Chico Creek Nature Center

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

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

🦂 Voices of Nature returns on August 23rd! Discover nature's wild side through CARD's Sunday series. This session spotli...
08/19/2026

🦂 Voices of Nature returns on August 23rd!

Discover nature's wild side through CARD's Sunday series.

This session spotlights the princes of predatory arachnids: Scorpions. 🦂

Learn all about this fascinating creature from passionate guest speakers.

Two sessions are available:
⏰ 10:30-11:30 AM
⏰ 12-1:00 PM

Register here: https://www.chicorec.gov/voices-of-nature

🤳This fall, swap some of your kids' screen time for outdoor time with CARD's Park Explorers Survival Club (PESC) 🎒Young ...
08/14/2026

🤳This fall, swap some of your kids' screen time for outdoor time with CARD's Park Explorers Survival Club (PESC) 🎒

Young adventurers will get out and explore the wilds of Bidwell Park on guided excursions.

They'll learn valuable nature skills, make new friends, and build confidence.

CARD offers three different levels:
👣 Trackers, 1st-3rd grade
👀 Pathfinders, 4th-5th grade
🏔️ Trailblazers, 6th-8th grade

PESC hits the trail starting on September 15th!

Find out more here:
https://www.chicorec.gov/park-explorer-survival-clubs-pesc

🍦 This weekend, Saturday, August 15: Treat yourself to a FREE scoop of Shubert's Ice Cream at the Nature Center Ice Crea...
08/14/2026

🍦 This weekend, Saturday, August 15: Treat yourself to a FREE scoop of Shubert's Ice Cream at the Nature Center Ice Cream Social (while supplies last)! 🍦

Bring your family and friends to the Chico Creek Nature Center from 10 AM to 1 PM for a fun-filled afternoon of:
🖌️ Crafts
🎲 Games
🦎 An animal ambassador visit
🦘 Bounce Houses
🎨 Face Painting
🚶🏽‍➡️ Nature Walks
🌿 Entry to the Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum

It's the perfect way to spend a summer Saturday!

Find out more info here:
https://www.chicorec.gov/ice-cream

🍂 NEW Fall Sessions are here! 🍂This autumn, spend an hour exploring natural wonders with your child at Nature Tots! Mak...
08/13/2026

🍂 NEW Fall Sessions are here! 🍂

This autumn, spend an hour exploring natural wonders with your child at Nature Tots!

Make Saturday special with storytime, songs, and crafts at the Chico Creek Nature Center.

Participants and their guardians will also get to enjoy an animal presentation and a nature walk together.

🍁 Saturdays, Aug 22 – Dec 19
🍁 Ages 2-5
🍁 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

The cost is $10 per child per Saturday, with one accompanying adult at no extra charge.

Register here:
https://www.chicorec.gov/nature-tots

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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