Discover Placer’s Natural Beauty with Nature Quest!
Join Placer Land Trust’s Nature Quest, a unique program designed to inspire you to connect with nature, explore scenic trails, and experience the natural beauty of our public preserves in a fun, free and engaging way!
Nature Quest will provide a new, free event each month hosted by Placer Land Trust Community Council volunteers. Each experience is designed around a theme to provide a unique way to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors and introduce you to popular trails and hidden gems across our public properties. Additionally, we have an array of on-your-own activities for when it is most convenient to do a Nature Quest with friends, family, or solo.
How It Works:
Participants in Nature Quest can simply show up to the events anytime during the listed time frame. If you chose to pre-register, you may receive exciting prizes, including Placer Land Trust merchandise, gifts from local businesses, and more. These items will be given out the day of the event.
And don’t forget to share your fun by posting on Facebook or Instagram, tag @placerlandtrust or include one of these tags: #PLT-NatureQuest #OutsideWithPlacerLandTrust
If you choose to take part in a self-guided activity, please be sure to bring enough water, food, and weather protection appropriate to your visit.
Monthly Nature Quest 2026 Schedule
All Events Drizzle or Shine!
Hosted Activity – Join us!
Arrive any time in the 2- hour window
January 24, 1 – 3pm
Nature Quest 2026 Kick-off: Dance Party & Nature Friendship Bracelets
Auburn School Park Preserve
Have fun at this hidden nature gem! Activities include live music, nature-inspired dance moves, scavenger hunt, making friendship bracelets, and enjoyong hot chocolate and cookies!
February 21, 10am – 12pm
Games Day!
Christian Valley Park
Come experience fun outdoor games with Colfax High School Environmental Club, and enjoy a unique opportunity to work with Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA) Rangers on a variety of games and challenges!
March 24, 1 -3pm
Arts Day
Miner’s Ravine Preserve
Nature has inspired artists since the beginning of time! Join with fellow Nature Quest participants to help craft community-created Mandalas.
April 25, 2 – 4pm
Wildflower Stroll
Canyon View Preserve
Spring is wildflower season – this preserve has over 35 different types of wildflowers!
More Nature Quest hosted activities will be announced soon – check this page for updates!
Here are some activity ideas that you can do at any time on your own…
Create a nature journal to help you discover, think and remember the natural world all around you! Download your own quick-start guide, thanks to Wild Wonder Foundation, here.
Check out a free recorded class on how to draw plants here.
Expand your way of reflecting on nature – write a poem or a haiku. This video could assist in how to approach this.
Embark on a scavenger nature hunt! Go to your favorite park, a public Placer Land Trust preserve, or just outside your home – and discover the many natural wonders outdoors.
Download your free scavenger hunt here.
Get outside your comfort zone and explore some Placer Land Trust preserves you may not yet have visited! Choose from the list of Placer Land Trust Preserves with Public Access.
Create your own picnic for friends and family… Get creative! Look here for some inspiration.
