W • Heavyraincancelshikeactivities unless access,youareadvised • Ifyouhaveinternet • ampledrinkingwaterwith Carry For allhikes,wearbootsorsturdywalking • To EnsureYour ExperienceisEnjoyable, PleaseReviewthisInformation ACTIVITY GUIDELINES GENERALINFORMATION March–AprilMay | SPRING 2020 Activities Outdoor enjoy theMidpeninsulaRegional circumstances, ortheslower allow extratimeinyourscheduleforunusual averages basedonourexperience – always Activities inside variety ofadventuresoffered inthewide encourage youtoparticipate redwood foreststobayshoreline.We protectedopenspace,from permanently includenearly65,000acresof preserves These26extraordinary District preserves. trail conditions. be altereddue to weatherand hike options – route orduration may anddiscuss plan tomeetparticipants go tothemeetingplace.Docents will there islightrainorthethreat ofrain, noted inthedescription.If otherwise closed withlittlenotice. activities mustbecancelledortrails activity.out toadocent-led Occasionally possible notifi cations beforeheading Activities andTrail Conditions – for to checktheDistrictwebsite – Outdoor sunscreen) andconsiderinsectrepellent. Bringsunprotection(hat, preserves. you – water isnotavailableon fog, orsun! season itis,bepreparedforrain,wind, can beunpredictable.Nomatterwhat sweater,shirt, and/orjacket).Theweather in orbringlayers(T-shirt, long-sleeved shoes appropriateforruggedtrails.Dress of explorationinmind,weinviteyouto ith thisnewsletterinhandandasense . Theactivitydurationslistedare pace of Open S Outdoor some pace • Pleasecarpool ifpossible.Parkingis • Restroomsarenotavailable atall andmake stayalert, • Pleasebecourteous, • Hikers yieldtohorses; • Equestriansmustprovidetheirownhorses • Foramountainbikeorhorsebackride, areencouragedtomake • Participants 8:30am to5:00pm. weekdays, the Districtat650-691-1200 District’s websiteatopenspace.org,orphone about thevolunteerdocentprogram,visit withyou.Formoreinformation cultural history time tosharetheirknowledgeofnaturaland training program.Thesedocentsvolunteertheir Naturalists whohavecompletedanextensive All activitiesaredevelopedandledbyDocent are FREE;somerequirereservations. foreachactivity.a promptstart Theactivities groups. Pleasearrivealittle limited inmany locations. please planaccordingly.preserves; approaching frombehind. whenwell inadvance,particularly your presenceknowntoother trailusers 5 mphwhenpassing). speed limits(15mphmax; trail and horses.Observe bicyclists yieldtohikers riders underage18. byall horses, andhelmetsmustbeworn breast collarsarerecommendedforall (no stallions).Leadlinesarerequiredand activity willcancelit. heavy rainwithintwodayspriortothe or threateningweatherconditions. and willingnesstodriveorhikeinstormy safety,personal decisionsoncomfort, 3 MIDPENINSULAREGIONALOPENSPACE DISTRICT early to ensure

Karl Gohl Karl Gohl Space Preserve byJack Gescheidt Space Preserve Header photo:Picchetti RanchOpen considered for your group. arrangements mayneedtobe or [email protected] discuss inadvanceat650-625-6536 and EducationProgramManager to please contacttheInterpretation activitylistedhere, a docent-led people whowouldliketoattend If youhaveagroupof8ormore Special Note Monte BelloOpenSpacePreserve Russian RidgeOpenSpacePreserve RUSSIAN RIDGE WHERE TO MEET Meet at the main Preserve parking lot on the northwest corner of the Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) and Page Mill/ Directions to preserves featured in this season’s schedule of Outdoor Activities are listed below. Some preserves have more than one access point. Some activities meet Alpine Road intersection (across Skyline at different locations than where the activity will actually occur. If an activity does not Blvd. on the right). Those traveling from meet at the preserve listed, or if there is more than one preserve access point, the I-280 on Page Mill Rd. should allow alternate meeting location will be indicated in italics on a separate line following approximately 40 minutes travel time. the preserve name as part of the activity header. (For example: Skyline Ridge Mindego Gateway parking lot: Continue Meet: Russian Ridge or Russian Ridge Meet: Caltrans vista point). If no information follows the preserve name, then refer to the detailed directions for the preserve or on Alpine Road past the main Preserve alternate meeting location listed below. parking lot for another 1.5 miles. The Mindego Gateway parking lot is on Note: Restrooms are not always available; please plan accordingly. the right. Allow 45 minutes travel PLEASE CHECK THE LISTED DESCRIPTION TO MAKE SURE YOU MEET YOUR time from I-280. ACTIVITY LEADER AT THE CORRECT LOCATION. SIERRA AZUL Jacques Ridge parking lot: Meet at the parking lot located near the intersection DANIELS NATURE CENTER PICCHETTI RANCH Park at the Russian Ridge Preserve parking of Hicks Road and Mt. Umunhum Road From