Chico Creek Nature Center

Chico Creek Nature Center The Nature Center is a hub for outdoor fun, animal presentations, education, & imagination. Join us!

School's back in session, so make sure the kids get some time outdoors for their next special event! The Chico Creek Nat...
09/19/2026

School's back in session, so make sure the kids get some time outdoors for their next special event!

The Chico Creek Nature Center is the perfect spot to host a birthday party, kids' club, or weekend activity.

Build bonds, learn about animals, and foster a love of nature!

Our 1.5-hour booking options include:
🖌️ A take-home craft
🐢 Meeting our animal ambassadors
🍃 A staff-led walk through the Nature Center’s outdoor spaces..and so much more!

Book your party here: https://www.chicorec.gov/nature-center-parties

This month, listen to the Voices of Nature on September 27th! Save the date for a special Sunday session on mammals 🐇Hea...
09/16/2026

This month, listen to the Voices of Nature on September 27th!

Save the date for a special Sunday session on mammals 🐇

Head to the Chico Creek Nature Center to learn about everything from tiny critters 🐀 to terrifying predators 🐺

Find out how they've survived and thrived by adapting with the times.

Only $5 reserves your spot to join us on our next adventure!
https://www.chicorec.gov/voices-of-nature

👀 Spotted: a rare tree in Bidwell Park! Someone found the special Pacific Madrone right by a picnic spot at site #34 in...
09/12/2026

👀 Spotted: a rare tree in Bidwell Park!

Someone found the special Pacific Madrone right by a picnic spot at site #34 in Lower Bidwell Park.

Usually growing at high elevations—like the Oregon coast near the Puget Sound—this Pacific Madrone stands out at such a low elevation in Chico.

You can't miss its signature red, peeling bark and red berries present during autumn!

It's worth taking a trip to Bidwell Park to see.

😉 Did you know you register separately for every Nature Tots class? CARD keeps it simple! Nature Tots is offered once a ...
09/11/2026

😉 Did you know you register separately for every Nature Tots class?

CARD keeps it simple!

Nature Tots is offered once a month for little nature enthusiasts ages 1-5, and an accompanying adult.

Join us for a fun-filled, hour-long session at the Chico Creek Nature Center from 9-10 AM for:
🐢 An animal visit
📖 Story time
🎵 Singing and dancing
🎨 An art project
🌳 A nature walk

Learn all about it and register for the next one on September 12th: https://www.chicorec.gov/nature-tots

Today's Animal Ambassador is the Sierran Tree Frog 🐸Also known as the Pacific Chorus Frog, these little amphibians sure ...
09/04/2026

Today's Animal Ambassador is the Sierran Tree Frog 🐸

Also known as the Pacific Chorus Frog, these little amphibians sure do love to sing!

Every frog has a distinct voice, and they can tell each other apart based on this unique call.

And even if you've heard them, you might not have seen them, since they change color from green to brown to blend in with the background.

Want to meet a Sierran Tree Frog? Come visit the Chico Creek Nature Center!

🐢 Come visit Tiny Turtle Town! 🐢Yes, it's as cute as it sounds: the Chico Creek Nature Center has a new enclosure for tw...
09/01/2026

🐢 Come visit Tiny Turtle Town! 🐢

Yes, it's as cute as it sounds: the Chico Creek Nature Center has a new enclosure for two special residents named Mulder and Scully.

These two Northwestern Pond Turtles:
❇️ Arrived as hatchlings from the San Francisco Zoo
❇️ Were only the size of quarters
❇️ Spent six months in our care in a specialized habitat
❇️ Can live 50-60 years

Because they were born in captivity, this protected species can't be released into the wild.

If you want to see these adorable reptiles in action, drop by Tiny Turtle Town today!

🐍 Do you know the difference between gopher snakes and rattlesnakes? They look alike, with similar mottled brown body pa...
08/27/2026

🐍 Do you know the difference between gopher snakes and rattlesnakes?

They look alike, with similar mottled brown body patterns, but the similarity is just part of the gopher snake's natural defensive adaptations!

👉 Gopher snakes have pointy tails instead of a rattle and a long, thin body
👉 Rattlesnakes have a rattle and are short and stocky

Both:
✔️ Shake their tail when they feel threatened
✔️ Form a coil and show their fangs
✔️Are found in the same areas throughout California

⚠️ Rattlesnake sightings are on the rise this summer, so it's important to know the difference.

Gopher snakes are harmless, non-venomous, and beneficial to our ecosystem.

Come meet one at the Chico Creek Nature Center!

🎉 Looking for a fun venue for your next birthday? Party with the animals at the Chico Creek Nature Center! Nature Center...
08/27/2026

🎉 Looking for a fun venue for your next birthday?

Party with the animals at the Chico Creek Nature Center!

Nature Center parties are available for all ages and occasions.

It offers 1.5 hours of guided activities, including:

🧺 A reserved outdoor party area for food and festivities
🎨 A theme-based take-home craft
🐰 A visit with our animal ambassadors
🌳 A staff-led walk through the Nature Center’s outdoor spaces
👕 A Nature Center t-shirt for the guest of honor

Find out more and reserve a date here:
https://www.chicorec.gov/nature-center-parties

🪲 Meet the bugs whose adulthood is 7-24 days, or even as little as 24 hours! Certain insects like cicadas, fishflies, ma...
08/25/2026

🪲 Meet the bugs whose adulthood is 7-24 days, or even as little as 24 hours!

Certain insects like cicadas, fishflies, mayflies, and some beetles have short adult lives.

Because of this, many of them don't even eat—they exist solely to breed.

We've seen some great examples of these, like adult cicadas, fishflies, and root beetles, at the Chico Creek Nature Center this summer!

📣 Did you hear the news? CARD's got a brand new program for animal lovers: Animal Care 101!This homeschool program is pe...
08/25/2026

📣 Did you hear the news?

CARD's got a brand new program for animal lovers: Animal Care 101!

This homeschool program is perfect for anyone who wants to:
⭐️ Get a behind-the-scenes look at animal care at the Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum
⭐️ Meet different animals
⭐️ Learn why each animal lives with us

The fun starts on September 25th.

Find out more here: https://www.chicorec.gov/animal-care-101

Address

1968 East 8th Street
San Francisco, CA
CA

Opening Hours

Friday 10am - 1pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+15308954711

Website

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