four simple words -- preserve, protect, educate and interpret -- sum up the docent experience. 

POINT LOBOS FOUNDATION

Our mission is to protect and nurture Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, to educate and inspire visitors to preserve its unique natural and cultural resources, and to strengthen the network of Carmel Area State Parks.

Upcoming Public Guided Walks

— General walk at Information Station

Join docent Randy for a guided walk around the Cypress Grove trail.  We will keep a close eye out for marine mammals, shore birds and other wildlife while appreciating the lush plant life and stunning scenery all around us. Learn how sea otters have come and gone from the central coast, and how our deep marine canyons support the animals you see on the surface. 

— General walk at Information Station

The walk will include discussions of the cultural history and the natural wonders of Point Lobos.

— General walk at Information Station
— General walk at Whalers Cabin

Join docent Randy for a walk from Whalers Cove to Coal Chute Point and Granite Point, breathtakingly beautiful but relatively little-traveled areas of our Reserve.  This is an area where human history and our natural environment are intimately connected, and as we look for birds, animals and flowers, you will also learn about human activities that have come and gone over time.

— Birds walk at Bird Island Parking Area

With hundreds of cormorant pairs returning to nest, Bird Island is a very lively place in late spring.  Your docent guides will be carrying a spotting scope for close views and will point out other birds and animals, which may include Brown Pelicans, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Crowned Night Herons, Harbor Seal pups and their moms, and Southern Sea Otters.

— General walk at Information Station

Walk Theme: Habitats of Point Lobos.  A discussion of plant and animal habitats in Point Lobos, including both land and ocean.  We will walk the Cypress Grove Trail, a relatively easy 0.8 mile loop with a little bit of climbing required as we round Pinnacle Point.  Not recommended for strollers unless you have someone to help carry them.  Guaranteed to be both informative and fun!  Meet at the Info Station parking lot.  Walk guided by Peter Fletcher.

— Women walk at Whalers Cabin

Take an easy one-mile round trip walk along the Granite Point trail in Whaler’s Cove to learn about the lives of nine extraordinary women whose efforts shaped and preserved this land.  During our hour and one-half stroll, we’ll revel in the beauty of the reserve as we celebrate the vision, labor and passion of those in the past who made it all possible.

— General walk at Information Station

Join docent Randy for a guided walk around the Cypress Grove trail.  We will keep a close eye out for marine mammals, shore birds and other wildlife while appreciating the lush plant life and stunning scenery all around us.  Learn how sea otters have come and gone from the central coast, and how our deep marine canyons support the animals you see on the surface.

 

 
— General walk at Information Station

The walk will include discussions of the cultural history and the natural wonders of Point Lobos.

— General walk at Information Station
— Plants walk at Information Station
— Geology walk at Weston Beach

Join docent Randy for a geology walk in the Weston and Hidden Beach areas. You will see close up, touch and compare the major rock types at Point Lobos, and we will seek out trace fossils on the rocky shore.  You will also learn how the beautiful rock formations at Point Lobos relate to plate tectonic and other geological processes.

— General walk at Information Station

Join docent Randy for a guided walk around the Cypress Grove trail.  We will keep a close eye out for marine mammals, shore birds and other wildlife while appreciating the lush plant life and stunning scenery all around us.  Learn how sea otters have come and gone from the central coast, and how our deep marine canyons support the animals you see on the surface.

 

 
— Birds walk at Bird Island Parking Area

With hundreds of cormorant pairs returning to nest, Bird Island is a very lively place in late spring.  Your docent guides will be carrying a spotting scope for close views and will point out other birds and animals, which may include Brown Pelicans, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Crowned Night Herons, Harbor Seal pups and their moms, and Southern Sea Otters.