the intersection of I-280 and Foothill in San Jose. Exit Highway 85 at Camden lot on the northwest corner of the Skyline Expressway, go 3.5 miles southwest Boulevard (Highway 35) and Page Mill/ Avenue. (From northbound Hwy. 85 turn (toward the mountains) on Foothill left on Branham Avenue and then turn left Alpine Road intersection (across Skyline Boulevard/Stevens Canyon Road. Turn Blvd. on the right). Walk to Alpine Pond at on Camden Ave. and from southbound right on Montebello Road. The Preserve Hwy. 85 turn left on Camden Ave.) Travel Skyline Ridge Preserve by going through is 0.5 miles up Montebello Rd. on the left. the tunnel under Alpine Rd. The Nature on Camden Ave. about 1.6 miles. Turn Center is a small gray building on the PULGAS RIDGE right on Hicks Rd. and travel for about east shore of Alpine Pond. From I-280, exit Edgewood Road. Drive 6.3 miles. Turn right on Mt. Umunhum Rd. 0.75 miles on Edgewood Rd. toward San The Preserve parking lot will be on the right. EDGEWOOD COUNTY PARK OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • SPRING 2020 Carlos/Redwood City. Turn left (north) on SKYLINE RIDGE Meet at the parking lot for Edgewood Crestview Drive, then immediately turn left Meet at the Preserve parking lot on County Park on Old Stage Coach Road. on Edmonds Road. Follow Edmonds Rd. Exit I-280 at Edgewood Road. Head east Skyline Boulevard located one mile south to the Preserve parking lot entrance on of the Skyline Blvd. (Highway 35) and on Edgewood Rd. for about 1.0 mile to the right. the park entrance on the right. Page Mill/Alpine Road intersection. After PURISIMA CREEK REDWOODS entering the Preserve, turn right and go LONG RIDGE Purisima Creek Road entrance: From the to the farthest parking lot. Those traveling Peters Creek Trailhead: Meet at the Highway 92 and Highway 1 intersection from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. should allow roadside pullout area on the west side in Half Moon Bay, travel south on Hwy. 1 approximately 45 minutes travel time. of Skyline Boulevard, 3.6 miles north of approximately 4.3 miles. Turn left on Equestrian parking lot: After entering Highway 9 or 3.3 miles south of Page Verde Road. After turning on Verde Rd. the Preserve, proceed to the farthest Mill Road. If you are coming from the and traveling 0.25 miles, continue straight parking lot on the left. Those traveling north on Skyline Blvd., the pullout is just to remain on what becomes Purisima from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. should allow past Portola Heights Road on the right. Creek Road. (Verde Rd. splits off to approximately 45 minutes travel time. From the south, the pullout is near the the right.) Travel approximately Palo Alto city limits sign on the right. 3.7 miles on Purisima Creek Rd. There is additional parking across to reach the Preserve. Skyline Blvd. at the Grizzly Flat trailhead (Santa Clara County Park). LOS TRANCOS Meet at the Preserve parking lot on Page Mill Road (across from Monte Bello Preserve), 7 miles west of I-280 or 1.5 miles east of Skyline Boulevard. Those traveling from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. should allow approximately 35 minutes travel time. Matthew Findling MONTE BELLO Meet at the Preserve parking lot on Page Mill Road (across from Los Trancos Preserve), 7 miles west of Long Ridge Open Space Preserve Libbi Wu I-280 or 1.5 miles east of Skyline Boulevard. Those traveling from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. should allow approximately 35 minutes travel time. Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve 4 ST. JOSEPH’S HILL THORNEWOOD THORNEWOOD (continued) Lexington Reservoir Dam: Meet at the From I-280, take the Highway 84/ Alternatively, from the junction of County boat launch parking lot next Woodside Road exit. Follow Hwy. 84/ Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) to the Lexington Reservoir Dam. From Woodside Rd. through Woodside and and Hwy. 84 in Sky Londa, take southbound Highway 17, take the Bear then to a junction with Portola Road Hwy. 84/La Honda Road north Creek Road exit, cross over the highway, at 3.3 miles. Bear right to stay on 1.9 miles and turn right at the brick and go 0.4 miles north on Hwy. 17 to Hwy. 84, now La Honda Road. At wall marked 895-897. Alma Bridge Road. Follow Alma Bridge 4.9 miles from I-280, turn left at a brick Rd. over the top of the dam. Continue wall marked 895-897; look for the District beyond the dam as the road jogs to the sign just inside this gate. The right. Turn right into the parking lot just small parking area is on the before the road veers to the left. A Santa right about 500 feet from Clara County Park parking fee is in effect. the entrance gate. Please Northside lot – Free Limited Parking: do not drive beyond this lot toward Meet at the parking lot located at the to the private residences.

