Exploring creativity through trees and nature will be the focus of a free Family Day event at Sunnylands Center & Gardens on Sunday, February 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is designed to celebrate the new exhibition, Curating Canopy: Trees at Sunnylands.
Guests can participate in several activities centered around nature and trees. These include guided bird walks led by expert birder Kurt Leuschner at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., collaborative art projects such as building a cardboard Aleppo pine tree sculpture with S.C.R.A.P. Gallery, and creating Epsom salt bath mixtures inspired by Sunnylands trees with local soap retailer it refills.
Other scheduled activities involve transforming palm tree fronds into roadrunner figures with artist Carlos Camacho, making nature mandala ornaments from materials found on the estate with Julia Briest Art, and learning to count rings on real tree slices with SteamRocket. Attendees can also join Isaac Vargas from Dawggonebad for canopy-themed lino printing on canvas totes, view wood art displays by Desert Dude Woodworks with lathing demonstrations throughout the morning, and color prints on wood rounds sourced from trees at Sunnylands.
Rhoda Coscetti, community programs specialist at Sunnylands, said, “We will be planting seeds of knowledge through fun, community-led activities.”
Throughout the day, visitors may view the Curating Canopy: Trees at Sunnylands exhibition. The exhibit highlights thousands of trees that have shaped both the historic Annenberg estate—completed in 1966—and the Center & Gardens opened in 2012. It features photography by London-based photographer David Loftus and includes an accompanying catalogue written by Michaeleen Gallagher, Director of Center & Gardens.
All Family Day activities are free to attend; admission and parking are also free and reservations are not required. Most events will take place outdoors depending on weather conditions. Sun protection and water are recommended for attendees.
Sunnylands Center & Gardens is located at 37977 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage.
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber supports local businesses across communities such as Rancho Mirage through advocacy efforts, networking opportunities, educational resources, and hosting events that connect community members. The chamber promotes economic growth by fostering collaboration among businesses, government entities, and stakeholders in the region as outlined on its official website.
