Nature Sunday: Taking a Likin' to the Lichens of SLO County
2026-08-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Nature Sunday: Taking a Likin’ to the Lichens of SLO County
August 23, 2026, 10am – 12 noon
Join Michael Mulroy for an overview of our regional lichen biota and their important contributions to habitats and ecosystems. His presentation will cover what lichens are, their structures and habitats where they are found. After a slide presentation there will be a walk around the garden area to look for and at lichens.

Michael moved to San Luis Obispo County in 2019 to pursue an M.S. in Biological Sciences at Cal Poly, which he completed in February 2023 as a member of the Geolecology Lab headed by Professor Nishi Rajakaruna. His M.S. research focused on lichen communities of serpentine rocks and soils. Prior to his SLO life, he spent six years working as a biologist in the San Francisco Bay Area, and more recently completed two years of service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in beautiful Panamá. Michael currently works locally as a Biologist for Althouse and Meade, Inc. and continues to plug away at lichen identification and community ecology research. When he is not admiring lichens, Michael enjoys reading, birding, and being in the ocean.

Intermediate and Beginning Birding Workshop & Guided Walk
2026-09-05 10:00 - 14:00
Join birding experts Robbie Revel and Karen Watts for an engaging session designed to sharpen your birdwatching skills and give you a sneak peek at the species you’re likely to encounter in as the Fall migration begins at the SLO Botanical Garden. This interactive presentation features slides, videos, live demonstrations using the Merlin Bird ID app, and a variety of bird mounts to help illustrate key identification techniques. You’ll get hands-on practice with making observations, using binoculars and field guides, and discovering valuable resources to support your continued birding journey. The session is easy to follow and family-friendly, though it’s best suited for participants aged 9 and up.
After a short lunch we will embark on a Guided Bird walk around the gardens and we will help you practice your skills.
Bring binoculars if you have them. We will have a few loaner binoculars and a variety of guidebooks to assist you.
Bring a lunch, snacks, and bottled water. Dress for the weather. Your class fee gives you access to the Garden all day.
We offer a $5 discount for SLO Botanical Garden members. Please enter “member5off” at checkout. Enjoy!
About your Morro Coast Audubon Society Instructors:

Robbie Revel has always had a love of nature and science and an insatiable curiosity. She had a 48-year teaching career in high school science and was Director of Quest in Science, an elementary hands-on science program. Retired and active in the volunteer community, she loves to share nature and her passion for birds with others. Robbie is the Executive Director of the Morro Bay Bird Festival and serves on the board of the Morro Coast Audubon Society as Field Trip Chair and actively leading bird walks.

Karen Watts has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from UCSB and a master’s degree in science education from Cal State East Bay. She is a former molecular biologist and high school science teacher. When she moved to the Central Coast she re-invented herself as a naturalist and has never looked back. She enjoys the best of two worlds, living part time on the Central Coast and part time at her mountain retreat in north Georgia. She is active in education programs for students of all ages and is a Morro Coast Audubon walk leader. Her special passion is teaching new birders about the tools they need to feel comfortable birding and to improve their birding skills.