northeast corner of Highway 9 Alex Song and Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos. The sign at the lot says: “Northside lot – Free Limited Parking.” Take Highway 17 south toward Los Gatos. Exit at Hwy. 9-Los Gatos/Saratoga and continue west on Hwy. 9 (approximately 0.33 miles) to the parking lot, located on

your right just before Santa Charlotte Lungren Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve Cruz Ave. Carpool to the activity location. Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • SPRING 2020 KEY TO SYMBOLS

Easy Hike/Walk: Flat to gently rolling hills. Total elevation Dogs on leash: Well-behaved and socialized dogs are gain less than 200 feet. Leisurely pace. Frequent stops. allowed, and must be controlled on a maximum six-foot leash.

Moderate Hike: Steeper or more frequent uphill grades. Total Equestrian Ride: Riders under age 18 must wear a elevation gain 200 to 600 feet. Leisurely to moderate pace. helmet. Lead lines are required and breast collars are Strenuous Hike: Steep hills and/or long distances. Total recommended for horses. Equestrians must provide their elevation gain greater than 600 feet. Moderate to own horses (no stallions). vigorous pace. Reservations required: Reservations for activities Suitable for children: must be accompanied and supervised requiring them will only be accepted within the two by an adult. See the activity description for any additional (2)-week period just before the activity date. To make information. a reservation or a cancellation, visit the District’s Web site www.openspace.org/reservations or call Wheelchair accessible. 650-691-2150 (enter 2). If you provide information prior to the reservation acceptance period, it will not Stroller accessible: Jogger-type suggested. be processed. Please limit your reservation to a maximum of four (4) people. Meal/Snack break: Bring a lunch, dinner, or snack as appropriate.

Easy Nature Ride: Slow, leisurely pace, minimal climbing, Advanced Mountain Bike Ride: Intended for participants and multiple stops to observe nature. with dirt single-track riding experience; competent at climbing and descending steep and rough trails. Moderate Introductory Mountain Bike Ride: Outings include to fast pace, 10+ mile ride on a wide variety of trail demonstration and practice emphasizing trail etiquette conditions. For experienced riders with a high level of and techniques required for dirt riding followed by a physical fitness and excellent endurance. 5- to 7-mile ride on fire roads and single-track trails, with occasional natural history stops. Riders should be in Note: For all rides, bicyclists must wear helmets and bikes good physical condition to perform climbs and descents. must be in good condition, and the participants must be very familiar with the operation of gears and brakes. Mountain Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride: Intended for participants bikes are strongly recommended for all except the Easy Nature with dirt single-track riding experience; able to climb and Rides. Easy Nature, Introductory, and Intermediate Rides descend steep and moderately-rough trails. Recreational include a natural history component that is provided by the ride at a moderate/brisk pace; 8+ miles on a wide range docents during the rest stops. Advanced rides develop and of fire roads and single-track trails. For experienced riders improve mountain bike skills – any natural history discussion in very good physical condition with good endurance. stops are secondary to the overall riding experience.

