California Native Plant Society -- Marin Chapter Meetup

Abbott’s Lagoon, Pt. Reyes National Seashore
Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 9:30 am – 2 pm
Leaders: Ann Elliott, Carolyn Longstreth, and Stacey Pogorzelski
The gentle, flat two-mile long trail that leads out to Abbott’s Lagoon is a year-round favorite for plant lovers and bird watchers. It passes through coastal scrub, dotted by two marshes, passes over a stream between the upper and lower lagoon, and ends in the dunes near the beach.
In early June we will see the end of the spring blooms and the beginning of the summer flower display. In the coastal scrub, we are likely to see yellow bush lupine, cobweb thistle coast angelica, seaside daisy, and a profusion of California poppies.
As we walk into the dunes, we’ll look for yellow sand verbena, beach evening-primrose, Chamisso bush lupine, and the rare Tidestrom’s lupine.
This will be a fairly flat out and back walk of 4 or 5 miles. We plan to walk into the dunes, covering some areas of loose sand to reach the beach. Those who are not comfortable walking in the dunes can turn around at the end of the maintained path. Stacey will lead those that need to leave early back to the trailhead.
Plants lists for this area include Calflora’s Abbott’s Lagoon Trail and Dunes and the CNPS Abbott’s Lagoon Public Trail list.
Meet at the Abbotts Lagoon trailhead on Pierce Point Road. Dress in layers, bring lunch, water, and sun protection.
Text message for day of trip: 530-521-4402

During volunteer workdays we use hand tools to remove invasive plant species that threaten grassland and stream corridor ecosystems, including Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), and yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis). Invasive species can create dense populations that crowd out native plants, which in turns harms the wildlife that depend on them. Removing invasive plants protects habitat for milkweed and other pollinator plants, diverse wildflowers in the grasslands, and the many birds and insects that rely on native plants.

Marin County staff will provide tools and great snacks. Bring a reusable water bottle, sun and wind protection, long pants, sturdy close-toed shoes, and work/garden gloves (gloves provided if you don’t have them).

Heavy rain cancels, cancellations will be posted on Meetup.

Directions: Meet at the San Carlos Way entrance to Mt. Burdell OSP, north of San Marin Drive. Use 488 San Carlos Way for mapping. The work area is a short walk from the San Carlos trailhead.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/A74nosMCMqWSyPDU9

Please:

• Sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2026, if you have not done so already.
• Practice clean trail etiquette. Pocket Guide – Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers
• Email marinCNPSvolunteers@gmail.com with questions.
• Sorry, no dogs on this trip.

If you have not done so already, please sign the CNPS Marin 2026 Waiver

Note: Destructive invasive plant pathogens and weed seeds can be transported to sensitive plant habitats when contaminated soil or plant material is shed from footwear, equipment (such as hiking poles), and other personal items. See these 2 brochures for how you can minimize your impact. Pocket Guide - Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers

Join a group of enthusiastic volunteers for our monthly Tuesday morning at the Marin County Parks and Open Space District Nursery. Each month we help maintain the native plants that will be used in restoration projects across Marin, from intertidal marsh wetlands to redwood forest. No prior nursery experience is required; Nursery Manager Aja Wylder will demonstrate nursery methods, including pruning, potting seedlings, transplanting plants into larger pots, pot washing, and working in the native plant garden.

Volunteers should wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes and clothes they don't mind getting dirty. Please bring sun protection and a water bottle. Gloves and tools will be provided.

Limit: 12 Attendees

Heavy rain cancels, cancellation will be posted on Meetup.

Directions to the Marin County Native Plant Nursery:
From the south, drive north on Highway 101 to the San Pedro Rd. exit. Take the San Pedro Rd. exit and stay to the right. At the light, turn left onto Civic Center Drive. Turn right onto Matthew Hymel Drive, just before the Lagoon Park. This looks like a big parking lot, but you’re in the right spot. Follow the road to the end of the parking lot and park. There is a gate in the fence on the north, walk through the gate and the nursery will be on your right.

From the north, drive south on Highway 101 to the Manuel T. Freitas Parkway exit. Turn left onto Manuel T. Freitas Pkwy and follow it over the highway, then go left to stay on the Manuel T. Freitas Pkwy and make an immediate right onto Civic Center Drive. Follow Civic Center Drive past the Lagoon Park and then turn left onto Matthew Hymel Drive, just after Lagoon Park. This will look like a big parking lot. Follow the road to the end of the parking lot and park. There is a gate in the fence on the north, walk through the gate and the nursery will be on your right.

Transit: The Nursery is accessible by a short walk or bike ride from the Civic Center SMART station and Marin Transit buses #35 and #49.

Please:

• Sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2026, if you have not done so already.
• Email marinCNPSvolunteers@gmail.com with questions.
• Sorry, no dogs at the nursery.