SLO Botanical Garden

Nature Sunday: Plants that Eat!
2026-05-31 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join Burke Gehrung as he gives general information about multiple different carnivorous plant species and their trapping mechanisms. Various fun facts about different plants with a focus on nepenthes pitcher plants. He will have several specimens to show and possibly sell.
From Burke:
Hi, my name is Burke Gehrung, I’m a Templeton native, I got into growing Carnivorous plants 3 years ago and have been deeply enamored by them every day since! The reason I got into them was because my grandmother was away on vacation I took care of her plants. After taking care of them, I decided to get plants of my own. When thinking about what plants to get I recalled the nature documentary seeing carnivorous plants specifically pitcher plants, and I looked up if you could buy them. Lo and behold you could! I bought some and got a right onto learning how to take care of them after they were already on their way. I still have all three of those initial plants that I got and hope to keep them forever. I look forward to talking with you all and teaching you about these wonderful plants.

Free registration applies to participation with Nature Sunday topic and covers garden admission for the day.
Please Note: El Chorro Regional Park charges a $5 day use fee from March thru October on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

Sold Out Little Acorns - Summer 2026-Email: education@slobg.org to be added to Waitlist
2026-06-03 09:30 - 2026-07-08 11:30
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6.3.26 Founders Tour with Eve
2026-06-03 11:00 - 12:30
Join SLOBG founder and Mediterranean plant expert, Eve Vigil, for a behind-the-scenes tour of the SLO Botanical Garden. Eve may talk about the Garden’s history, what’s in bloom, important maintenance, interesting and unique plants, or whatever most interests the group.
Come on out and get your questions answered! Meet new people and learn great tips and tricks for having a stunning water-frugal garden.
Members can tour for free! Enter code: MemberTen
Tour fee includes admission to the Garden for non-members.

Royal Tea Party
2026-06-04 14:00 - 16:00 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
Learn more about becoming a charter member of our new Garden group –
The Garden Collective – where connection, learning, and support intersect.
We’ll enjoy tea, treats, and a few bubbles!
There is no charge for this event, though you will need to be a member
of the Garden to join the Collective.
Garden party attire is suggested.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
2:00 – 4:00 PM
OAK GLEN PAVILLION
RSVP by May 31

Nature Sunday: The Remarkable World of Butterflies
2026-06-28 10:00 - 12:00
Butterfly enthusiast Pat Brown will introduce you to the amazing world of butterflies. She will discuss the importance of native plants to the survival of butterflies as their populations are declining. Come and learn about the fascinating lives of these beautiful insects. After the presentation if there is an interest, we can walk around the garden and search for butterflies.

For 20 years, Pat has been giving butterfly presentations in the Elfin Forest, where she volunteers. She is also a photographer and will share images of how butterflies develop along with intriguing butterfly facts.
Free registration applies to participation with Nature Sunday topic and covers garden admission for the day.
Please Note: El Chorro Regional Park charges a $5 day use fee from March thru October on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

Book Club at the Garden
2026-06-30 17:30 - 19:30
🌿 You’re Invited to a Book Club at the Garden! 🌿
Join us for a delightful early evening at the botanical garden as we come together to discuss Suzanne Simard’s “When the Forest Breathes.”
🌸 What to Expect:
• Thoughtful conversation about ecological gardening
• Shared reflections and favorite passages
• A peaceful garden stroll before the meeting for inspiration
• Tea & Light Refreshments (bring your own and something to share if you choose)
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply love being among plants, this gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect with a small group of fellow readers and nature enthusiasts.
Bring your copy of the book, a friend, and your curiosity. Let’s celebrate gardening with heart — and just a little wildness.
*Free for Members, Use Code: member5

We look forward to growing together! 🌱

7.1.26 Founders Tour with Eve
2026-07-01 11:00 - 12:30

Free Day: All Aboard the Garden Express
2026-07-12 10:00 - 14:00
All Aboard the Garden Express!!
July 12 – 10 am – 2 pm
Join us for a fun day of trains, crafts, activites, and more at the Garden!
Free admission for all.