SOLD OUT! Astronomy Night & Stargazing at SLO Botanical Gardens with Central Coast Astronomical Society
2026-09-05 19:00 - 21:00
We are now SOLD OUT! While September’s Stargazing event is full, you can now register for October’s Stargazing event here: https://slobg.org/event/ccas-astronomy-night-stargazing-october-2026/
Join the Central Coast Astronomical Society for a beginner-friendly Astronomy Night at the SLO Botanical Garden.
The evening begins at 7:00 pm with a live astronomy presentation, where CCAS astronomers will guide you through the night sky and introduce objects we will observe that night. Then we’ll head outside to the telescope area for guided stargazing our friendly astronomers.
Through telescopes, guests may see seasonal highlights such as globular star clusters, colorful double stars, different types of nebulae, and other deep-sky objects, depending on sky conditions. Targets include star clusters in Pegasus, nebulae in Sagittarius and Lyra, open clusters in Scorpius, and multi-colored double stars in Cygnus.
Our astronomers will help guests understand what they are seeing and answer questions along the way. Whether you’re brand new to astronomy or already love looking up, this will be a fun and welcoming night under the stars.
Guests are encouraged to arrive on time, since the indoor presentation sets the stage for the telescope viewing and helps make the outdoor observing more meaningful. CCAS astronomers will provide telescopes, and guests are welcome to bring binoculars and their sense of wonder.
This is a free event, but reservations are required. A suggested $10 donation is appreciated to support the Garden.
This program is rain or shine. If clouds roll in, we’ll move the experience indoors with engaging astronomy activities, demonstrations, and night-sky exploration for attendees ages 7 and older. Clear skies or not, we’ll learn something new and enjoy an evening immersed in the wonders of the universe.
Star Party Etiquette and Guidelines
To help everyone enjoy the night sky, please avoid white lights after dark and use only minimal red light when necessary. Alcoholic beverages, smoking, and vaping are not permitted near the telescopes or stargazing areas.
Please wear sturdy shoes, as we’ll be walking around telescope equipment in low light. For safety, children must stay with their adult and follow telescope instructions. This program is recommended for ages 7 and older.
* Please note: El Chorro Regional Park charges a $5 day-use fee to enter the park from March through October. Please carpool when possible and have cash ready to help expedite park entry. *

Member's Happy Hour - September
2026-09-11 17:00 - 19:00
The Way of Tea
Friday, September 11
5 pm to 7 pm
Join Tea Sommelier Jennifer de Tréglodé to taste tea and explore the relationship between people, plants, land, culture, and place. Jennifer is a Tea Sommelier, Chadao (Way of Tea) practitioner, tea educator, and founder of Sacred Mountain Teas and Inari Tea & Art Experiences.
Free for members and their guests!
Get a ticket below or RSVP: admin@slobg.org

Little Acorns - Fall 2026 Wednesdays!
2026-09-23 09:30 - 2026-11-11 11:30
Play, learn, and grow with our morning playgroup on Wednesday mornings! Join for games, songs, crafts and garden exploration. Most importantly, make connections with nature and with other families at the SLO Botanical Garden. This program is geared toward children 0-5 and their parents. Older siblings are welcome!
Fall Session Wednesdays (09/23/26-11/11/26) from 9:30am – 11:30am
Session #1 09/23/26
Session #2 09/30/26
Session #3 10/07/26
Session #4 10/14/26
Session #5 10/21/26
Session #6 10/28/26
Session #7 11/04/26
Session #8 11/11/26

Cost: $60 for this 8-week long session along with current SLO Botanical Garden Membership. One registration per family.
Instructions for registration: This program is for SLOBG members with an additional cost of $60 per 8-week session. If you need to purchase or renew a membership, you can do so here and then follow the instructions below to register. If you’d like to apply for a scholarship, please email: faith@slobg.org by August 24th. Based on the number of requests and available funding, the final number of scholarships/partial scholarships will be determined on Tuesday, 09/01. Because Little Acorns tends to fill to capacity each season, a few spots have been saved. If you are DEFINITELY interested in attending, we recommend registering in advance to reserve your spot. Any received scholarship funding can be applied and refunded mid September.
This year, we are inviting one to two parents to support Molly, Lead Acorn instructor, as Little Acorn assistants. This requires a commitment to attend all sessions and support Little Acorns leads with set up, circle time and breakdown. Little Acorn assistants are eligible for waived registration fees. If this is of interest to you, please email: faith@slobg.org.
About Your Instructors:
Molly Paulick

