Local Expeditions for Donors

Leadership and Director’s Circle supporters are invited to join Academy scientists throughout the year on exclusive Local Expeditions to unique, scientifically important sites in the Bay Area. Friends Circle supporters at $10,000+ are invited to join one select Local Expedition annually. From marveling at meadows of California-native wildflowers to observing elephant seals at Año Nuevo, discover the ecological richness of our region—and learn how your support is helping to regenerate it.

Local Expedition: Spiders, Scorpions, Bats, and Stars
Saturday, September 24, 2022 | 6:30-8:45 pm

Donor Circle supporters at giving levels of $10,000 and higher are invited to a special evening under the stars with Academy scientists on a Local Expedition to Mt. Diablo. Guests will have the opportunity to discover tarantula and scorpion species with Dr. Lauren Esposito, detect bats and owls with Dr. Shannon Bennett and Dr. Durrell Kapan, and enjoy the awe-inspiring starry night with the Academy’s astronomy experts. RSVP by September 9 to reserve your spot.

Elkhorn Slough
Spring 2022

Academy scientists and donors explored this marine estuary teeming with seals, sea otters, and birds and enjoyed a beautiful catamaran ride, delicious lunch, and guided walk—all while learning more about the Academy’s Thriving California initiative.

Russian Ridge Preserve wildflowers
Spring 2021

One of the jewels of the Peninsula, Russian Ridge Preserve is famous for its dazzling spring superbloom. Donors, along with Academy scientists, Development staff, and Executive Director Scott Sampson, enjoyed a guided hike through this wildflower wonderland of poppies, lupines, and more.

Año Nuevo seal viewing
Spring 2020

Just 55 miles south of San Francisco is the Año Nuevo Coast Natural Preserve, home to one of the world’s largest colonies of northern elephant seals. Donors, along with Academy scientists, Development staff, and Executive Director Scott Sampson, made a pilgrimage to see these incredible pinnipeds molt, bask, and breed in this beautiful coastal habitat.

Blue Oak Ranch Reserve tree planting
Fall 2019

California’s blue and valley oak woodlands are home to hundreds of ecologically important plants and animals. Donors, along with Academy scientists, Development staff, and Executive Director Scott Sampson, explored Blue Oak Ranch Reserve’s protected woodlands—usually accessible only to researchers—and helped plant trees to support regeneration efforts at this vital, at-risk ecosystem.

Donor Circle supporters at giving levels of $25,000 and higher are invited to bring the children in their lives on two exciting Junior Expeditions each year. From animal encounters to hands-on projects, these unforgettable adventures are designed for the whole family to enjoy—and introduce your young naturalists to inspiring Academy scientists.