Free events and programs in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area locations in Ventura County and adjacent areas through June 2013 are highlighted below! (updated periodically to remove past activities)
SAT 5/25 8:30am Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa - Birds of Spring - Many habitats attract colorful migrants and summer residents: blue grosbeaks, the elusive grasshopper sparrow and more. Bring binoculars. Beginners welcome. Rain cancels. Meet at main parking lot. 2.5hrs
Memorial Weekend Art Show & Sale May 25 – May 27 Saturday – Monday, 9am–5pm - Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center - Enjoy an extraordinary variety of Oaxacan wood carvings, Mata Ortiz pottery and Zapotec rugs. Meet premier Oaxacan wood carver Jacobo Angeles and master Mata Ortiz potter Jorge Quintana. 11am and 2pm daily: Mata Ortiz pottery demonstrations. 12pm, 1pm, and 3pm daily: Oaxacan woodcarving demonstrations. More info: www.wnpa.org

Cultural Workshop Sunday, May 26 10am–12pm & 1pm–3pm - Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center - Celebrate the spring with Chumash elder and Satwiwa co-founder Charlie Cooke as he shares his culture through the art of storytelling and demonstrations. All ages are welcome.
SUN 5/26 8:30am Malibu Lagoon State Beach - Beach and Wetlands Bird Watching - Experts and beginners, adults and teens, all are welcome. Bring binoculars. Info: 310-395-6235. 2-3hrs
SUN 5/26 10am Malibu Creek State Park - Welcome to Malibu Creek Join a docent for a walk along the creek and a wooded valley. Learn about the area’s animals, plants, early inhabitants, and movies filmed in the park. Meet at lower parking lot. 2hrs
SUN 5/26 10am Malibu Lagoon State Beach - Birdwatching for Young Children and Parents - Special short walk for children and families - binoculars provided. Reservations required for groups: 310-395-6235. 1hr
SUN 5/26 1pm Paramount Ranch - Movie Magic - Learn the secrets that turn a dusty set into a realistic town. Join us on this walk behind the scenes to discover the illusions and history of Paramount Ranch. 1hr

SAT 6/1 9am Malibu Creek State Park - Introduction to Mountain Bike Skills - Learn proper off-road riding fundamentals and shared-use etiquette. Mountain bike and helmet required. Heavy rain cancels. Info: 805-558-1606 or www.corbamtb.com. 4hrs
SAT 6/1 10am King Gillette Ranch - Innovation in the Golden Era - King Gillette Ranch was home to MGM Director, Clarence Brown, who made movies on this still popular filming location. Look behind the scenes at his filmmaking innovations and Hollywood parties on this easy walk. 1.5hrs
SAT 6/1 6pm Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons - Creatures of the Night - Take a hike with a ranger and discover which animals come out at dusk. Bring a flashlight. If we are lucky, we may spot owls or hear the coyotes howl. Meet at main parking lot. 2hrs
SUN 6/2 10am Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center - Native Plants, Native Uses - Join us for an easy to moderate 1-mile, 300’ gain hike and learn about traditional Native American, as well as contemporary uses of our local plants. Bring water and sunblock; wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Meet inside visitor center. 2hrs

WED 6/5 9am Peter Strauss Ranch - Plein Air Painting - Professional and beginning artists gather to paint landscapes. Join in or just visit and watch. Bring your own materials. Info: Trish 805-376-0034. 3hrs
THU 6/6 8am Santa Monica Mountains - Las Virgenes Canyon - Enjoy a moderately-paced 8-9 mile, 800’-1200’ gain hike with various options depending on weather. Meet at trailhead kiosk. From 101 Ventura Fwy, take Las Virgenes Rd, north 1+ mile to end, street parking. Bring 2 qts water, lunch, lugsoles, hat, and sunscreen. Rain cancels. Info: 818-981-4799. 5hrs
SAT 6/8 9:30am Circle X Ranch - Mishe Mokwa Trailhead - Paint-Out - Inspiring mountain views awaits the new or experienced artist, any media. Look for red flag. Info: 310-383-1374 or www.allied-artists.com. 4hrs
SAT 6/8 8am to noon: The Santa Monica Mountains Fund will host a native plant sale at Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park. The annual event, which was re-scheduled due to the Springs Fire, offers the opportunity for community members to buy plants native to the Santa Monica Mountains, get free expert advice and publications and learn about fire-safe landscaping techniques.
Proceeds from the sale benefit restoration and education projects in the Santa
Click to read more ...