5 Scenic Aerobic Hike: MARCH Edgewood Park WWW – Wildfl owers, Wednesday • March 11 Wandering and Wine Edgewood County Park • 6mi Sunday • March 1 10:00am to 1:00pm Picchetti Ranch • 4.5mi Join docents Fran Keeler, Huey-Shin Yuan, 10:00am to 1:30pm Nora Sullivan and Mary Brunkhorst for a moderately- It’s spring-time! Join docents Martin paced, exercise focused hike on trails with Manley, Linda Smith, and Lindsay Joye beautiful scenery. Scenic Aerobic hikes are for a hike to discover wildfl owers that offered at different preserves every second were ushered in by winter rains. En route Long Ridge Open Space Preserve Wednesday. The route of each hike will be you’ll see the varieties of plant communities determined by the docents based on current found in this relatively small preserve Hiking and Mindfulness trail and weather conditions. and search for creatures inhabiting the Saturday • March 7 seasonal pond. Bring a lunch to enjoy at Long Ridge • 2.5mi Signs of Spring the picnic tables down by Stevens Creek. 10:00am to 1:00pm Friday • March 13 At the end of the hike you will have the Pulgas Ridge • 4.25mi Take a moment, or a few, for mindfulness option for a little wine tasting on your 9:00am to 12:00pm own at the Picchetti Winery. (Note: a on this leisurely hike along the Peters shortened version of this hike will go Creek and Long Ridge Trails where you’ll Join docents Liz Foreman and Lindsay ahead in light or moderate rain– it can stop to share and practice mindfulness Joye to explore for signs that spring has be a wonderful time to see this Preserve strategies among the trees with docents arrived, including viewing of an array of if you have good raingear.) Anna Lee and Marie Faust Evitt. Please wildfl owers. You’ll travel the Blue Oak and bring your lunch and something to sit on. Dick Bishop Trails and also climb to the top of a ridge on the Dusky-footed Woodrat Earthquake Walk Astride the Sleeping Giant Trail to take in views of the Bay and Sunday • March 1 surrounding hills. There will be an elevation Los Trancos • 2-3mi Sunday • March 8

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • SPRING 2020 gain of about 600 feet, on this moderately- 2:00pm to 4:30pm Los Trancos • 2mi 2:00pm to 5:00pm paced outing with some uneven terrain. Join docents Lyle Rice and Sabra Abraham for a fun and educational Docents Dave and Judy Boore and the Getting to Know Lichen San Andreas Fault will be your guides for hike along the San Andreas Fault. Friday • March 13 an afternoon exploring the causes and You’ll stop to discuss the wonder of Long Ridge • 3.2mi consequences of earthquakes occurring plate tectonics, examine remnants left 10:00am to 2:00pm by thousands of major earthquakes, “in your backyard”. Dave is an emeritus and learn how to prepare for future seismologist at the U.S. Geological On this moderately-paced hike you’ll earthquakes. (Note: Families with Survey. You’ll visit two Preserves, stop for make close observations of lichens and engaged children who are attentive engaging discussion (sometimes extended – gain an appreciation of their fascinating listeners and capable of hiking several depending on weather and interest), and architecture and the complex division of miles are welcome on this leisurely-paced hike at a moderate pace between stops. labor that occurs in the organism. Your outing with minimal elevation change. This minimal elevation change outing is docents Marilyn and Bill Bauriedel will This popular hike is not suitable for well suited for those needing a less physi- help you fi nd and identify a few of the large groups, thank you.) cally challenging hike, and is intended common lichens growing on trees, fence for interested teenagers as well as adults. posts, shrubs, and rocks along the Peters Reservations are required and will be Creek Trail. You’ll also enjoy the beauty Explorer Hike: The accepted on or after February 23. and variety of this spectacular preserve. Hill in Spring Wednesday • March 4 History and Nature St. Joseph’s Hill • 4mi Northside lot – Free Limited Parking Tuesday • March 10 10:30am to 2:30pm Picchetti Ranch • 4.5mi 10:00am to 1:30pm Ascend the Novitiate Trail at a leisurely Join docents Gerri Tiernan and Lyle Rice pace to your hilltop lunch place guided to learn a little history, explore a seasonal by docents Laura Levin, Mary Brunkhorst, pond, and witness the changes in nature as and Dennis Smith. Along the way, you’ll winter turns into spring on this moderately- search for spring wildfl owers in a variety paced hike along the Zinfandel, Orchard of plant communities while gaining Loop, and Vista Trails. You’ll hike into 600 feet in elevation. Rewards include adjoining Stevens Creek County Park expansive views of the Santa Clara for a brief rest stop at picnic tables. A Valley and Lexington Reservoir. visit to historic Picchetti Winery (on your Ken Lunders own) is an option at the end of the hike. