You might have heard talk about keystone species and the role they play to keep ecosystems healthy and sustainable. There’s a pretty reasonable argument to make that in California, nothing anchors the ecosystem quite like an oak tree. They’ve been vital to the livelihood of a broad spectrum of animals, from squirrels to humans.

Marin County Parks is hosting an in-nature event at Deer Island this Sunday, October 24th, to discuss the vital role they play in the local ecosystem. Bring lunch and binoculars.

Location: Deer Island Preserve

Directions: Meet at the gate on Deer Island Ln in Novato. From Hwy 101 in Novato, take the exit for Atherton Ave east 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Olive Ave and left onto Deer Island Ln. The gate is on your right.