Volcan Mountain Foundation

Saturday, March 23: Join VMF's outdoor naturalist educator, Janice Smith, as we identify, collect, and cook wild edible plants at VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center.  

In this workshop we will take a short walk to identify and harvest some of the easy to find edible wild plants growing around the nature center. Then, we will roll up our sleeves and work in teams creating delicious recipes from nature and enjoy a freshly foraged meal.

Sunday, February 25: Join Janice Smith, VMF’s Education Coordinator and Certified Forest Therapy Guide, on a guided Forest Bathing walk at VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center. This is a new program of bi-monthly Forest Bathing walks offered through VMF.

What is Forest Bathing?  

January 28, 2024 – Winter Conifer Tea Party! 

There is nothing more cozy than enjoying a hot cup of tea on a cold winter day.  In this class, VMF's Education Coordinator, Janice Smith, will teach you to identify, forage, and make an assortment of wild conifer teas. We will pair these teas with delicious fresh baked Douglas fir lemon bars that we will also make together. Finally, you will create your very own conifer tea bag blend to take home.

Join VMF for a stewardship day on Volcan Mountain. As a wildfire prevention measure, we will be creating piles of wood collected from the forest and burning them throughout the day. No experience necessary.

Date: Friday, December 29

Time:  8:30 am - 4:00 pm (Volunteers are free to leave at anytime).

Bring: Work gloves (VMF has its own supply as well), water, snacks, lunch. Camp chair optional. If you have a rake, bring that too.

Wear: Sturdy shoes and dress warmly and in layers.

Join VMF on December 26 for a stewardship day on Volcan Mountain. As a wildfire prevention measure, we will be creating piles of wood collected from the forest and burning them throughout the day. No experience necessary.

Date: Tuesday, December 26

Time:  8:30 am - 4:00 pm (Volunteers are free to leave at anytime).

Bring: Work gloves (VMF has its own supply as well), water, snacks, lunch. Camp chair optional.

Wear: Sturdy shoes and dress warmly and in layers.

Monday, December 18: Join the Volcan Mountain Foundation for a citizen science bird survey on Volcan Mountain in Julian. This is a great opportunity to contribute valuable data for the National Annual Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count. We'll be focusing our attention on the areas near our Sky Island trail as well as VMF's recently acquired pond. There is a combined two miles of walking during this survey. Hiking is easy to moderate. 

Date: Monday, December 18

Time: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

November 12: Join the Volcan Mountain Foundation for its quarterly bird count on Volcan Mountain in Julian. This is a great opportunity to hone your bird ID skills with experts, learn about our local mountain bird species, and contribute valuable data to VMF and the Cornell Lab of Orinthology. We'll be focusing our attention on the areas near our Watershed and Sky Island trails as well as VMF's recently acquired pond. There is a combined two miles of walking during this survey. Hiking is easy to moderate. 

Date: Sunday, November 12

Tuesday, October 10 -  If you're interested in becoming an education volunteer, please join Janice Smith, VMF's Outdoor Educator, for an orientation at VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center. You'll learn about the different programs we offer school groups as well as the fun activities we do with youth. 

Date: Tuesday, October 10

Time:  9:00 am - 3:00 pm 

Saturday, October 14: Join wildlife biologist John Lovio for an evening learning about the lives of owls. John will share his knowledge about owls living in Southern California, including their habitat, mating rituals, diet, and more. Afterward we'll go on a night walk to listen to owl calls. 

Date: Saturday, October 14  

Time: 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm. Due to the gated entry for VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center, please plan to arrive by 6:15 pm.

November 19, 2023 Wildcrafting: Acorn Holiday Cookies

Join VMF's Education Coordinator, Janice Smith, for a fun workshop making acorn cookies!  Note: Due to its popularity, this workshop is also held on Saturday, November 18.