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve 6 Hidden Life of the Forest Geocaching for Families Sunday • March 15 Saturday • March 21 APRIL Los Trancos • 2mi Skyline Ridge • 2mi Explorer Hike: 1:00pm to 4:00pm Meet: Russian Ridge 1:00pm to 3:00pm Welcome to Spring As spring arrives, trees awaken from Wednesday • April 1 their winter sleep. Join docents Marie Join docents Kim Borick and Alisa Pulgas Ridge • 5mi Faust Evitt, Ann McCarty, and Catherine Stutzbach, and an REI Outdoor School 10:30am to 2:30pm Crawford-Swent to explore how trees know Instructor to search for geocaches using it’s spring and other facts such as how trees GPS units supplied by REI. This interactive Welcome spring with a special hike! Join talk to each other and whether trees sleep afternoon outing is great fun for children docents Mary Brunkhorst, Dennis Smith, at night. You’ll hike at a leisurely pace as and adults. You are encouraged to bring and Laura Levin to explore for early you discover the amazing life of trees. small trade items (inexpensive children blooming fl owers and the signs of spring Capable, attentive children who can hike trinkets, less than 2” in size to exchange in a preserve noted for a beautiful display 2 miles are welcome. with treasures found in cache containers). of wildfl owers throughout varied habitats. This activity is geared towards the fi rst- You’ll travel along the Blue Oak, Dick time geocacher and families but all are Bishop, and Polly Geraci Trails on a welcome. (Note: This activity includes round trip outing. some off-trail hiking; long pants and closed-toes shoes are required.) Among the Trees, Reservations are required and will Shrubs, and Flowers be accepted on or after March 7. Friday • April 3 Thornewood • 4mi Figure Eight: Pond to Lake 9:00am to 11:30am Thursday • March 26 Ken Hickman Enjoy a morning hike with docents Liz Skyline Ridge • 4.5mi Foreman and Nina Bell as you explore a 10:00am to 2:00pm variety of trees, shrubs, and wildfl owers. You’ll descend through chaparral into a Join docents Marie-Anne Neimat and OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • SPRING 2020 Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve Judy Sencenbaugh to explore the beauty redwood forest, then travel along the of this preserve. You’ll hike the Ipiwa and Schilling Lake and Bridle Trails on this Explorer Hike: Into the Woods Sunny Jim Trails, loop around Alpine moderately-paced out and back hike. Wednesday • March 18 Pond and return via the same trails and (Note: There is one steep hill and Sierra Azul • 5-6mi conclude your hike by Horseshoe Lake. some uneven terrain. No restrooms 10:30am to 2:30pm You’ll be treated to sweeping views of the are available at this Preserve and hills and ocean, and early signs of spring parking is very limited. Please carpool.) Enjoy a hike over the headwaters of in a variety of habitats. Guadalupe Creek and along the Woods Trail to fi nd and identify spring wildfl owers Umunhum Barlow Explorer with docents Laura Levin, Dennis Smith, Sunday • March 29 Daniels Nature Center Kate Gudmundson, and Mary Brunkhorst. Sierra Azul • 6mi You’ll gradually climb about 200 feet, Season Begins!! 10:00am to 3:30pm and enjoy stunning views on this leisurely- The David C. Daniels Nature Center, paced, out and back hike. Join docents Greg Azevedo, Gordon located on the edge of Alpine Pond at Ferguson, and Emma Finter for an Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, Pond to Pond Hike uncommon outing around the lower area will open for the season on Saturday, Thursday • March 19 of Mount Umunhum via Barlow Road and April 4, 2020. Come by to take part Skyline Ridge • 5mi the Woods Trail. This moderately-paced, in our opening weekend welcome. Meet: Equestrian parking lot mostly downhill hike will have many short The Nature Center will be open 10:00am to 1:30pm breaks, wildfl owers, and wonderful views. Saturdays and Sundays from You’ll begin your hike at a trailhead 12:00pm until 5:00pm during Join a group of enthusiastic hikers and along Mt. Umunhum Road near the spring and summer, and 11:00am docents Ann Reisenauer, Noa Doitel, and Bald Mountain parking lot. Several trail to 4:00pm in the fall. Susan Bernhard on loop a hike through sections are steep with varied surfaces. two preserves. You’ll start your outing by Bring ample drinking water. (Note: circling Horseshoe Lake, climbing Sunny Participants will carpool/shuttle from Jim Trail and end up at Alpine Pond and meeting location to the trailhead.) the Daniels Nature Center. There should Reservations are required and will be fabulous fungi viewing and newts in be accepted on or after March 15. the creek, and you’ll learn some land use history and see wildfl owers if the winter rains are generous. Suitable for children 8 years or older who are willing to hike hills and are curious about nature. 7 Earthquake Hike Exploring and Birding Sunday • April 5 Saturday • April 11 Los Trancos • 2mi Skyline Ridge • 2mi 2:00pm to 4:30pm 9:30am to 12:00pm

