Public Programs
APRIL PROGRAMS
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Before Native Plants Were Trendy:
The Gardens at the Long Beach Ranchos Exploration Talk Thursday, April 23 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM; Doors open at 5:30 PM $10 per person, Free for Members; Free onsite parking. This talk explores how Rancho Los Cerritos and Rancho Los Alamitos became early adopters of California native plants - shaped by designers like Ralph D. Cornell and plant pioneers like Theodore Payne and Allen Chickering. Drawing from each site’s living collections, Rancho Los Alamitos' Deputy Director, Andrew Chaves, and Rancho Los Cerritos' Horticulture Manager, Amanda Chaves, will highlight the native plants that have proven resilient over time and continue to thrive in Southern California’s climate. The Exploration Talk series occurs on the fourth Thursday of the month, every other month. The remaining dates are June 25, August 27, and October 22. Photos in slideshow from Theodore Payne Foundation, Amanda Chaves, Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation, and Margarete Villalobos. |
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Take a Part in the City Nature Challenge!
Saturday, April 25 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Free admission, drop-in any time. RSVPs recommended. Are you up for a challenge? Rancho Los Alamitos is participating again in the City Nature Challenge (CNC) and we want you to join us! The CNC is an annual four-day global bioblitz from April 24th through the 27th, where cities are in a collaboration-meets-friendly-competition to find and document wildlife in their own cities. This is where we need you. Help us count wildlife on our grounds. Join us for self-guided scavenger hunts and pick up some free giveaway items to be help you be a community scientist! Stop by our special pop-up booth and chat with staff and volunteers about the challenge along with information about monarch butterflies and urban wildlife at the Rancho. |
MAY PROGRAMS
Example from Tiger Blossom Studio
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Ikebana with Tiger Blossom Studio
Workshop Sunday, May 3, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM $120 per person, $115 per member Free onsite parking. All materials included. Join us for a guided botanical art experience led by Tiger Blossom Studio. Rooted in principles of Japanese ikebana, mindfulness, and sensory awareness, this workshop invites participants to slow down and engage with the natural world through creative practice. Set within the Rancho’s historic gardens, participants will explore floral arranging as a way to connect with place, seasonality, and personal expression. Through observation and hands-on work with natural materials, the workshop offers a space for reflection, creativity, and connection. This workshop is open to all experience levels and offers a welcoming environment for both beginners and those with an established creative practice. Includes all materials including the tools to continue this practice on your own. For ages 18 years and up. We will hold an Ikebana workshop for kids later this year. |
Native Garden
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Forest Bathing: A Sensory Experience
Saturday, May 9, 2026 and Sunday, June 7, 2026 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM $30 per person, $25 per member, per session Free onsite parking. All materials included. Join us for a guided sensory experience with certified Forest Therapy Guide, Meghan Pinyan. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing means taking in nature through your senses. These slow and mindful walks offer an immersive sensory experience to explore your unique relationship with the earth. The walk begins with a grounding exploration to awaken the senses, followed by a series of crafted invitations to wander using your senses to explore the natural world. The walks are slow and at a gentle pace with periods of silence and reflection. The group will conclude with tea and snacks. Space is limited. Due to the slow and meditative nature of this walk, it is recommended for those for ages 16 years and up. There is one ticket left for Saturday, May 9th, and tickets available for our Sunday, June 7th date. |
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Cool Crafts
April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, and August 13 Next date: Thursday, May 14 2nd Thursday of the Month from April through August 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM Free admission and onsite parking. No reservations required. At our Cool Crafts Roundup, participants will get the opportunity to hear stories, roll up their sleeves, and be creative! Crafts and stories are inspired by the environment around the Rancho and offer a multitude of perspectives to create a meaningful and engaging experience. New hands-on activities every month. Open to all ages. First come, first served basis. |
SUMMER PROGRAMS
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Summer Concert Series - Save the dates!
Sunday, June 28 and Sunday, August 23 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM; Doors open at 4:30 PM $5 per person, free shuttle parking at CSULB Lot G13. Celebrate summer at the Rancho with family-friendly concerts highlighting local performers and community partnerships. Tickets will be made available soon. |
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POSTPONED
Tennis on the Historic Court: Community Play Want to play tennis on the Rancho’s historic court? Now is your chance. Join us for a special, one-of-a-kind morning of tennis on our historic court, surrounded by our beautiful gardens. Select a one-hour reservation session and participate in relaxed, community-style play. 562 Tennis coaches Rachael Stone and Mercy Tran will organize games, rotate players, and ensure everyone has a chance to play on the court. After your session, you are welcome to stay and enjoy the grounds to socialize and take in the historic gardens. Please check back here at a later time for the new date. |