I’m a local artist and mom to James (5), Rosie (2), and a baby on the way due in August.
I started Little Acorns when James was 18 months old as a way for us to explore the outdoors together while meeting other families who wanted to slow down, connect with nature, and build community. Since then, it has grown into something so special—a joyful place where families can play, learn, and make lasting memories together.
My hope is that through Little Acorns, you and your children will experience the magic of the outdoors, the wonder of seasonal stories, songs, and crafts, and the warmth of meaningful friendships—all in the beautiful setting of the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden.
I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to explore alongside you!
——
Emma Fay

I’m mama to Auri (2) and stepmom to Cy (15). I love yoga, dancing, and singing silly songs. I work as a coordinator for CAPSLO Teen Wellness programs.
I grew up brewing berry potions, jumping into leaf piles, and swimming in the sea—and I still happily dunk into any body of water, no matter how cold. Getting outside is my go-to parenting cure-all.
I’m so excited and honored to be co-facilitating Little Acorns this season and can’t wait to spend time with you and your little ones in the garden.

We are thrilled to have Molly & Emma at the garden! Please email: faith@slobg.org with any questions.
We look forward to seeing you in the Garden!

Nature Sunday: Underground
2026-09-27 10:00 - 12:00
September 27, 2026, 10 am – noon
Join Gretchen Renshaw, assisted by Barb Renshaw and Jeff Reifel, for a talk and workshop on soils and plant nutrition with special attention to the California native plants of the Franciscan Complex, and the plants of serpentine soils and other niches.

Gretchen Renshaw is a horticulturist and teacher. She co-founded the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden. This demonstration garden features California native plants and sustainable gardening practices.
Gretchen taught general science and horticulture to both adults and children. She worked as a science teacher in an elementary school, engaging students in hands-on science activities. In parallel she taught horticulture at UCLA Extension. Because she could not find a suitable textbook for her class on Soils and Plant Nutrition. She decided to write one with her partner. “Underground: A Gardener’s Guide to Soil and Plant Nutrition” was published in 2019.

Little Acorns - Fall 2026 Tuesdays!
2026-09-29 09:30 - 2026-11-17 11:30
Play, learn, and grow with our NEW morning playgroup on Tuesday mornings! Join for games, songs, crafts and garden exploration just like our Wednesday group. Most importantly, make connections with nature and with other families at the SLO Botanical Garden. This program is geared toward children 0-5 and their parents. Older siblings are welcome!
Fall Session Tuesdays (09/29/26-11/17/26) from 9:30am – 11:30am
Session #1 09/29/26
Session #2 10/06/26
Session #3 10/13/26
Session #4 10/20/26
Session #5 10/27/26
Session #6 11/03/26
Session #7 11/10/26
Session #8 11/17/26

Cost: $60 for this 8-week long session along with current SLO Botanical Garden Membership. One registration per family.
Instructions for registration: This program is for SLOBG members with an additional cost of $60 per 8-week session. If you need to purchase or renew a membership, you can do so here and then follow the instructions below to register. If you’d like to apply for a scholarship, please email: faith@slobg.org by August 24th. Based on the number of requests and available funding, the final number of scholarships/partial scholarships will be determined on Tuesday, 09/01. Because Little Acorns tends to fill to capacity each season, a few spots have been saved. If you are DEFINITELY interested in attending, we recommend registering in advance to reserve your spot. Any received scholarship funding can be applied and refunded mid September.
This year, we are inviting one to two parents to support Dina, our new Lead Acorn instructor, as Little Acorn assistants. This requires a commitment to attend all sessions and support Little Acorns leads with set up, circle time and breakdown. Little Acorn assistants are eligible for waived registration fees. If this is of interest to you, please email: faith@slobg.org.
This new Little Acorns group is led by Dina Overland. We’re thrilled to have her at the Garden!
About Your Instructor:

Hi, I’m Dina!
I’m so excited to be leading a new session of Little Acorns! I love being outdoors and seeing the world through children’s eyes. I spent much of my son’s childhood exploring nature alongside him. And I have run a local nonprofit’s nature immersion program for young children (with plenty of support for their social-emotional growth and sensory needs) for several years.
A few fun facts about me: I think sunsets are magical, snails are my favorite animals, the beach and the desert are my happy places, and wildflower patches are where I happily lose track of time. I love backyard birding, gardening, and admiring red-tailed hawks soaring high overhead.
I can’t wait to explore alongside your little ones—whether we’re searching for bugs, listening to birds, or noticing the plants and flowers around us. Let’s slow down, get curious, and have fun connecting!

