Explore Placer County’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 and engaging way!
Nature Quest will provide a new, free event each month hosted by the Placer Land Trust Community Council volunteers. Additionally, each month a new, on-your-own activity will be announced for you to enjoy on your own. 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 preserves.
How It Works:
Participants in Nature Quest can earn entries for prizes, including Placer Land Trust merchandise, gift certificates to local businesses, and more! There are several ways to participate:
- Attend a free, hosted Nature Quest each month. While registration is encouraged but not required, special give-aways will be provided to the first 20 people who register for each event. Each Nature Quest may also include giveaways, first-come, to any attendee. If you register to attend a Nature Quest, you will also automatically earn an entry for an additional prize drawing in May.
- Take part in a self-guided activity on your own — a new one is issued each month. When you participate in any Nature Quest activity, you can earn a prize drawing entry by sending a photo and sentence or two about it to info (at) placerlandtrust.org with subject line: Nature Quest.
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.
Click here to see our event calendar.
Hosted Activities
All Events Drizzle or Shine
January 18, 1 – 3 pm: Nature Quest Launch Party!
Auburn School Park Preserve (Downtown Auburn, directions here)
Visit to explore this hidden nature gem!
• Interpretive stroll
• Live music
• Ride your bike: free bike valet provided by Auburn Trails Alliance
Continue the fun at the Placer Land Trust Office…
922 Lincoln Way #200, Auburn
• Try Nature journaling and get a free quick-start guide to Nature Journaling
• Refreshments
• Select from choice of Placer Land Trust merchandise
Register to attend – encouraged but not required: Launch Party registration
First 20 to register are assured a free nature journaling starter kit!
February 22, 2 – 4 pm: Forest Bathing at Canyon View Preserve
Directions: 13760 Lincoln Way, Auburn
Curious what this is? (hint, you don’t need a towel!)
Come explore the outdoors in new ways via nature immersion techniques Stroll the preserve and participate in “bathing” stations. Special station hosted by East Wind Yoga!
Register to attend – encouraged but not required: Forest Bathing registration
March 22, 9 – 11 am: Games Day at Miner’s Ravine Preserve
Directions: Sierra College Blvd. near Miner’s Ravine Dr.
Limited parking is available at the preserve; additional parking can be found at Bayside Fields and in surrounding neighborhoods.
Note: the preserve is walkable/bikeable via the Miner’s Ravine Trail
Play a variety of fun outdoor games under the direction of Del Oro High School Club: Project Earth! Refreshments provided.
Register to attend – encouraged but not required: Games Day registration
April 26, 2-4 pm: Wildflower Stroll at Canyon View Preserve
Directions: 13760 Lincoln Way, Auburn
Stroll the preserve and see how many wildflowers are blooming! Learn from CA Native Plant Society experts, and get your own wildflower seed packet to plant at home!
Register to attend – encouraged but not required: Wildflower Stroll registration
May 17, 11:30 am – 2 pm: BYO Picnic by the Creek!
• Bring your own picnic to enjoy by the creek
• Wander the preserve trails at your leisure
• Special treats to be provided
Register to attend – required: BYO Picnic by the Creek registration
(Taylor Ranch Preserve Directions will be emailed upon registration.)
On-Your-Own Activities
January 2025: Nature Journaling!
Create a nature journal to help you discover, think about, 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.
Stay tuned for a new self-guided activity each month!
