ZEVA LONGLEY FAMILY ADVENTURES pays tribute to the inspiring legacy of Zeva Longley, an enthusiastic and respected environmental educator who dedicated her life to protecting our planet.
Rainbow Sandals Foundation is excited to continue our partnership with WildCare, offering nature outings and activities that connect children and families with the beauty of the outdoors. Led in Spanish by WildCare’s Bilingual Nature Educator, these fun hikes invite families in the Canal District of San Rafael, CA to experience the awe-inspiring nature in Marin County’s parks and open spaces.
The second family adventure of the summer was held on Saturday, July 26 at South Rodeo Beach, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge! Below is a description of the day provided by the Nature Educator who led the hike.
We began by hiking to the Smith-Guthrie Battery. Along the way, we discussed a few common native medicinal plants. Everyone enjoyed smelling yarrow, or milenrama in Spanish, and learning about its properties. We also talked about mugwort, which I called la planta de los sueños—the dream plant—because it’s believed to bring about lucid dreams. It can also be used as an antifungal tea.
We discussed the history of the battery and how the Marin Headlands was originally a military base. The kids loved exploring the structures and climbing into the lookout towers.
Next, we made our way down to the beach. Along the path, we talked about the ecology of the area, particularly the matorral, or coastal scrubland. We spotted turkey vultures (zopilotes) circling overhead, some missing primary feathers. This led to a conversation about molting and its significance for both birds and marine mammals.
When we arrived at the beach, we were greeted by a baby sea lion joining its sunbathing family on the rocks nearby. We also encountered a deceased sea lion, which gave us a unique opportunity to observe it up close.
On the shore, we explored mole crabs, mussel shells, and giant bull and boa kelps. We made ocean-themed drawings and sandcastles. Many of the adults and children helped clean up the beach and collect trash.