Community Corner

Ronnie's Awesome List For December Festivities In and Around Mill Valley

Here is a fantastic, comprehensive list of things to do in December by Ronnie Sharpe. From Winter Wildlife, to theatre, to trains and Santa, this is a MUST READ!

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After months of being closed for restoration/construction, Muir Beach is scheduled to open December 14th according to the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. A grand reopening celebration is planned for January.

Wishing you all a very magical December!

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Winter Wildlife Watch

Winter is an amazing season to watch wildlife. Rain or shine, the weather should not stop you and your kids from enjoying the abundant wildlife in the Bay Area as they embrace the wet season. Fortunately for us, we live in a prime spot for discovering amazing mammals, insects, birds, reptiles and more who also call the Bay Area home.

  • Whales can be seen along the coast as they migrate to their winter breeding grounds in Baja California. There is an especially huge flurry of marine activity happening in Monterey Bay because of the unusually high number of anchovies attracting a variety ofwhalesdolphins and seals as well as other marine animals such asOrcasLeatherback Sea Turtles andBasking Sharks. It’s an awesome marine safari!
  • Elephant Seals breeding season starts at Año Nuevo State Reserve. Register for the Elephant Seal Guided Walking Tours before the book up.
  • Salmon spawn along the creeks around Marin while herring spawn in the bay. Head to the Richardson Bay Audubon in Tiburon and look for the flocks of gulls and pelicans hovering and then crashing into the bay to feed as millions of herring eggs wash ashore.
  • Marine animals such as the giant green sea anemones, purple sea urchins, red abalone, purple and ochre sea stars and more decorate the tide pools. Look up the NOAA timetables for low tide.
  • Banana Slug will not be hard to stumble across. Marvel at these remarkable mollusks on your hike as they thrive in a moist environment.
  • Newts emerge across paths at Lake Lagunitas and other Marin reservoirs.
  • Ladybugs hibernate by the millions at Redwood Regional Park in the East Bay.
  • Monarch Butterflies are clustered in the tree groves at Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary, Pacific Grove and Natural Bridges, Santa Cruz.
  • Tule Elk herds thrive at The Tomales Point Park in Point Reyes.

Or visit a nature facility for an up close look at our local wildlife. Hours vary and some have indoor space in case you want to avoid the rain….if we see any this winter. Be sure to confirm when they are open.

Just a few tips before venturing out. They say “There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.” If it does rain, do not let the weather stop you, dress appropriately. Avoid disturbing wildlife by keeping a safe distance and using binoculars or camera lens. Make sure to pick a hike suited to your child’s skill and endurance level. Have fun observing the abundant wildlife, plants, geology and cultural richness that make where we live unique in the world. Rain or shine, they are there waiting to meet you.

All events listed are subject to change without notice. Please confirm with event organizer.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

CHRISTMAS CAROL & OTHER HOLIDAY THEATRE

CHRISTMAS HOUSES

TOP OF PAGE

HANUKKAH

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

HOLIDAY TEA

ICE SKATING


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