George F Canyon
Nature Center and Trail

The 36-acre George F. Canyon Nature Center is owned by the City of Rolling Hills Estates and operated by the Conservancy. A nature trail passes through one of the most pristine and beautiful of the many canyons on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Visitors can walk or ride on horseback through willow-riparian and coastal sage scrub habitats, culminating in a view of the Los Angeles basin.

The Nature Center and the Stein/Hale Nature Trail comprise the George F Canyon Nature Park and Preserve.

The George F Canyon Nature Center provides educational and recreational programs which invite the community to enjoy and learn more about the natural beauty and wildlife of George F Canyon. The Nature Center provides a variety of changing exhibits and programs so that our community is offered a fresh look at the canyon with every visit. Exhibits focus on themes such as butterflies, birds of the canyon, insests, plant habitats, animals and wildflowers.

This 36-acre park was generously contributed to the city of Rolling Hills Estates by Robert and Roland Stein, Sandra Stein Haveson and Arthur Hale Sr. in Memory of David N. Stein, Francis H. Stein and Marie D. Hale. The Stein/Hale Nature Trail was dedicated in May 1993. The Nature Center was opened in June 1996. In Spring 1997 the trail was improved by the addition of an entrance Kiosk and a drinking fountain, two viewing decks, a tracking station, several interpretive signs along the trail, and increased parking. Visitors may explore our natural environment through a variety of lectures, field trips and hands-on experiences. Walking tours of the canyon may be arranged for schools, scouts and other organized groups. And our Birthday Safari is a popular way to celebrate a child's special day.

Eschscholzia californica var. maritima

Normally found in grassy, open areas, the Coastal California poppy found on the Peninsula flowers more yellow than the typical orange California poppy. Place in full sun. They can be used on hillsides to prevent soil erosion, spreading 3’ in diameter and up to 2’ in height. When mature, the seed vessel opens with a pop and throws the seed some distance.

Lupinus succulentus

Lupine is an important nectar plant on the PV Peninsula, especially for the Painted Lady butterfly. Lupine does well in partial shade, but can handle full sun. Flowers in spring, but well-watered Lupines will flower throughout the summer. Predominantly grows in open or disturbed areas, and as a member in the pea family, restores nitrogen in the soil. The plant may grow up to 2’ in height.

Layla platyglossa

This annual wildflower is called tidy tips. Its outer ray flowers are bright golden yellow with distinct, white tips. It is a member of spring wildflower blooms in meadows and grasslands, found throughout California's low-elevation dry habitats, from the coast to the low foothills.

Lasthenia californica

People still use this flower as a fortune teller of love – “love me, love me not.” California goldenfields is an annual, spreading, 2 to 10 inches tall, spreading up to 18 inches. Part of the sunflower family, this plant is not a self pollinator, but breeds with other individuals. As the disk florets open, they shoot out pollen, which insects such as flies, bees, beetles, and moths carry away to pollinate other flowers.

Sisyrinchium Bellum

Blue-eyed grass is a 1' perennial that has 1” blue flowers and iris-like leaves in January - June. It is widely distributed in California on open, grassy slopes. It likes full sun and garden water. The plant is good for covering slopes and may die back to the ground in the summer months. It typically grows to about 6-8" tall and will bloom in the spring and sporadically throughout the year.

Directions

George F. Canyon is located at the southwest corner of Palos Verdes Drive East and Palos Verdes Drive North. The Nature Center is open Friday 1 pm - 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 4 pm, other days by appointment.

27305 Palos Verdes Drive East
Rolling Hills Estates CA 90274
310-547-0862

More Information

• Activities at George F Canyon
• Aerial Photo
• Birthday Safaris
• George F Canyon Annual Report 2007