A New Family Day at Sunnylands Invites Guests to Find Inspiration Through Trees and Nature featured image

A New Family Day at Sunnylands Invites Guests to Find Inspiration Through Trees and Nature

News from: Sunnylands Center & Gardens

Exploring creativity through trees and other gifts of nature takes center stage in a free Family Day celebrating the new exhibition, Curating Canopy: Trees at Sunnylands.

On Sunday, Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests are invited to participate in a number of nature- and tree-focused activities at Sunnylands Center & Gardens.

“We will be planting seeds of knowledge through fun, community-led activities,” said Rhoda Coscetti, Sunnylands community programs specialist.

The following activities will be available:

  • Guided bird walks with expert birder Kurt Leuschner at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. The one-hour walks introduce guests to the many migratory bird species in the Sunnylands gardens.
  • Participation in a collaborative cardboard Aleppo pine tree sculpture with the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery
  • Creating Epsom salt bath mixtures with soap retailer it refills using eucalyptus and grapefruit essential oils inspired by Sunnylands trees.
  • Palma Correcaminos: Using origami-like techniques with local artist Carlos Camacho to transform a palm tree frond into a roadrunner.
  • Creating a nature mandala ornament using handpicked material from Sunnylands trees with Julia Briest Art.
  • Learning to count rings on a real tree slice to solve mysteries of the past with SteamRocket.
  • Join Isaac Vargas from Dawggonebad to create canopy-themed lino prints on canvas totes.
  • Wood art display by Desert Dude Woodworks and half-hour lathing demonstrations scheduled at the start of each hour from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Color in prints on wood rounds cut from eucalyptus, mesquite, and olive trees found on the Sunnylands estate.

Throughout the day, guests may also view the exhibition, Curating Canopy: Trees at Sunnylands, which showcases the thousands of trees that shaped the landscape of the historic Annenberg estate, completed in 1966, and the Center & Gardens, which was opened in 2012. The exhibition features the photography of London-based photographer David Loftus. An accompanying catalogue by Center & Gardens Director Michaeleen Gallagher details the selection of trees at Sunnylands.

Family Day activities are free of charge. Admission and parking are free. Reservations are not required.

Most activities take place outdoors, weather permitting. Sun protection and water are recommended.

Sunnylands Center & Gardens is located at 37977 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage.