THE “EVERYTHING BAGEL” NATURE HIKE.
POINT REYES FIELD INSTITUTE
This class is for people who enjoy learning about everything: trees, ferns, butterflies, galls, birds, fungi, lichens and more!
As John Muir observed, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” Caterpillars depend on specific host plants, and butterflies rely on nectar sources. Birds gather food and nesting materials while serving as pollinators and seed-spreaders. Fungi form mycorrhizal partnerships with certain trees, and gall-making insects choose not only particular shrubs, vines, or trees, but even specific parts: leaves, stems, or buds. Beetles disperse spores; ants carry seeds.
In this class, we’ll slow down and tune our senses to these connections: looking, listening, and even smelling our way through the habitats we explore. Together, we’ll learn to notice the subtle relationships and hidden stories woven into the tapestry of life along the trail.
Class Information:
Class date / time:
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Instructor:
Wendy Dreskin
Location:
Meet at Coast Trail Trailhead, Point Reyes National Seashore.
BUTTERFLY ID CLINIC
MARIN MONARCH WORKING GROUP
Brush up your butterfly identification skills while exploring the beautiful gardens of the Marin Art and Garden Center. This clinic is perfect for beginners as well as those planning to participate in one or both of Marin’s summer butterfly counts.
Join longtime butterfly enthusiast and count leader Wendy Dreskin for an introduction to butterfly identification, followed by field observation in the extensive MAGC gardens. Learn how to recognize common local species and improve your identification skills through guided observation.
This event is an excellent preparation for Marin’s annual butterfly counts and a great opportunity for anyone interested in butterflies, citizen science, and local conservation efforts.
Bring your lunch and join us at the picnic tables near the Studio after the clinic.
Note: A $10 donation is suggested for non-students. Please bring cash or donate online.
Class Information:
Class date/ time:
Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 11:00 AM
Instructor:
Wendy Dreskin
Location:
Marin Art and Garden Center
RSVP:
AND… Take Part in the 2026 Butterfly Counts in Marin
The North American Butterfly Association has run the Butterfly Count Program since 1993. Each annual count compiles all butterflies observed within a 15-mile diameter count circle during a one-day period. Comparing results across years helps scientists monitor butterfly populations and study the effects of habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides.
This dataset was a primary source for the influential 2025 study published in Science documenting rapid butterfly declines across the United States.
Central Marin Butterfly Count
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Interested in Participating? Contact Us
Point Reyes Butterfly Count
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Contact: pointreyesbutterflycount@gmail.com
PREVIOUS CLASS LISTINGS:
Butterflies for Beginners.
Point Reyes Field Institute
Explore the butterflies of Muddy Hollow from swallowtails to checkerspots and blues! Observe their behaviors and identify host plants.
In this introduction to butterflies you’ll meet 8–12 species from different families (Swallowtails, Brushfoots, Gossamer Wings, Pierids, and Skippers) and have a chance to observe behaviors like nectaring, puddling, and possibly mating or egg laying. You’ll learn host plants and nectar plants for various species, and which have adapted to non-native host plants. Find out the best places in Marin to go to see less common butterflies, like our California state butterfly, the California Dogface.
This class is excellent preparation for the Marin Butterfly Count in June which is the butterfly community’s equivalent to the Christmas Bird Count. At the end of the day you’ll be ready to continue the fascinating study of butterflies on your own.
Note: This is NOT a collecting class. Collecting butterflies is not permitted at Point Reyes National Seashore. All butterflies we visit with are returned to their habitat unharmed.
Class Information:
Class date/ time:
Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Instructor:
Wendy Dreskin
Location:
Muddy Hollow Trail, Limantour Road, Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes Field Institute Class: Wildflowers and Elephant Seals of Chimney Rock
Class date / time:
Saturday, April 19 2025 9 AM - 1 PM PDT
Instructor:
Wendy Dreskin
Fee:
$53.49
Non-Member Fee:
$63.00
Location:
Meet at Chimney Rock
Join me to explore and learn about the colorful spring kaleidoscope that
blooms in great profusion along the bluffs of Point Reyes. This will be a day to
treat the senses! We will spend the day examining and identifying the many
species of flowers found here, and learning about their native American uses,
the butterflies that use them as host plants, and the botanists who introduced
them to Western science.
At a stop at the Elephant Seal Overlook you’ll have a chance to observe the elephant seals and learn about their comeback from the brink of extinction, the amazing adaptations that allow them to dive to depths of over a mile, the separate male and female migration routes, and how they meet “same time next year” at Point Reyes to breed.
While the focus is on flora and elephant seals, be prepared to stop for any surprises along the way. In past years we’ve seen migrating grey whales, coast garter snakes, river otters, coastal green hairstreaks, and peregrine falcons.