Nature Sunday: Surprising Sand and Sediment
2026-07-26 10:00 - 12:00
What is sand? Where does it come from? What is it made of? How does it get to beaches? Each grain of sand started millions of years ago deep in the earth. The sand on each beach is like a fingerprint — it’s unique to the particular beach where you find it. Take a virtual walk on the beach and then examine grains of sand from local and far-flung beaches through a microscope and answer your questions. Join Robbie Revel and learn all about it!
Robbie 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 in LA. Retired and active in the volunteer community, she loves to share her love of nature with others. She regularly conducted workshops called Saturday Science at the Museum of Natural History before COVID and is presently serving on the board of the Morro Coast Audubon Society as Field Trip Chair and actively leading bird walks.
Free registration includes attendance at Nature Sunday and covers garden admission for the day.|
Pre-registration is encouraged
Please Note: El Chorro Regional Park charges a $5 day use fee from March thru October on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

8.5.26 Founders Tour with Eve
2026-08-05 11:00 - 12:30

Family Free Day: Scaly Safari
2026-08-09 10:00 - 14:00
Please join us on August 9th from 10am to 2 pm for our almost monthly Family Free Day. August’s “Scaly Safari” is sure to be fun for ALL!
Tell your families, tell your friends, your friends’ friends: garden admission is waived so pack a picnic and stay for the day! This is an all ages event. Dogs on leash are welcome.
There will be crafts and educational activities in our Children’s Garden. The retail nursery, home to our selection of self-propagated native plants well suited for the Central Coast’s Mediterranean climate, will be open for business. Stroll through our “Fire Safe” garden and hike the hill up to the “Human Sundial” or simply meander through our main “Display Garden.”
Please note: there’s a $5 fee to enter El Chorro park. Having cash will speed up park entry!

Summertime Fused Glass Class!
2026-08-15 10:00 - 12:30
Join our Executive Director, Janine Stillman, to create a beautiful fused-glass panel for your garden, which can be displayed in a metal stand that is provided. This class is for everyone, including those with no experience. Techniques for cutting glass will be presented as well as lots of inspiration for interesting designs. This is a hands-on, fun, and creative way to spend your morning and you’re sure to come away with a treasure that can be displayed in your garden.

Members will get $10 off at registration with the code: MemberTen

Please Note: there will be a $50 materials fee, payable in cash directly to Janine on the day of the class. (includes glass and metal display stake). FYI – Janine is holding a different glass project in the photo below. A photo of the fused glass panel is on our website (that you clicked on).

In addition to being the Executive Director of the SLO Botanical Garden, Janine owns and operates Designs by Ja9 Glass Studio. She’s a local expert and has taught classes around the world and offers glass fusing classes for all levels of expertise. For more information about “Designs by Ja9”, please see: Designs by Ja9 – Fused Glass, Jewelry and Gifts

Nature Sunday: Taking a Likin' to the Lichens of SLO County
2026-08-23 10:00 - 12:00
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!

Book Club at the Garden
2026-09-29 14:00 - 16:00
🌿 You’re Invited to Book Club at the Garden! 🌿

Join us for a delightful discussion of Matthew Evan’s Soil.
What to Expect:
🌸 Thoughtful conversation about ecological gardening
🌸 Shared reflections and favorite passages
🌸 A peaceful garden stroll before the meeting for inspiration
🌸BYO Tea & Light Refreshments (bring your own and something to share if you choose)
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply love being among plants, this gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect with a small group of fellow readers and nature enthusiasts.
Bring your copy of the book, a friend, and your curiosity. Let’s celebrate gardening with heart — and just a little wildness.
*Free for Members, Use Code: member5

We look forward to growing together! 🌱

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. *

Heartland & Homeschool Class: Nature Journaling
2026-10-05 10:00 - 11:30
First Class: Monday October 5th, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Learn how to observe and record what you see in nature at the SLO Botanical Garden!
We are thrilled to share that we are a Heartland Vendor and are offering this class to all homeschool students. Private homeschool students are welcome to register and attend.
The class is a hybrid indoor-outdoor class and is 1.5 hours long. Students are encouraged to dress for the weather (wear layers, hats, sunscreen, and close-toed shoes.) Please bring water! You may drop your student off or stay with them to observe class. This class is only available to students ages 7-12, and all necessary materials for the class are provided.
Because this is our first time hosting this class, we will begin with 1-2 classes per month, with separate registration required for each class. We will reassess as we build momentum to offer more!
Cost: $35 per class. Each student needs their own registration.
Note for Heartland families: Register through your Heartland organization as usual. This registration is for private homeschool students only!
Please email faith@slobg.org with any questions. We look forward to seeing you in the Garden soon!

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!
