Guided butterfly and bird walks return to the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas starting Monday, Sept. 28.
The garden has three guided nature outings scheduled in late September and October, according to North County Pipeline. Two are Butterfly Walks. The third is a monthly Bird Walk led by four local birding specialists.
The first Butterfly Walk begins at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, at the garden, 300 Quail Gardens Dr. A guide leads participants through the 37-acre grounds to learn about local butterfly species and their habitat. No advance registration is needed. The walk is first-come, first-served and included with general admission.
A second Butterfly Walk follows the same format at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12.
The October Bird Walk starts at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Four birding specialists lead the outing: Jeff Clingan, Christina Kidd, Patti Langen and Rick Grove. Langen also serves as the Oceanside Christmas Bird Count coordinator for the Buena Vista Audubon Society. Grove, who holds a biology degree from Occidental College, leads monthly bird walks at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation as well.
The bird walk is part of a monthly series held on the second Wednesday of each month. An eBird listing for the garden notes more than 170 species recorded at the site. The walk is free for garden members. Online registration is required. Non-member pricing was not listed in available event materials; the garden's website at sdbg.org has registration details.
General admission runs $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, military and students, and $12 for youth ages 3 to 17, according to the garden's website. Children under 3 and members get in free. Parking is free.
The garden is open six days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Tuesdays. Walk-in admission is available, though wait times may occur on weekends and holidays. The garden does not accept cash.
Upcoming at San Diego Botanic Garden
- Monday, Oct. 12: Butterfly Walk, 10 a.m. Free with admission. No registration required.
- Wednesday, Oct. 14: October Bird Walk, 8 a.m. Free for members. Online registration required at sdbg.org.
