Bay Nature Summer Bug Safari Series: Strawberry Hill

Join Bay Nature and naturalist Russ Aguilar for a family-friendly bug safari at Strawberry Hill in San Francisco on Saturday, July 11 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 around Blue Heron Lake and the wooded slopes of Strawberry Hill.

Armed with bug jars, magnifiers, and curiosity, we’ll search for beetles, butterflies, bees, dragonflies, leafhoppers, spiders, caterpillars, and other tiny wildlife as we walk around part of the lake and climb to the top of Strawberry Hill. Russ will introduce families to bug-spotting techniques, insect behavior, and the surprising diversity of life found in the middle of a city park. This event is the first 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: Blue Heron Lake Picnic Area, San Francisco (Map)
• Distance: ~1–2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy; some gentle uphill walking on paved and dirt paths
• Parking: Street parking and public parking are available nearby in Golden Gate Park
• Restrooms: Restrooms available nearby in Golden Gate Park

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: Summer mornings in San Francisco can be cool, foggy, or windy. Please dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions.

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 Russ Aguilar.