Nature Education

How to Register

Refund Policy

Click here for our Education Programs Refund Policy.

Sally MacBride, one of the founders of the Filoli Nature Education Program and dedicatee of the Filoli Nature Museum, on the goal of the program:

Adult Education at Filoli: Nature Education Hike

"To promote awareness, respect for and understanding of the importance and total interrelatedness of the natural resources of the earth, and all forms of life, by sharing the undeveloped portion of Filoli with the community, young and old, through a program of informative walks."

Our students say it best…

“This was by far one of the most informative and educational classes that I’ve attended in many years.” By Beverly Valdez from Basic Animal Tracking and Awareness.

“When I visit again I will definitely look into the class offerings at Filoli.” By Arlene Amoro (visiting from Arizona), from Edible and Medicinal Plants.

2012 Classes

The Mystery of Bird Song

Friday, May 17, 9:00 am–12:00 pm

Instructor: David Lukas
How do birds learn to sing such beautiful songs? And why do they produce so many different types of vocalizations? David Lukas will help answer some of these questions and share his insights into the magical world of bird song-from the ways we study bird song, to the anatomy of how birds produce sounds, to some of the social behaviors that explain common bird vocalizations. These workshops takes place indoors and outdoors; please dress appropriately.

Fee: $40 members; $50 non–members

sold out

Bird Walks

Saturdays, May 4, 18, June 8 and 15, 9:00 am–12:00 pm

Walk Guides: Members of the Sequoia Audubon Society and Friends of Filoli
Enter the world of fly catchers, grosbeaks, swallows, warblers and red-shouldered hawks on a Filoli bird walk. Hundreds of migrating birds visit Filoli each year on their way from Central and South America to their breeding grounds farther north. Many birds decide to stay in these woodlands and nest. Don’t forget your binoculars and a bird field guide (if you have them). Please leave your cell phone in the car. Children 14 years and older only.

Fee: $20 members; $25 non–members. Non–members: Fee includes same–day admission to Filoli on a self–guided basis.

Guided Hikes and Walks

Sunset Hikes

Wednesdays, June 19 and August 14; Thursdays, June 20 and August 15
6:00 pm–8:00 pm

Instructor: Filoli Nature Education Docent
Experience the tranquility of Filoli’s nature preserve in the light of the setting sun. Bring your family for a hike in the woodlands at dusk, the ideal time of day to spot our resident wildlife. Don’t forget your cameras and binoculars! This is a two-hour hike on varied terrain. At times it can be strenuous. Please discuss any physical limitations with your docent before you head out.

Adult Fee: $10 members; $15 non–members. Child Fee: $5 members; $10 non–members. Child fee is good for ages 5 through 17. Children ages 5 and older are welcome; strollers cannot be accommodated on the trails.

Evening Orchard Walks

Wednesday, June 19 and Thursday, June 20
6:00 pm–7:30 pm

Led by Filoli Orchard Docents
A Gentlemen’s Orchard, which was an integral part of any great estate of the period, was an eclectic connoisseur’s collection of European and American varieties of fruits grown for the enjoyment of the family of the estate. Take an evening walk in our orchard and learn more about this defining landscape feature and how Filoli is conserving not only the rare fruits but the traditions of this unique heirloom orchard.

Nature Hikes

Saturdays* February 9 through October 26, 2013
(except August due to dry conditions),
10:00 am—12:30 pm
Instructor: Filoli Nature Education Docent

Did you know that Filoli’s Nature Preserve has more than seven miles of well-maintained trails crisscrossing six different types of native California habitat? Join experienced Nature Education Docents on a 2½ hour hike to explore and learn about our natural landscape and wildlife. This is a hike on varied terrain; at times it can be strenuous. Please discuss any physical limitations with your docent before you head out. Strollers cannot be accommodated on the trails. Not appropriate for children under 5 years of age.

Fee: Free for members or with paid admission to Filoli - $15 adults, $12 seniors (65 and older), $5 students.

Fee includes access to the House and Garden.
To make reservations, please contact Visitor Services.
Scout Troops and other groups can also plan a special hike. Please contact Visitor Services.
Filoli offers a variety of tours and hikes.

*Except on Special Event days.