If you’ve headed out to hike around Alamere Falls or elsewhere from the Palomarin trailheads at the coast, you’ve likely driven by the Bolinas lagoon. Here’s an opportunity to get out and explore the preserve itself. Check out the release below from Audubon Canyon Ranch:

“AUDUBON CANYON RANCH’S BOLINAS LAGOON PRESERVE NOW OPEN FOR 2010 PUBLIC SEASON PRESERVE FEATURES EGRET & HERON NESTING, HIKING TRAILS & WILDFLOWERS

Stinson Beach, CA – Audubon Canyon Ranch (ACR), a leader in conservation science, regional habitat protection and restoration and hands-on environmental education programs for kids and adults, announced its 1,000-acre Bolinas Lagoon Preserve is open now through July 11, 2010, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weekday access (Tuesday-Friday) is available by appointment.

Bolinas Lagoon Preserve hosts one of the most studied Great Blue Heron and Great Egret nesting sites on the West Coast. The preserve averages about 100 active nest sites yearly in a grove of redwoods on the property. Each month during public season, visitors can witness different stages of the heron and egret nesting cycle including courting rituals, eggs, chicks and first flights.

Visitors can also enjoy eight miles of hiking trails, featuring wildlife viewing platforms, wildflowers, newt ponds, a picnic area, a well-stocked nature bookstore and an education hall.

In addition to 2010 public season, Bolinas Lagoon Preserve hosts elementary students from across the Bay Area throughout the school year as part of its free, curriculum-based environmental education program. ACR’s conservation science and habitat protection and restoration programs are ongoing at the Preserve.

ACR’s Bolinas Lagoon Preserve is located three miles north of Stinson Beach on Highway 1 in Marin County, and 30 miles north of San Francisco. Admission to Bolinas Lagoon Preserve is free, though a suggested donation of $15 is appreciated.

For more information call 415-868-9244 or visit www.egret.org”