Bay Nature Summer Bug Safari Series: China Camp State Park

Join Bay Nature and naturalist Russ Aguilar for a family-friendly bug safari at China Camp State Park in San Rafael on Saturday, July 18 from 10:00am–12:00pm. Designed for kids ages 5–12 and their parents or grandparents, this playful morning adventure will explore the hidden world of insects and other small creatures living among the park’s grasslands, oak woodlands, and bay shoreline habitats.

Armed with bug jars, magnifiers, and curiosity, we’ll search for beetles, butterflies, bees, dragonflies, spiders, leafhoppers, grasshoppers, and other tiny wildlife as we explore a mix of open and wooded landscapes. China Camp’s diverse habitats make it one of Marin County’s best places to discover how insects help shape the ecosystems around us. Russ will introduce families to bug-spotting techniques, insect behavior, and the surprising connections between bugs, plants, birds, and other wildlife. This event is the second in a series of four Saturday morning Bug Safari outings taking place at different locations around the Bay Area this summer, each featuring a different mix of habitats and discoveries.

Details

• Location: China Camp State Park Visitor Center Parking Lot, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA 94901 (Map)
• Distance: ~1–2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy; gentle walking on dirt trails with some uneven surfaces and minimal elevation change
• Parking: State park parking fees apply
• Restrooms: Available near the visitor center

What to bring: Water, hats, sunscreen, layered clothing, cameras, binoculars if desired, and comfortable walking shoes. Bug jars and observation equipment will be provided.

Weather note: Expect warm, sunny conditions with limited shade in some grassland areas. Please bring water and sun protection.

Meet your guide: Russ Aguilar is a former National Park Service interpreter, teacher, and Bay Nature contributor whose work focuses on helping people notice the overlooked lives of insects and other small creatures. His Bay Nature story “The Tussle Between A Beetle and its Shrub” explored the ecology of the coyote brush leaf beetle and its relationship with San Bruno Mountain’s native plants.

Tickets: This event is free for Bay Nature members. Registration is limited.

Note: Because Bay Nature events often fill quickly with waitlists, registrants are asked to place a $10 refundable attendance deposit. Deposits are refunded after attendance and are forfeited only in the event of a no-show or cancellation. This helps ensure that limited spaces are available to those who can attend.

Additional information

• Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the event
• Dogs are not allowed on Bay Nature events
• Please stay on designated trails and handle insects gently before releasing them back into their habitat

Photo by Jocelyn Knight.