Morro Coast Audubon Society (MCAS) and
California Native Plant Society (CNPS-SLO)
Joint Birding and Botanizing Field-Trips Event
With Lunch at Santa Margarita Lake
Sat., May 2nd, 2026
CNPS-SLO and MCAS look forward to reviving a historic collaboration at Santa Margarita Lake on Saturday, May 2, and we’d like you to join us! As we have done annually for several years in the past, both organizations are offering combined outings featuring guided birding and botanizing field trips, and a picnic lunch gathering. This event is a wonderful way to celebrate our mutual interests and commitment to protecting and conserving native flora and fauna within our local biodiverse natural areas.
Join bird and plant lovers for a day-long visit to the Santa Margarita Lake Recreation and Natural Area in collaboration between MCAS and CNPS -SLO. This event consists of morning and afternoon guided field trip options plus meeting up for a group lunch and socializing. Participants are welcome to attend all or some of the events. Follow directions to the morning field trip trailhead and/or lunch site parking areas. Morning field trip participants are encouraged to join the carpooling meet up location in Santa Margarita, although optional.
Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes, binoculars, field guides and dress in layers for changing weather. A plant list for Santa Margarita Lake can be found on the CNPS website here. There are restrooms near the lunch and afternoon hike starting locations. Rain or threat of rain cancel or postpone this trip.
8:30 am – Optional carpooling will be organized for driving to the Blinn Ranch Trail morning field trip by meeting at the Santa Margarita Park and Ride located at the Highway 58 exit from Highway 101 (35.383260, -120.627404).
Driving directions: Santa Margarita Park and Ride off Hwy 101 at https://maps.app.goo.gl/a1wytbXV96EkCTyt5.
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9:00 am - The morning hike will focus on birds, plants, and habitats along the upper reaches of the lake and near the Salinas River corridor starting on the east side of the park at the Blinn Ranch trailhead on River Road (35.316375, -120.417867). Meet at the Blinn Ranch Trailhead at https://maps.app.goo.gl/LTnAvPijiA9x5676A
Driving directions: From the Santa Margarita railroad tracks crossing, drive approximately 15.7 miles to the intersection of Pozo Rd. with River Rd. Turn left onto River Rd. and then drive approximately 1.7 miles to the Blinn Ranch trailhead parking.
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Noon - A leisurely bring-your-own-lunch and beverages at White Oak Picnic Area. If needed ask for directions to the White Oak Picnic Area at the entry kiosk station at Santa Margarita Lake (SML). Local musicians will serenade us during lunch and there will be educational displays and outreach as well.
Driving directions to the SML park entrance station: From the Santa Margarita railroad tracks crossing, drive approximately 8.0 miles to the intersection of Pozo Rd. with Santa Margarita Lake Rd., then turn left and follow Santa Margarita Lake Rd. to the entrance station.
Note: There is a $12 per car entry fee into Santa Margarita Lake County Park.
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1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Afternoon concurrent field trip options with a moderately strenuous birding and botanizing hike in the hills on the Grey Pine Trail starting near the picnic area (2.5 mile hike, 400-foot elevation gain) OR from the picnic area take a leisurely birding and botanizing easy stroll along the lakeshore.
Field trip leaders:
Morning co-leaders Bill Waycott and Michael Mulroy for Blinn Ranch Trail.
Afternoon co-leaders Bill Waycott and Michael Mulroy for Grey Pine Trail or co-leaders Susie Reddy, Marcella Munson, and Ben Kolstad for lakeshore stroll.
Please register for this event and sign a liability waiver by choosing either the English or Spanish link below.
