Welcome 2026 at Micke Grove Zoo!

Happy New Year! One of the best resolutions to start 2026 is visiting the zoo more often. Donations are not the only way to show support; visiting the zoo and spending time learning about the animals is also always appreciated.

A special thank you to everyone who donated items from the Amazon Wish List this holiday season. Those contributions meant a great deal to the animals (just ask JC, the Black and White Ruffed Lemur!). The Amazon Wish List is available year-round so there is still an opportunity to participate.

In addition to wish list donations, we are looking for and accepting real Christmas trees! Trees are provided to the animals for enrichment and must be free of fake snow and decorations. Green, untreated trees may be dropped off directly at Micke Grove Zoo. Please note that tree pickup is not available.

The new year also marks the start of the second half of the school year. The zoo offers education programs for students in grades TK–12, both on-site at the zoo and at local schools. Educators throughout San Joaquin County interested in booking an education program focused on animals, wildlife conservation, and the environment are encouraged to connect with Micke Grove Zoo. For more information, call (209) 331-2138 or contact us via email.

Hello 2026 from Shumway Oak Grove Nature Center!

Start the new year with a little fresh air and a lot of fun! After a brisk stroll along the Miwok or Yokut trails at Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park, swing by the Nature Center to warm up and explore. We’re open every weekend from 12 PM to 4 PM, and there’s always something to discover — from the critters of the Central Valley to the plants that call this place home. Kids under 12 can grab a free Pinecone Bird Seed Feeder Kit to take home and help our feathered friends start their year off right.

And if your New Year’s resolution includes giving back, we’ve got the perfect spot for you! The Oak Grove Docent Council is looking for volunteers. Whether you love gardening, trail maintenance, exhibit design or leading school tours, there’s a place for you on our amazing crew.

Ready to join the fun? Sign up here: Oak Grove Nature Center Volunteer Interest Form

Check out the featured Nature Center event coming later this month: Astronomy In The Park series kicks off on Saturday, January 24 with views of Jupiter, Saturn, the Pleiades and Andromeda Galaxy, among others. For more information on this and other Nature Center events, see the Upcoming Events listings above or visit the website. Please Note: A $6 cash parking fee applies for events. No registration required, pets not permitted.

Astronomy In The Park

Saturday, January 24 at 5:15 PM 
Public Astronomy Talk 3 PM to 4 PM
Nature Center Activities 4 PM to 6 PM



Come explore the planets and stars at the first Astronomy in the Park event of the year! Join us at Shumway Oak Grove Nature Center at 3 PM for a special talk by longtime Stockton Astronomical Society member and Nature Center Docent, Douglas Christensen, titled “What Can You See in the Night Sky Without a Telescope?”. The Nature Center will remain open until the start of Astronomy in the Park at 5:15 PM, feel free to arrive early and enjoy fun, space-themed activities and crafts. These include astronomy word games, coloring pages and even making your own toilet-paper-tube constellation telescope!

New Year, New Faces!

Please join us in welcoming three new members to the Parks & Recreation team!

Frank Boggs (top left) and Julian DeLuca (top right) have joined the Parks Maintenance crew, bringing valuable skills and support to park operations. At Micke Grove Zoo, Andrea Medina (pictured below) is the newest Animal Care Specialist/Zookeeper, helping care for the animals and support daily zoo operations.

We’re excited to have Frank, Julian, and Andrea on board. Welcome to the team!