Please email: faith@slobg.org with any questions. We look forward to seeing you in the Garden!

Cake-a-palooza
2026-10-03 10:00 - 14:30 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
Tickets are limited. Tickets are NON-refundable. Please review the following before purchasing tickets:

ALL attendees 3 years and older must have TWO items to enter: 1) a ticket and 2) a whole cake (that meets the rules). Absolutely no exceptions (and no refunds). Children under 3 may attend for free, but are not allowed in the cake-cutting area.
No pets (except service animals).

Cake Rules (again, no exceptions!)
– Cakes must be at least 8” in diameter and 3” high.
– Cakes can be any flavor or style.
– Dress (your cake) to impress. Bake (or buy) us your best. This is your chance to show off your best baking and decorating skills. We love a supermarket cake as much as the next person, but this is not the time for that.|
– Bring a card or a sign listing your cake’s ingredients. If your cake has or doesn’t have allergens (gluten, nuts, dairy, eggs) – let us know that too.
– Cakes should be on a board, plate, or stand (no pans or trays) – cardboard is fine! Bring your own server. Make sure everything is labeled!!
Event Rules:
– Cakes should be in place by 10:30 am
– There will be 15 minutes for cake viewing and picture taking before cake-cutting chaos ensues.
– Everyone gets a randomly assigned wristband at check-in. When cake-cutting time starts, we’ll pull a color at random, and that group will have 6 minutes to get cake!!! We’ll keep going until all groups have had a turn. Cake permitting, you will be allowed one re-entry after all groups have had a turn. If there is cake remaining — we’ll let people return.
– Cake chaos will begin at 11:00 am (ish!).
More Info:
We’ll have tables and chairs set up on the terraces and picnic tables throughout the garden. You are also welcome to bring your own blankets and choose a spot!
You can bring water bottles, small coolers, and/or picnic baskets. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
We’ll have beverages for sale, including the Garden’s signature Lavender Lemonade, Iced Tea, and Mimosas!

Cake-a-palooza - Volunteers
2026-10-03 10:00 - 14:30 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
Volunteer Tickets are limited. Please review the following:

There is no charge for a ticket, but if you want to participate and get cake, you must bring a whole cake (that meets the rules below). Absolutely no exceptions.
No pets (except service animals).

Cake Rules (again, no exceptions!)
– Cakes must be at least 8” in diameter and 3” high.
– Cakes can be any flavor or style.
– Dress (your cake) to impress. Bake (or buy) us your best. This is your chance to show off your best baking and decorating skills. We love a supermarket cake as much as the next person, but this is not the time for that.|
– Bring a card or a sign listing your cake’s ingredients. If your cake has or doesn’t have allergens (gluten, nuts, dairy, eggs) – let us know that too.
– Cakes should be on a board, plate, or stand (no pans or trays) – cardboard is fine! Bring your own server. Make sure everything is labeled!!
Event Rules:
– Cakes should be in place by 10:30 am (even if you have a “later” volunteer shift) — We’ll have some fridge space if you want to drop your cake off in advance.
– There will be 15 minutes for cake viewing and picture taking before cake-cutting chaos ensues.
– Everyone gets a randomly assigned wristband at check-in (including volunteers). When cake-cutting time starts, we’ll pull a color at random, and you can join that group will have 6 minutes to get cake!!! We’ll keep going until all groups have had a turn. Cake permitting, you will be allowed one re-entry after all groups have had a turn. If there is cake remaining — we’ll let people return.
– Cake chaos will begin at 11:00 am (ish!).
More Info:
We’ll have tables and chairs set up on the terraces and picnic tables throughout the garden. You are also welcome to bring your own blankets and choose a spot!
You can bring water bottles, small coolers, and/or picnic baskets. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
We’ll have beverages for sale, including the Garden’s signature Lavender Lemonade, Iced Tea, and Mimosas!

