No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.

No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.

Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. 

Join naturalist Beth Mather for an easy 2-mile roundtrip hike in Darkwood Canyon, a finger canyon off los Peñasquitos Canyon.  We will see a number of plant communities in this small canyon that parallels Darkwood Rd. Darkwood Canyon has been the subject of recent restoration efforts by the Friends. Meet at the Peñasquitos Creek Park, near the corner of Camino del Sur and Park Village Road in Rancho Peñasquitos.

Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

The Board meets every other month, on the second Tuesday, at 7PM. We welcome new participants and volunteers, please get in touch if you want to join us.

Hike to Peñasquitos waterfall. Meet at the West end of Park Village Road https://maps.app.goo.gl/uP2uzzaNdpxMoSXq8 

This will be a roughly 3-mile round trip hike to the Penasquitos Creek waterfall. This hike will have a focus on the native plants of San Diego.

NEW LOCATION!!
The Rancho Penasquitos Town Council will once again host the Fiesta de los Penasquitos, an annual community street fair at 10060 Carmel Mountain Road. The fair opens at 4 pm and closes at 10 pm. The event is free to the public. We’ll be at the Fiesta, come visit our booth for info on our hikes, projects.

Join naturalist Beth Mather for an easy 2-mile roundtrip hike from the northern edge of 4-S Ranch to an overlook of Lake Hodges. See the rare white blooming Ceanothus verrucosus (wart stemmed ceanothus). Gentle slope. Great vistas and wildflowers.

Meet at the north end of Hunter’s Ridge Rd. where it meets Alva Rd. in 4-S Ranch. 

Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

A BioBlitz is a period of time dedicated to biological surveying in an attempt to record as many living species within a designated area as possible. You do not need to be a trained professional to join in, as any level of participation can be valuable. This will be an opportunity to understand the importance of citizen science, learn how to use the iNaturalist app to enhance any outdoor adventure, and go on a guided hike with trained botanists.

Please try to download iNaturalist, create an account, and make sure you have space for photos on your phone prior to the event, as the cell service may impact your ability to participate fully if you need to download it once you arrive. We will start with a demonstration on how to use the app before the hike begins, so if you have trouble setting anything up on your own, we can assist you.

Meet 7:45 AM, hike 8-10 AM. Join Ornithologist Anderson for an easy stroll on a path in the canyon with many birds both visible and calling. Bring sturdy shoes, binoculars and coverups. Handouts and checklists will be provided.

Meet at the Preserve sign at the west end of Canyonside Park Driveway, 12122 Black Mtn. Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos, 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.

No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.

Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. 

A festival of the night sky and nocturnal creatures will be held at Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve in celebration of International Dark Sky Week. The event will include bird watching and education on the "Lights Out, San Diego!" campaign to protect birds on the Pacific Flyway, night sky poetry, live owl and hawk flights, learn about insects, bats, and moths, education on light pollution and how to light wisely, archaeology education, and a night hike to 'listen' for bats with an echo meter. Bring your binoculars for birding and stargazing. The Star Party with the San Diego Astronomy Association astronomers begins after dusk with telescope viewing.

Park near the adobe Ranch House (12122 Canyonside Park Dr.)

Join naturalist Beth Mather for a moderately paced hike around and up Doug Hill in the Santa Luz grasslands ( 2 miles, about 150 ft elevation gain).

Doug Hill has a great variety of native shrubs and flowers. Come learn about local habitat restoration projects and the incredible flora of our local area.

Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Parkway off 14700 Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.

No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.

Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. 

Explore the history of Black Mountain with native plant enthusiast Mather. Enjoy the flowers and learn about the native habitats, plants, and animals. Learn a bit about the history of hang gliding off the mountain. Bring water, sun protection and sturdy hiking shoes. Meet in the parking lot at the north staging area. The hard-to-find entrance is off Carmel Valley Rd., on the south side of the road, about 0.7 miles east of its intersection with Black Mtn. Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.

No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.

Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. 

Meet 7:45 AM, hike 8-10 AM. Join Ornithologist Anderson for an easy stroll on a path in the canyon with many birds both visible and calling. Bring sturdy shoes, binoculars and coverups. Handouts and checklists will be provided.

Meet at the Preserve sign at the west end of Canyonside Park Driveway, 12122 Black Mtn. Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos, 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.

No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.

Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. 

Join geologist Don Albright for an easy walk around Los Penasquitos Ranch House and the surrounding property.  We will examine the geology of the sedimentary formations that make up the coastal marine terraces and the volcanic formations that make up the highlands east of the ranch house.  We will also discuss earthquakes and the faults that have affected the Penasquitos Canyon area. Meet at the Ranch House Courtyard.

No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.

No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.

Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. 

No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.

No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.

Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. 

Join naturalist Del Brooks for a moderately paced guided hike in the beautiful West End of the Peñasquitos Canyon. This 2.5-mile hike will give an inside look at two of the active habitat restoration projects going on in the canyon.  See here for more details on the projects.

Meet in the West End parking-staging lot at 4300 Sorrento Valley Blvd., San Diego, CA 92126.

Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon.

No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.

No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.

Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. 

Join naturalist Beth Mather for a moderately paced hike around and up Doug Hill in the Santa Luz grasslands ( 2 miles, about 150 ft elevation gain).

Doug Hill has a great variety of native shrubs and flowers. Come learn about local habitat restoration projects and the incredible flora of our local area.

Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Parkway off 14700 Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.

No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.

Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. 

No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.

No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.

Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. 

Join naturalist Beth Mather for a hike leaving from Camino Ruiz Park. Most of the steep hike, on a nice switchback trail, is in the shade of tall Chaparral vegetation and descends from the rim of the valley down to the valley floor and stream side. See uncommon native plants such as the Summer holly shrub and others.

Trailhead is in Camino Ruiz Community Park, 11489 Camino Ruiz, San Diego, 92126.

Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

Join naturalist Del Brooks for a moderately paced guided hike in the beautiful West End of the Peñasquitos Canyon. This 2.5-mile hike will give an inside look at two of the active habitat restoration projects going on in the canyon.  See here for more details on the projects.

Meet in the West End parking-staging lot at 4300 Sorrento Valley Blvd., San Diego, CA 92126.

Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon.

No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.

No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.

Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. 

Meet 7:45 AM, hike 8-10 AM. Join Ornithologist Anderson for an easy stroll on a path in the canyon with many birds both visible and calling. Bring sturdy shoes, binoculars and coverups. Handouts and checklists will be provided.

Meet at the Preserve sign at the west end of Canyonside Park Driveway, 12122 Black Mtn. Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos, 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.

No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.

Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. 

Join naturalist Beth Mather for a hike leaving from Camino Ruiz Park. Most of the steep hike, on a nice switchback trail, is in the shade of tall Chaparral vegetation and descends from the rim of the valley down to the valley floor and stream side. See uncommon native plants such as the Summer holly shrub and others.

Trailhead is in Camino Ruiz Community Park, 11489 Camino Ruiz, San Diego, 92126.

Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.