By John Egan

Conservationist and explorer John Muir, the namesake of Marin County’s spectacular Muir Woods National Monument, is alternately known as the “Father of Our National Parks,” the “Wilderness Prophet” and “John of the Mountains.” Therefore, to say that Muir was in touch with nature is an understatement as big as the redwood trees themselves. “In every walk with nature,” Muir once wrote, “one receives far more than he seeks.”

With abundantly diverse and protected habitats, from salt marshes to woodlands, Marin County is the perfect place to disconnect from work and reconnect with nature. Check out these upcoming events that put a unique spin on your connection to and understanding of the environment and ourselves.

Botanical Cocktails at Marin Art & Garden Center

The Studio is the Marin Art and Garden Center’s hub for cultural programming and has hosted a wide range of exhibitions since it was renovated in 2016. Artists working in many different media have been featured, including digital art, sculpture, illustration, and photography. Check the calendar of events for opening receptions and exhibitions. While there, make sure to visit The Shop, offering an ever-changing selection of rare and unusual antiques and collectibles.

The Marin Art & Garden Center is open year-round with programs offered in the arts, gardens, and conservation, including exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and family programs.

Heidrun Meadery’s “Bee, Experienced”

Drop into their tasting room/greenhouse for a quintessential Heidrun experience. Enjoy tasting a suite of the extraordinary brut dry, naturally sparkling, varietal honey wines. Peruse Heidrun's offerings and wander in the bee forage flower garden. No reservation is required unless your group is 10 people or more or if you plan to arrive by limousine or bus.

Join an expertly guided tour of the production facility and find out how sparkling mead is made; observe honey bees in action and learn about our bee forage cultivation program, all while enjoying a sampling of our wonderfully refreshing sparkling mead varietals.

Enjoy a guided tasting of our superlative sparkling meads or simply order a bottle on ice for an intimate sitting on our patio.
TASTING FLIGHT is $20. One Essential Tasting flight fee is waived with each 3-bottle purchase!

Mondays through Sundays 11:00AM and 5:00PM

Custom mid-week tours are available for groups of 10 or more people.

Full-Moon Tour With Blue Waters Kayaking

There’s perhaps nothing more tranquil than a nighttime kayak tour. Fortunately, tour operators in Marin offer several exciting excursions.

Blue Waters Kayaking provides three nighttime tours. There’s a four-hour bioluminescence kayak tour of Tomales Bay, a three-hour moonlight tour of Tomales Bay, and an outing that combines the bioluminescence tour or the moonlight tour with an overnight camping trip.

A full-moon tour will launch at sunset next to Nicks Cove in Marshall. Kayakers will experience the tranquility of the moon’s light reflecting off the surfaces of the water during this one-of-a-kind experience in nature.

Martin Griffin Preserve

Dates, times, and admission vary

Audubon Canyon Ranch’s Martin Griffin Preserve covers 1,000 acres in West Marin, hosting more than 25 species of mammals, over 90 species of birds, 13 species of reptiles, and eight species of amphibians.

Open to the public during the week by appointment, as well as on weekends and holidays from May through July, the preserve’s highlights include picnic areas, hiking trails, and exploration zones for kids. Trained naturalists are on hand to answer questions.

A donation of $15 to $25 per person is suggested and supports Audubon Canyon Ranch, a nonprofit organization.

“Butterflies for Beginners” at Point Reyes National Seashore

Join Point Reyes National Seashore's Field Institute for a butterfly class typically held in Spring or Summer, or learn more about other upcoming classes. Don't forget to stop by one of the visitor centers to purchase your guidebooks in our bookstores too.

The National Park Service helps protect butterflies, moths and the ecosystems they are a part of by preserving and restoring wildlands and by holding public butterfly counts. Check back monthly for an updated seasonal calendar of events.

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.