Read, Hike and Connect: NFY Outdoor Book Club November Meeting

Read, Hike & Connect: California Buckeye & Western Fence Lizard @ Pelanconi Park

You can join the monthly 2026-2027 NFY Outdoor Book Club at any time! For this session, you are invited to read the chapters on “California Buckeye” and “Western Fence Lizard” from our book, Secrets of the Oak Woodlands. We will discuss the book on a 1-2 mile easy hike, where we will observe Buckeye trees and fence lizards in person. For the final 15-30 minutes of the event we will sit underneath an oak tree with guided breathwork and meditation.

Meet at the picnic area next to the parking lot. Parking is free.

Please dress in layers and bring water and a blanket, chair or mat for the meditation portion.

The NFY Outdoor Book Club is a place to learn more about the land we are on and connect to humans and non-humans alike through the magic of books and real-world exploration. We will visit locations throughout Orange County (and beyond!) to seek out wildife celebrities from our book IRL.

For 2026-2027, we will be reading “Secrets of the Oak Woodlands: Plants & Animals Among California’s Oaks” by Kate Marianchild. Purchase a signed copy of the book directly from Kate: https://www.katemarianchild.com/buybooks/. This book introduces the reader to the magical community of the oak and its neighbors such as coyote, acorn woodpecker, toyon and many more. This book is great for those who are new to the characters in our local oak woodlands and also offers a great deal of information for seasoned naturalists.

Each month will offer:

a selection from the book to be read beforehand;

a hike to talk about the reading and look for evidence of the plants and animals we have read about;

and a meditation practice in relationship with an oak tree, the keystone species of the oak woodland!

All ages welcome, everyone over the age of 6 requires a ticket. No one turned away for lack of funds. Led by Heather Westenhofer, professional meditation instructor and certified naturalist.

Questions: heatherwestenhofer@gmail.com

All proceeds benefit the fight to Save Orange Hills!

Planned 2026-2027 NFY Outdoor Book Club Meeting Dates:

2026:

September 13, 5-7pm

October 18, 4-6pm

November 22, 3-5pm

2027:

January 24, 3-5pm

February 21, 4-6pm

March 21, 5-7pm

April 18, 5-7pm

May 16, 6-8pm

June 6, 6-8pm

July 11, 6-8pm

August 15, 6-8pm