Astronomy Night & Stargazing at SLO Botanical Garden with Central Coast Astronomical Society
2026-10-03 19:00 - 21:00
Explore the night sky with telescopes and guided viewing hosted by the Central Coast Astronomy Society.
The evening begins at 7:00 pm with a live astronomy presentation, where CCAS astronomers will guide you through the night sky and introduce objects we will observe that night. Then we’ll head outside to the telescope area for guided stargazing our friendly astronomers.
We’ll take a close-up look at Andromeda galaxy, globular star clusters in Pegasus and Scorpius, spectacular nebulae in Sagittarius and Lyra, and the beautiful rings of Saturn!
Our astronomers will help guests understand what they are seeing and answer questions along the way. Whether you’re brand new to astronomy or already love looking up, this will be a fun and welcoming night under the stars.
Guests are encouraged to arrive on time, since the indoor presentation sets the stage for the telescope viewing and helps make the outdoor observing more meaningful. CCAS astronomers will provide telescopes; guests are welcome to bring binoculars and their sense of wonder.
This program is rain or shine. If clouds roll in, we’ll move the experience indoors with engaging astronomy activities, demonstrations, and night-sky exploration for attendees ages 7 and older. Clear skies or not, we’ll learn something new and enjoy an evening immersed in the wonders of the universe.
Admission is $10 per person, and advance reservations are required.
Star Party Etiquette and Guidelines
To help everyone enjoy the night sky, please avoid white lights after dark and use only minimal red light when necessary. Alcoholic beverages, smoking, and vaping are not permitted near the telescopes or stargazing areas.
Please wear sturdy shoes, as we’ll be walking around telescope equipment in low light. For safety, children must stay with their adult and follow telescope instructions. This program is recommended for ages 7 and older.
* Please note: El Chorro Regional Park charges a $5 day-use fee to enter the park from March through October. Please carpool when possible and have cash ready to help expedite park entry. *

Family Free Day: Boo-tanical Garden
2026-10-18 10:00 - 14:00
👻🎃 Join us for a spooktacular day at the Boo-tanical Garden 🎃👻
This is a free day for kids, families, and adults, so pack a lunch & stay for the day!
Enjoy nature crafts, a trick or treat scavenger hunt, and more 👀
Costumes encouraged!
We hope to see you there – no ticket or registration needed.
While everything is free, your donation will help us support future free programs for families. We thank you for making events like these possible!
*Please Note: There is a $5 entry fee to El Chorro Regional Park. Bring cash for speedy entry!*

Holiday Succulent Pumpkins
2026-10-22 10:00 - 13:00
Celebrate the fall season with a beautiful hand-made succulent pumpkin to decorate your home or to give as a gift! Led by artists, Jayne Devencenzi and Kathy Stewart, this hands-on workshop will teach you how to make a unique living succulent pumpkin that can last throughout the fall season and beyond. Succulent cuttings and pumpkin will be provided for everyone, but if you have any succulents growing in your yard, feel free to bring cuttings to share. Anyone aged 13 and up is welcome to participate!
This workshop will take place in the retail nursery. Please bring water, dress in layers and wear sunblock. In the case of rain or extreme winds, the workshop will be held the Oak Glen Pavilion.
Members enjoy $10 off. Please use the following code at check-out: Member10off
Note: There is a $20 materials fee. Please bring cash to pay the instructor on the day of the class. Thanks!
Note: There is a $5 entry fee to enter El Chorro Regional Park. Bring cash for speedy entry!
