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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

— The Women Who Shaped and Saved Point Lobos 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 1 ½ hour and 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
— 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

Point Lobos is often referred to as “The Crown Jewel of the California State Park System.” This walk will demonstrate why, by introducing the plants, animals, cultural history, and geology of the Cypress Grove Trail.  

— General Walk at Information Station

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

— Cypress Grove Treasures Walk at Information Station

Take this docent led walk through the beautiful Cypress Grove focusing on the best photo spots and the diversity of life in Point Lobos. We will talk about the plants, trees, marine mammals, sea life, birds, geology and cultural history of our State Natural Reserve that is described as the “…greatest meeting between land and sea.” The walk is mostly level with some stairs and a few rocky uneven places to traverse. Come join us!

— General Walk at Bird Island Parking Area

Walk Theme: Harbor Seals and Pups at Point Lobos.  This is an easy walk along the Bird Island Trail around China Cove, and we'll discuss the baby seals being born here every day, the relationships between Moms and Pups (and other Moms).  Why is it that the vast majority of baby seal pups are born in April?  Guaranteed to be both informative and fun. Meet in the Bird Island parking lot.  Walk guided by Peter Fletcher.

— 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.

— Artists of Point Lobos Walk at Information Station

Follow in the footsteps of artists who were inspired by the beauty of Point Lobos in the early to mid-20th century. We will focus on the Cypress Grove Trail area, and study artists including Pedro de Lemos, E. Charlton Fortune, Chiura Obata, William Ritschel, Mary de Neale Morgan, and Edward Weston.   

— 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 Whalers Cabin

On the second day of May we will look for native orchids , read happy spring poems, breath in the fresh breeze of blue fish cove and check on the black oystercatcher nesting PL 7 pair from cannery point. Binoculars and sturdy hiking footwear recommended.

— 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

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

— General Walk at Information Station

Point Lobos is often referred to as “The Crown Jewel of the California State Park System.” This walk will demonstrate why, by introducing the plants, animals, cultural history, and geology of the Cypress Grove Trail.  

— Easy-Access Adventure Walk at Bird Island Parking Area

Between 10am and 12noon, visitors of all abilities are invited to experience our accessible, Bird Island trail. Docents with scopes, binoculars, marine mammal pelts and information will be stationed along the trail for all to go at their own pace. As well as enjoying our beautiful, flat coastal trail, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters and migrating whales may be seen! 

— Cypress Grove Treasures Walk at Information Station

Take this docent led walk through the beautiful Cypress Grove focusing on the best photo spots and the diversity of life in Point Lobos. We will talk about the plants, trees, marine mammals, sea life, birds, geology and cultural history of our State Natural Reserve that is described as the “…greatest meeting between land and sea.” The walk is mostly level with some stairs and a few rocky uneven places to traverse. Come join us!