It can be rewarding to head out on your own to one of the many hiking trails that crisscross the rugged wilderness of Humboldt County, soaking in the amazing diversity of plant and animal life — but it can be difficult to get a scientific understanding of all the things you're seeing along the way. If you're interested in learning about the things around you, sign up for a guided nature tour. A number of guides offer their expert service and experience to curious visitors of Humboldt County.

Friends of the Arcata Marsh (FOAM) offer free 90-minute tours of the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary every Saturday at 2 pm, rain or shine. Trained volunteers cover subjects such as Marsh birds, plants, history, ecology, and wastewater treatment.
WHERE: Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center, 569 South G St., Arcata
MORE INFO: 707-826-2359, ArcataMarshFriends.org

The Redwood Region Audubon Society offers birding and other natural history trips to virtually every corner of northwestern California. The chapter leads free monthly guided birding tours at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Eureka Waterfront Trail and every Saturday at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.
MORE INFO: rras.org/home.aspx

Take a deeper dive into Humboldt Redwoods State Park by walking with a ranger. Learn about the natural and cultural history of the plants and landscapes. Most walks are scheduled near the Visitor's Center at the Gould Nature Loop or 4 miles further north on the Avenue at the Founder's Grove. Ask the staff at the Visitor Center for more informaton on times and availability.
MORE INFO: 707-946-2263, humboldtredwoods.org