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Saturday, September 12th, 2026 ~ 8:30 am
Tectonics, Geomorphology, and Living Landscapes of Little Lake Valley on the Maacama Fracture Zone
At the Willits Bypass Mitigation Lands in Little Lake Valley ~ In partnership with Mendocino County Natural Resource Conservation District
Join Willits Bypass Mitigation Lands Naturalist Amy Wolitzer and special guest Rowena Forest of Cal Geographic. This is an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Little Lake Valley while learning about its tectonic formation and geologic history from an expert geographer. Following our June reminder (earthquake!) that we are on the Maacama Fault, this is a great time to ask all your questions about how this has shaped the area and what can be expected to happen in the future.
Tour time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tour meeting location: MCRCD Interpretive Center, Mendocino County Museum, East Commercial Street in Willits
Participants should be prepared to walk about one mile on mowed ranching roads. Group size is limited – you must reserve a spot to come on this free program. If you would like to come please text Ranger Amy at (369) 216 9990 or email amyw@mcrcd.org.
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 ~ 7:00 pm
The Mighty Maacama: Tectonic Fracture Zone and Primary Plate Boundary
Join us to explore the intriguing landforms, living landscapes, and active tectonics of the very young and lively Maacama Fracture Zone. For several months physical geographer, Rowena Forest, had been researching and reporting on the geomorphology, ecosystems, and latest scientific research concerning the Maacama fault and fracture zone (and working on the final edits of this presentation) when the June 24th, magnitude 5.6 earthquake hit upper Redwood Valley on a “new’’ strand of this complex tectonic system in Mendocino County. This significant event spurred renewed interest, concern, and a deeper dive into the Maacama’s dynamic tectonic, geomorphic, and ecological setting.
Presentation at Ukiah Civic Center ~ City Council Chambers
300 Seminary Drive, Ukiah, CA ~ 7:00 pm
Sponsored by Peregrine Audubon Society
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Two Sundays:
September 27th, 2026 ~ 10:00 am
October 10th, 2026 ~ 10:00 am
Coastal Landforms and the Tectonic Landscape at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
We will explore the western edges of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to discuss and marvel at northern California’s coastal landscape and landforms. We will observe and discuss local geology, the evolution of coastal landforms including marine terraces, the tectonic forces and mechanisms that are shaping Mendocino, and the interplay between the coastal landscape and the native ecosystems adapted to it.
10:00 am – Noon
We will meet inside the entrance to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens at the front Plaza
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Past Field Trips and Events
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Friday, July 24, 2026 ~ 9:00 am
Point Arena’s Coastal Geomorphology, Marine Terrace Evolution, and Ecosystems
Please don’t miss Part Two of our successful field trip in June to Point Arena’s Stornetta Lands, co-led with Bureau of Land Management ecology and wildlife staff. Join us to view and discuss coastal geomorphology, tectonics, the evolution of marine terraces, and the rare native ecosystems adapted to them.
Please meet at 9:00 am at the northern Stornetta Lands trail head off Lighthouse Road – (38.940312, -123.729341) – approximately three miles northwest of the town of Point Arena, on the road to the lighthouse
For field trip logistics and hiking details visit: https://dkycnps.org/
Please register for this field trip at: https://dkycnps.org/contact-fields.html
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Saturday, June 27, 2026 ~ 9:00 am
Point Arena’s Coastal Geomorphology, Marine Terrace Evolution, and Ecosystems
Co-led with Bureau of Land Management ecologist, Laura Moreno-Baker for a tour of restoration sites and the tectonic coastal landscape of Point Arena. Please meet at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 27th at Cypress Abbey gate, approximately one mile north of the town of Point Arena on Highway One (38.918602, -123.706217)
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Saturday, April 25th, 2026 ~ 10:00 am
Coastal Landforms and the Tectonic Landscape at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
We will explore the western edges of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to discuss and marvel at northern California’s coastal landscape and landforms. We will discuss and observe local geology, the evolution of coastal landforms including marine terraces, the tectonic forces and mechanisms that are shaping the landforms of coastal Mendocino, and the interplay of the coastal landscape with the native ecosystems adapted to it.
10:00 am – noon, Please meet at the Farmhouse Education Center by 10:00
Walk is free with admission to the MCBG ~ in conjunction with the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden Nature Challenge
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For all field trips: Be prepared for hiking in inclement weather, dress accordingly including sun protection and hiking shoes, and always bring ample drinking water