Meet at the Chimney Rock parking lot. Please carpool if possible, as parking is very limited. Be sure to be on time (or early!) as the lot fills up.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wildflowers-and-elephant-seals-of-chimney-rock-tickets-1095472731429
Mt. Tamalpais State Park Science Quest Day
Sponsored by Friends of Mt. Tam in Partnership with California State Parks and One Tam
Meander with a Naturalist
Date and time:
Sat, October 5, 2024
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM PDT
Join Wendy Dreskin on an exploration of the shady Cataract Trail which runs along Cataract Creek through Douglas Fir forest. We'll stop to learn about trees, ferns, birds, butterflies and other insects, and anything else of interest that we encounter. This is a chance to learn about Native American uses of plants, what plants butterflies lay eggs on, who David Douglas was and why so many plants are named for him, and more. Suitable for families with children who are interested in nature and are comfortable hiking 2.5 miles.
Free but pre-registration required. Tickets are available starting on Aug 12 at 6:00 AM.
Please click on the link below or copy and paste the following website link into your browser:
Point Reyes Field Institute Class: Wildflowers and Elephant Seals of Chimney Rock
Class date / time:
Saturday, April 13 2024 9 AM - 1 PM PDT
Instructor:
Wendy Dreskin
Fee:
$50
Non-Member Fee:
$60
Location:
Meet at Chimney Rock
Join me to explore and learn about the colorful spring kaleidoscope that
blooms in great profusion along the bluffs of Point Reyes. This will be a day to
treat the senses! We will spend the day examining and identifying the many
species of flowers found here, and learning about their native American uses,
the butterflies that use them as host plants, and the botanists who introduced
them to Western science.
At a stop at the Elephant Seal Overlook you’ll have a chance to observe the elephant seals and learn about their comeback from the brink of extinction, the amazing adaptations that allow them to dive to depths of over a mile, the separate male and female migration routes, and how they meet “same time next year” at Point Reyes to breed.
While the focus is on flora and elephant seals, be prepared to stop for any surprises along the way. In past years we’ve seen migrating grey whales, coast garter snakes, river otters, coastal green hairstreaks, and peregrine falcons.
Meet at the Chimney Rock parking lot. Please carpool if possible, as parking is very limited. Be sure to be on time (or early!) as the lot fills up.
Point Reyes Field Institute Class: Butterflies for Beginners
Class date / time:
Saturday, April 27 2024 11 AM to 2 PM PDT
Instructor:
Wendy Dreskin
Fee:
$50
Non-Member Fee:
$60
Location:
Muddy Hollow Trail, Limantour Road, Point Reyes National Seashore
Explore the butterflies of Muddy Hollow from swallowtails to checkerspots and blues! Observe their behaviors and identify host plants.
In this introduction to butterflies you’ll meet 8 -12 species from different families (Swallowtails, Brushfoots, Gossamer Wings, Pierids, and Skippers) and have a chance to observe behaviors like nectaring, puddling, and possibly mating or egg laying. You’ll learn host plants and nectar plants for various species, and which have adapted to non-native host plants. Find out the best places in Marin to go to see less common butterflies, like our California state butterfly, the California Dogface. This class is excellent preparation for the Marin Butterfly Count in June which is the butterfly community’s equivalent to the Christmas Bird Count. At the end of the day you’ll be ready to continue the fascinating study of butterflies on your own. Note: This is NOT a collecting class. Collecting butterflies is not permitted at Point Reyes National Seashore. All butterflies we visit with are returned to their habitat unharmed.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/butterflies-for-beginners-tickets-790406736827?aff=oddtdtcreator
FOSC Speaker Event March 9th 2024
Our featured speaker Wendy Dreskin
FOSC has organized a speaker event at the Women's Club building 46 Park Road, Fairfax, CA 94930 at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 9th with fascinating and informative talks on numerous aspects of the Wall Property underscoring its value to our town as an open space treasure.
Wendy Dreskin is a long term educator and writer about the environment and conservation in Marin, a renowned recipient of the Terwillinger Environmental Award.
Please click on link for more information:
Mt. Tamalpais State Park Science Quest Day
Sponsored by Friends of Mt. Tam in Partnership with California State Parks and One Tam
Become One with Nature
Date and time
Sat, October 1, 2022
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM PDT
Join Wendy Dreskin on an exploration of the shady Cataract Trail which runs along Cataract Creek through Douglas Fir forest. We'll stop to learn about trees, ferns, birds, butterflies and other insects, and anything else of interest that we encounter. This is a chance to learn about Native American uses of plants, what plants butterflies lay eggs on, who David Douglas was and why so many plants are named for him, and more. Suitable for families with children who are interested in nature and are comfortable hiking 2.5 miles.
Free but pre-registration required.
