City of Chico, Parks Division, PALS Volunteers

Stewardship Saturday – Botany in Bidwell Park (Late Season Wildflowers)

Stewardship Saturday is a City of Chico volunteer program designed to connect the community with the natural resources and history of our area. Each event is led by a local expert in fields such as ecology, botany, wildlife, and regional history. These hands-on opportunities invite community members to learn about and care for the landscapes that make Chico so special.

Botany in Bidwell Park: Late Season Wildflowers

Join us for a guided walk focused on the often-overlooked beauty of late season wildflowers in Bidwell Park. While early spring blooms tend to get the spotlight, late spring wildflowers offer a unique and resilient suite of plant species adapted to our Mediterranean climate. Participants will learn how to identify common native plants, understand their ecological roles, and gain a deeper appreciation for how these species persist through the dry season.

This is a great opportunity for beginners and plant enthusiasts alike to slow down, observe closely, and connect with the botanical diversity of Bidwell Park in a new way.

Led by Mitch Bamford, Fire and Flora Manager with the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve, this walk will draw on Mitch’s extensive experience studying and working with local plant communities. Mitch has a long history of botany in the Chico area and is a wealth of knowledge on native plants, fire ecology, and land stewardship.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, May 9th
Time: 9:00-12:00
Location: Parking Lot K (Bear Hole) - Bidwell Park
Distance: 2-4 miles, moderate terrain

Please bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Please wear sturdy walking shoes.

Your RSVP acknowledges that you have read, understand, and agree to the terms outlined in the City of Chico release of liability. Participants under 18 must have a guardian present and complete the required volunteer forms prior to the event.

We love dogs, but please leave them at home for this event.

For more information, please contact lindsay.amundson@chicoca.gov