Point Reyes National Seashore Association is happy to partner with Chris "Mr. Science" Giorni for a day adventure into the Phillip Burton Wilderness at Point Reyes National Seashore for up to twelve guests (ages 6 and up encouraged).

Pack a picnic lunch, your camera and your enthusiasm as we take a leisurely 2.7 mile hike from the Palomarin trailhead in the southern end of the park up to Bass Lake along the Coast trail in search of serpents, seals, and soaring hawks. We will park in the dirt parking lot ending on Mesa Road just outside of the Bohemian village of Bolinas. Together, we will snake along the trail discovering wild things as we go. 

We will be in search of many kinds of life, but will focus on lizards, newts, salamanders, frogs, turtles and yes, even snakes! You will learn terms like herp, blue belly, poikilotherm, crepuscular and more! Chris will discuss the differences between reptiles and amphibians, their behaviors and ecology, how to identify the most common Point Reyes species and why some consider these animals an indicator species of environmental health. Our journey will end with a relaxing picnic at Bass Lake where we will be greeted with stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean. We will explore the area around the lake for signs of life before we venture back down the trail.

Chris Giorni is an acclaimed outdoor leader in the Bay Area and Point Reyes Field Institute instructor. He is a professional biologist and the founder of Tree Frog Treks in San Francisco and has been teaching science at the kindergarten through adult level for over 20 years. He has worked with the California Academy of Sciences, Strybing Arboretum, San Francisco Recreation and Parks, Bay Area Discovery Museum, Ashland Science Works Museum and Point Reyes National Seashore Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from University of California Berkeley and a Master’s Degree in Biology from San Francisco State University.

If you have a kid who loves nature and relishes the chance to get up close and personal with snakes, lizards and other creepy crawlies, then this is heaven. Let's put it this way: my daughter has never not loved a Tree Frog Trek adventure. She always wants to go back, stay longer or do it again. - Samantha J, San Francisco

The winning bidder will also receive a set of 10 Green Mountain Digital Audubon apps for their iPhone, iPad, iTouch, Android or Kindle to complement their outdoor adventure learning.  Apps include: Audubon Birds, Audubon Mammals, Audubon Trees, Audubon Wildflowers, Audubon Mushrooms, Audubon Insects & Spider, Audubon Reptiles & Amphibians, Audubon Butterflies, Audubon Fishes & Audubon Tropical Fishes. 

This is a perfect family outing, unique birthday party idea or just a fun way to explore the park, bid today!