Point Reyes Institute Class: Butterflies for Beginners
Class date / time:
Sunday, April 24, 2022 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM PDT
Instructor:
Wendy Dreskin
Fee:
$50
Non-Member Fee:
$60
Location:
Muddy Hollow Trail, Limantour Road, Point Reyes National Seashore
Explore the butterflies of Muddy Hollow from swallowtails to checkerspots and blues! Observe their behaviors and identify host plants.
From swallowtails to blues, we will search for a variety of species and observe behaviors like puddling, nectaring, and maybe even egg laying. We’ll learn to recognize various native host plants like alders, ocean spray, milkmaids, sticky monkeyflower, yarrow, and purple needle grass as well as introduced plants that native butterflies have adapted to like English plantain. We will also look at native and non-native nectar plants including coastal hedge nettle, California blackberry, wild radish and thistles.
Butterflies we have seen during previous April classes in Muddy Hollow include Western Pine Elfins, California Ringlets, Red Admirals, Two Banded Skippers, Mylitta Crescents, Mourning Cloaks, and Painted Ladies.
Class includes an opportunity to view a number of butterfly and caterpillar field guides and learn the pros and cons of different resources.
This class is great preparation for the North American Butterfly Association annual butterfly count in June, the butterfly community’s equivalent of the Christmas Bird Count.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/butterflies-for-beginners-tickets-255461611557
ther Previous Classes:
2022 Point Reyes Field Institute Wildflowers and Elephant Seals at Chimney Rock
Point Reyes Field Institute Woodward Fire Recovery
2021 Point Reyes Seashore Association Fire Ecology Walk
2019 Environmental Action Committee/Amigos Alados walk for students
Point Reyes Field Institute Magic of Minus Tide
2018 Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival Ethnobotany - Native American Uses of Plants
2017 Point Reyes Field Institute Butterflies for Beginners
Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival Ethnobotany - Native American Uses of Plants
2016 Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival Butterflies for Beginners
WildCare docent training
Point Reyes Field Institute Butterflies for Beginners
BioBlitz with West Marin middle school students
2015 Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival Butterfly Class
Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival Spring Delights of Steep Ravine
2014 Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival Butterflies for Beginners
Point Reyes Field Institute Butterflies for Beginners
Poison Oak Training for employees of Ross Valley Sanitary District
2013 Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival Butterfly Class
Point Reyes Field Institute Butterflies for Beginners
Point Reyes Field Institute Magic of Minus Tide (two classes)
2012 consultant to Bay Area Discovery Museum
Point Reyes Field Seminars Wildflowers Chimney Rock
2010 Point Reyes Field Seminars Butterflies for Families
Point Reyes Field Seminars Wildflowers Chimney Rock
Point Reyes Field Seminars Wildflowers of Ring Mt
Point Reyes Field Seminars Butterflies for Beginners
2009 Point Reyes Field Seminars Wildflowers of Chimney Rock
Point Reyes Field Seminars Butterflies for Beginners
Point Reyes Field Seminars Butterflies for Families
Point Reyes Field Seminars Magic of Minus Tides
2008 Point Reyes Field Seminars Magic of Minus Tide
Point Reyes Field Seminars Exploring Ring Mt
Point Reyes Field Seminars Wildflowers of Chimney Rock
2008 Point Reyes Field Seminars Beauteous Butterflies
2007 Elderhostel Magnificent Marin Hikes
Point Reyes Field Seminars Wildflowers of Chimney Rock
Point Reyes Field Seminars Wildflowers of Ring Mountain
Point Reyes Field Seminars Butterflies for Beginners
2006 Point Reyes Field Seminars Wildflowers of Chimney Rock
2005 Point Reyes Field Seminars Wildflowers of Chimney Rock
VOLUNTEER WORK:
Marin Butterfly Count coordinator 2005 to present
2022 Walk for Landpaths at Bohemia Preserve in Sonoma County
Walk leader for Party on the Pacific Plate (PRSA fundraiser)
2021 Walk for Landpaths at Bohemia Preserve in Sonoma County
Birds and Mammals of Tanzania presentation for Marin Audubon Speaker Series (zoom)
2020 Walk for Landpaths at Bohemia Preserve in Sonoma County
2019 Corte Madera Library presentation “A Year in Nature in Marin”
2018 Walk for Landpaths at Bohemia Preserve
Bird walk at IVC for Marin Audubon co-led with Lucas Corneliussen
2017 Walk for Landpaths at Bohemia Preserve
2015 Walk for Landpaths at Bohemia Preserve
Tanzania presentation for Marin Audubon Speakers Series
Presentation at Marin Civic Center Library on Mammals and Birds of Tanzania
2014 Tule Elk walk for Dinner on the Pacific Plate PRNSA fundraiser
2013 Mt Tam Bioblitz volunteer botanist
Volunteer family walk for Marin Audubon at Olompali State Park
2012 Talk for MMWD anniversary celebration
2010 to 2014, 2017 CBC 4 Kids leader