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Exploring Gender and Sexual Diversity in Nature
In celebration of Pride Month, join a welcoming guided experience at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. This program includes a one-hour interpretive walk through the Gardens, followed by a relaxed gathering and ice cream social at the Vegetable Garden.
As we move along the Garden paths, we will explore the remarkable ways gender and sexual diversity appear throughout the plant and animal world. Nature has a far more expansive story to tell than many expect, and this walk invites curiosity, reflection, and discovery.
The program concludes with a sweet finish, featuring ice cream generously provided by Rhody’s Garden Cafe.
While enjoying dessert, guests will join a conversation and book signing with special guest Hunter Rook, founder of Rowdy Ferret Design. Hunter is the illustrator and lead author for the GENDER book Project. He lives in Caspar with his human family, 6 dogs, 40 sheep, and 2 goats.
A celebration of nature, identity, and community, this program offers space to learn, connect, and enjoy the Gardens in full bloom.
The Details
The walk will begin at the main entrance to the Gardens.
We recommend bringing along a refillable water bottle, a notebook, a pen, and a camera if desired.
Be prepared for the weather with appropriate layers.
We will cover some ground across a variety of terrain (gravel, grass, uneven surfaces). For your comfort and safety, we recommend sturdy, comfortable footwear or ensuring your mobility device is suited for natural terrain
Recommended Reading & Resources
the GENDER book by Hunter Rook, Jay Mays, and Robin Mack
Dr. Tatiana’s Sex Advice to All Creation by Olivia Judson
Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality by Eliot Schrefer
Registration
This walk is free with regular Gardens admission, which is included in the registration fee. Current MCBG Members can join for free (sign in to activate your discount and save your spot)! We offer a range of discounted admission options—including rates for military guests, seniors, and individuals with an EBT card—so that the Gardens remain as accessible as possible.
Registration for the walk can be made in advance online or in The Garden Store. All fees are non-refundable unless the walk has been canceled or rescheduled by the Gardens. Proceeds support our nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
General Admission Rates
Member of the Gardens — FREE — Join today!
Member’s Guest (MCBG Member must be present) — $11
Adult age 18+ — $24
Senior age 65+ — $19
Junior age 6–17 — $9
Children age 5 and younger — FREE
Discounted Admission Rates
Available when purchased in person at the Gardens. Please be ready to present the requested proof to our Admissions Staff.
Local Resident (present proof of Mendocino County residency) — $11
Military Personnel (present military ID) — $13
Museums for All (present EBT or WIC card) — $3
AHS Reciprocal Members (present proof of current membership) — FREE
ROAM Reciprocal Members (present proof of current membership) — FREE
Meet Your Guides
Leslie Krongold
Leslie Krongold, Ed.D., brings a rich background in media production and patient advocacy to her work as a storyteller and educator. She is the producer of Glass Half Full, an audio podcast and YouTube series that explores resilience, healing, and lived experience through conversation and narrative.
Jessica Nussbaum
MCBG Volunteer and integrated marketing consultant, Jessica Nussbaum, is passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive community experiences. Along with her spouse, Leslie Krongold, she helped reimagine the Moai Walks into accessible “walk and roll” gatherings designed to be barrier-free and open to participants of all mobility levels.
Claire Buckley
MCBG Volunteer, Claire Buckley, spends time in the Vegetable Garden and supports causes close to the community, including food security, regenerative agriculture, services for older adults, LGBTQ rights, and behavioral health. She brings a thoughtful, service-oriented perspective to her work at the Gardens.
Liz O’Hara
MCBG Volunteer and Board President, Liz O’Hara, offers leadership grounded in a career in science and biotechnology, along with long-standing volunteer service and Master Gardener experience. She is especially passionate about the Gardens’ role as a place of beauty, learning, and community connection—particularly when visitors experience the Mendocino Coast for the first time.
Sarah DeAngelo
MCBG Outreach Manager, Sarah DeAngelo works to expand community engagement and deepen connections between the Gardens and the public. She brings a focus on accessibility, education, and inclusive programming that welcomes visitors of all backgrounds.
Contact us
If you have any questions about accessibility or our Education Program, call us at 707-964-4352 ext 113 or email administration@gardenbythesea.org.
