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

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

— General walk at Whalers Cabin

Walk Theme: Geology, Habitats and Human History of Point Lobos.  This is an easy walk along the Granite Point Trail around Whaler's Cove, and we'll discuss the plant and animal communities, the geology that made Point Lobos possible, and the story of human habitation of Point Lobos. Maybe a chemistry lesson, a physics lesson or even a poem.  But guaranteed to be both informative and fun. Meet in the Whalers Cove parking lot.  Walk guided by Peter Fletcher.

— 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

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.

— General walk at Information Station

A walk around the Cypress Grove.  We will see and discuss all sort fo plants, animals, geology, native and settler history and lots more.  We will ascend the "Stairway to Heaven" and, if it's a sunny day, you won't ask why it's called that.  We may see otters, hear sea lions, see pelicans flying in formation and, if we're lucky, a peregrine falcon.  I guarantee we'll see Trentepohlia. 

 

— General walk at Information Station

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

— General walk at Whalers Cabin

Walk Theme: Geology, Habitats and Human History of Point Lobos.  This is an easy walk along the Granite Point Trail around Whaler's Cove, and we'll discuss the plant and animal communities, the geology that made Point Lobos possible, and the story of human habitation of Point Lobos. Maybe a chemistry lesson, a physics lesson or even a poem.  But guaranteed to be both informative and fun. Meet in the Whalers Cove parking lot.  Walk guided by Peter Fletcher.

— Women walk at Whalers Cabin

Take an easy 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.  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.

CANCELLED— Easy-Access Adventure walk at Sea Lion Point Trail

Between 10am and 12noon, visitors of all abilities are invited to experience our accessible, Sea Lion Point 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! 

— 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.

CANCELLED— Women walk at Whalers Cabin

Take an easy 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.  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

A walk around the Cypress Grove.  We will see and discuss all sort fo plants, animals, geology, native and settler history and lots more.  We will ascend the "Stairway to Heaven" and, if it's a sunny day, you won't ask why it's called that.  We may see otters, hear sea lions, see pelicans flying in formation and, if we're lucky, a peregrine falcon.  I guarantee we'll see Trentepohlia.