From our interactive school education programs to our scout programs and publicly accessible nature centers, the Conservancy’s goal is to educate and inspire the next generation of conservationists and Peninsula stewards.
Our many programs, experiences and research projects provide students and lifetime learners with hands-on, science-based experiences in nature so that they can better understand the history of the Peninsula and the vital role they play in protecting and preserving it.
The Conservancy manages two Nature Centers: the George F Canyon Preserve and the White Point Nature Preserve. These Nature Centers offer an array of activities that inspire people of all ages to connect to nature, including the following activities:
The George F Canyon Nature Center building is currently closed for construction. The City of Rolling Hills Estates hopes to soon break ground on an exciting new, state-of-the-art Nature Center building. We are grateful for your patience and support during this transition and will continue to keep the community updated on the progress. The George F Canyon Nature Center has a 1.6-mile trail that winds through shaded riparian woodland habitat and coastal sage scrubland. The canyon trail remains open, and Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy programming, such as monthly hikes and scout badges, will continue.
Nature Center Hours:
Currently closed for construction
Trail Hours: Dawn until dusk, daily
Location: 27305 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. View Google Map
Contact: (310) 541-7613
The White Point Nature Center is located on a beautifully restored 102-acre preserve. It is housed in a renovated former military structure surrounded by a California native plant demonstration garden. Inside, multimedia exhibits move visitors through a timeline of that tell the story of White Point’s cultural and natural history, spanning the Pleistocene age through the present.
Nature Center Hours: Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays 10-3:30pm
Trail Hours: Dawn until dusk, daily
Location: 1600 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731
Access via Western Avenue only. Free parking lot.
Contacts: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday (310) 561-0917
The 3rd Grade Naturalist Program was launched by the Conservancy in 1994 to help connect local students, parents and teachers with the natural world here on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Through classroom instruction and outdoor experiences, this program continues as a thriving tradition in our local schools, ensuring generations of community members grow up with awareness of the natural world that surrounds us and commitment to the stewardship of our local natural resources.
White Point Nature Preserve offers scenic trails, a native plant garden, and an engaging nature center. On Wednesdays (by reservation only), our staff will provide a brief, age-appropriate welcome. Afterward, explore the nature center and trails. We provide trip-planning support, including digital maps and wildlife guides. Self-guided field trips are free but require pre-registration and adequate supervision to protect students and habitats.
For more information contact: Education Director Holly Gray at email: hgray@pvplc.org
The volunteer internship program offers opportunities to gain practical experience in the ecological restoration field while making a positive impact on the environment. Conservancy internships provide hands-on professional development and mentorship opportunities that allow interns to contribute meaningfully to ecological restoration and land conservation efforts.
The Conservancy offers guided Scout hikes, badge programs and Eagle, Gold or Silver Award Projects
Nature Backpacks
Borrow backpacks loaded with information, field guides, fun activities and equipment to help visitors’ ages pre-k through adult enjoy nature through experiential activities. The packs are available for loan during open hours Wed, Sat, Sun 10 – 3:30 pm.
We’re doing a little trail maintenance on our website! Thanks for hanging tight while we improve your online experience. If you need assistance, email us at info@pvplc.org.