Strether Smith Join docents Paul Billig and Sarah Join docents Sabra Abraham, Lindsay Schoen, and please see the activity Joye, and Lyle Rice to explore several description for March 1. (Note: Families different habitats at this Preserve and with engaged children who are attentive see what birds you can discover. You’ll Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve listeners and capable of hiking several be walking around Horseshoe Lake miles are welcome on this leisurely- and observing chaparral, grassland, WWW – Wildfl owers, paced outing with minimal elevation forest, and riparian habitats for avian Wandering and Wine change. This popular hike is not suitable inhabitants or visitors. This outing is for large groups, thank you.) open to anybody with an interest in Saturday • April 4 birds! For beginners, you’ll learn the Picchetti Ranch • 4.5mi basics of using your binoculars (bring 10:00am to 1:30pm Stevens Creek Serendipity Tuesday • April 7 your own if you have a pair), observe Join docents Martin Manley, Linda Smith, Monte Bello • 3.5mi bird behaviors, and identify common and Naureen Moon for a hike through 9:30am to 12:30pm species. Advanced birders are also very Picchetti Ranch, and please see the welcome to join the group to share your description for March 1. Join docents John Seyfarth and Gerri enthusiasm and enrich others! Tiernan for a leisurely-paced morning Ohlone Footsteps hike high above the valley. You’ll explore Stop In and Explore the many delights that nature has to offer Saturday • April 4 Saturday and Sunday along the Canyon and Stevens Creek Skyline Ridge • 2mi April 11 and 12 Nature Trails below the slopes of Black Meet: Russian Ridge Daniels Nature Center Mountain. You’ll learn a little bit about 10:00am to 12:30pm 12:00noon to 5:00pm local history and earthquake geology,

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • SPRING 2020 Prior to European settlement, the Bay discover wildfl owers, and look for animals Please see the description for April 4. Area was home to a mosaic of Native (or their signs) like birds, mammals, American tribal communities, and many salamanders, and slugs. Capable, attentive San Francisquito Creek have frequented the Santa Cruz Mountains. children 10 years and older are welcome. Watershed Discovery Join docents Kim Borick and Sarah Schoen Sunday • April 12 for a leisurely-paced hike with frequent Windy Hill • 7mi stops along the Ipiwa and Sunny Jim Trails. 9:00am to 2:00pm Historical and cultural background will be provided along with examples of Join docents Veronica Chouinard and indigenous material that have been Chris MacIntosh for a day of discovery used by tribal groups and their practices Amanda Mills to learn about and explore the San in managing the landscape’s natural Francisquito Creek watershed through resources for years. You’ll discover what its hydrology, environment, economics, draws Ohlone people time and again to and scenery. This hike meanders along these mountains. Appropriate for children Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve a wooded brook briefl y before climbing aged 10 and older. Bring lunch to enjoy up through the watershed, and offers at Alpine Pond following the hike! Scenic Aerobic Hike sweeping views on its return descent. Wednesday • April 8 The ascent is strenuous. The hike will Stop In and Explore Picchetti Ranch • 6mi use Hamms Gulch, Lost, Anniversary, Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 1:00pm Spring Ridge, and Meadow Trails; its (Special Meet- April 4 and 5 pace will be moderate. Please see the activity description ing Location/Directions: This hike will Daniels Nature Center for March 11. meet at a roadside parking location on 12:00noon to 5:00pm Alpine Road adjacent to the Spring weekends are here and so should trailhead and gate WH06. you be…as the living is easy, especially Travel 0.9 miles southwest on the edge of Alpine Pond. Bring family on Alpine Road from his and friends to visit any Saturday or Sunday intersection with Portola this spring between 12:00 noon and Road. The pullout-parking 5:00 pm. You can enjoy displays about area will be near the inter- natural communities, view larger-than-life section with Willowbrook

pond strata mobiles, take a pond prowl, Judy Kramer Drive. Parking is limited. and perhaps have an opportunity to study Please carpool.) live aquatic organisms “borrowed” from Alpine Pond with guidance from a docent. These adventures and more await you! Windy Hill Open Space Preserve 8 Survival Strategies Wandering and Writing of the Chaparral in Nature Friday • April 17 Saturday • April 18 St. Joseph’s Hill • 4mi Long Ridge • 4.6mi 9:00am to 12:00pm 1:30pm to 5:00pm Have you ever wondered how plants Writers and philosophers across the ages in the chaparral community survive the have found inspiration, wisdom, and hot dry conditions on rocky south facing peace through time spent in nature. Join slopes? Learn the adaptation strategies their ranks on this moderate hike along these plants have developed to thrive Peters Creek and Long Ridge Trails, here. Join docents Jumana Latif and accompanied by the words and spirits Marie-Anne Neimat on a moderately- of John Muir, Alice Walker, Aristotle, and

Carol Daniels paced hike where you’ll discover some of other friends and mentors, old and new. the most common chaparral plants along Discuss their meanings and philosophies the Jones, Manzanita, and Novitiate with fellow hikers and docents Anna Lee Trails. Additionally, you’ll be rewarded and Ping Li, then discover your own Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve with sweeping views of Lexington insights through journaling or quiet Reservoir and beyond. contemplation during an extended break Explorer Hike: Let at the Wallace Stegner bench. You are 1,000 Flowers Bloom invited to bring a journal, a writing Wednesday • April 15 Celebrate implement, and/or your favorite nature Russian Ridge • 6mi quotes to kindle refl ection and discussion. 10:30am to 2:30pm Earth Day Stop In and Explore You’ll explore the wonders of spring Saturday and Sunday fl owers at one of the best wildfl ower Participate in docent-led April 18 and 19 viewing areas in the Bay Area, with activities scheduled Daniels Nature Center docents Dennis Smith, Mary Brunkhorst, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • SPRING 2020 12:00noon to 5:00pm and Laura Levin. Although what you April 18–26 or visit the see will as always depend on the spring Daniels Nature Center Please see the description for April 4. weather, you are bound to see some (open Saturdays delights. You’ll follow the Ridge Trail to The Music, Poetry, and Art and Sundays). a lunch spot, then return via the Hawk of Nature Ridge, Charquin, and Ancient Oaks Saturday • April 25 Trails on a leisurely-paced hike with Picchetti Ranch • 2mi about a 600 foot elevation gain. Bring Literature, Lore, 9:30am to 12:30pm your cameras, fi eld guides, and/or and Life Sciences binoculars, or just sharp eyes and Saturday • April 18 Composers, poets, and artists plan for an enjoyable outing. Skyline Ridge • 6mi draw inspiration from the natural 8:30am to 12:30pm world–birdsong, forests, wind, and the sea. When asked how he came up with A Not So “Taxing” Jaunt Would a rose by any other name smell as Thursday • April 16 a beautiful theme, Brahms said it came sweet? Unpack the diverse symbolic and from a lot of walking in the woods. To Long Ridge • 6mi scientifi c meanings behind this and other 10:30am to 2:30pm Beethoven, the trees felt holy. Many poems familiar quotes from literature across the of Keats, Frost, and Mary Oliver come After fi ling your tax return, join docents centuries and continents on a moderately- from attention to the natural world. In Mark Prusinowski, Denise Lawrence, paced hike along many of this Preserve’s the paintings of Klee, Miro, and Matisse and Marie-Anne Neimat for a popular trails. Docents Anna Lee, Nina natural images abound. Look through the rejuvenating hike through the cool Bell, and Catherine Crawford-Swent eyes and ears of these artists with forests and scenic vistas of this Preserve. will guide you on an exploration docents Maureen Draper Your personal gains and losses will be of the ways nature has and Chris Christensen from the 800-foot elevation gained inspired literature and on a leisurely walk to while enjoying the hills and valleys lore throughout history, celebrate spring on along Peters Creek and Long Ridge and the various paths the Bear Meadow and Trails. This loop will be extended with an through which humans Zinfandel Trails. out-and-back segment on the Hickory have made sense and Oaks Trail to Turtle Rock for a break meaning of the incredible to admire the views of Big Basin State nature in people’s lives. Park, Butano Ridge, and the Pacifi c Ocean. This moderately-paced hike has several short climbs, and includes frequent stops to investigate interesting plants and animals. 9 Stop In and Explore Explorer Hike: Stephens Creek? Saturday and Sunday MAY Wednesday • May 6 April 25 and 26 Ferns and Other Ancient Plants Monte Bello • 5mi Daniels Nature Center 10:30am to 2:30pm Saturday • May 2 12:00noon to 5:00pm Monte Bello • 3.2mi Join docents Mary Brunkhorst and Please see the description for April 4. 10:00am to 1:30pm Laura Levin for a leisurely hike along the Canyon, Stevens Creek Nature, and Walking down into Stevens Creek Canyon, White Oak Trails. While discovering the docents Debbie Mytels and Ping Li will fl ora and fauna of this mixed evergreen help you identify various ferns and other woodland, you’ll learn about the early plants that evolved before fl owers graced settler Elisha Stephens and his link to the the Earth. You’ll hear a few stories about incorrectly spelled Stevens Creek. how ferns were a part of other cultures for many generations and you’ll stop to look for newts along the creek. On the return Signs of Spring via the Canyon Trail, you’ll stop for a snack Friday • May 8 at a sag pond and fi nd yet another type of Pulgas Ridge • 4.25mi 9:00am to 12:00pm Haley Edmonston ancient plant before concluding the hike. Join docents Liz Foreman and Nina Bell, Stop In and Explore and please see the activity description Saturday and Sunday for March 13. May 2 and 3 Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Daniels Nature Center 12:00noon to 5:00pm Redwood Oxygen Please see the description for April 4. Sunday • April 26 Purisima Creek Redwoods • 5.3mi Wonders of Cherry Springs

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • SPRING 2020 10:30am to 3:00pm Sunday • May 3 Find out why you’ll be breathing some of Sierra Azul • 3mi the cleanest air in the world with docents Meet: See text below Bob Segalla and Sam Berry on the Purisima 10:00am to 2:30pm Creek and Craig Britton Trails. You’ll also Join docents Greg Azevedo, Emma Finter, learn about the redwood logging history of and Gordon Ferguson at a special access the area. This leisurely-paced hike through area of this Preserve that will traverse a cool mystical forest is suitable for capable mixed evergreen forest and grassland. children. Reservations are required and You’ll discuss local history and learn about will be accepted on or after April 12.

the pond environment and fl ora of the Jack Gescheidt area while enjoying views of Santa Clara Spring Splendor Valley and the surrounding Preserve. This Sunday • April 26 moderately-paced hike includes a 500-foot Russian Ridge • 3.4mi elevation gain uphill segment. (Note: 11:00am to 2:00pm Directions will be sent to participants.) Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve Reservations are required and accepted This Preserve is a world class location for Ohlone Wilderness Wisdom viewing spring splendor with an unusually on or after April 19. Saturday • May 9 high number of wildfl ower species blooming Skyline Ridge • 1.5mi profusely and concurrently, plus spectacular Earthquake Hike 1:00pm to 4:00pm vistas over bay, mountains, and ocean. Sunday • May 3 You’ll walk at a leisurely pace led by your Los Trancos • 2mi Explore how native people who have lived docents Marilyn and Bill Bauriedel, and 2:00pm to 4:30pm in this area for thousands of years took June Cancell on the Ridge, Charquin and care of the land before the arrival Join docents John Seyfarth and Collin Lim Ancient Oaks Trails to discover wildfl owers of Europeans. Join docents Marie and please see the activity description for in detail. The route will traverse grassland, Faust Evitt, Ann McCarty, and Catherine March 1. (Note: Families with engaged mixed evergreen forest, and chaparral Crawford-Swent for a leisurely-paced children who are attentive listeners and plant communities. A mid-morning hike and fun activities along the beautiful capable of hiking several miles are start for this hike should allow time for Horseshoe Lake Trail fi lled with wildfl owers. welcome on this leisurely-paced outing wildfl owers to wake up and show you their Discover how the Ohlone people have with minimal elevation change. This beauty. Attentive children over 8 years old used strategies like controlled burns to popular hike is not suitable for large are welcome. (Note: Parking is limited on nurture plants and ensure abundant food groups, thank you.) spring weekends. Arrive early.) and materials for homes, baskets and medicine. Engaged children who can comfortably hike 1.5 miles are welcome. 10 Stop In and Explore Scenic Aerobic Hike Hiking and Mindfulness Saturday and Sunday Wednesday • May 13 Saturday • May 16 May 9 and 10 Russian Ridge • 6mi Long Ridge • 2.5mi Daniels Nature Center 10:00am to 1:00pm 10:00am to 1:00pm 12:00noon to 5:00pm Please see the activity description for Join docents Anna Lee and Naureen Please see the description for April 4. March 11. Moon, and please see the activity description for March 7. Let’s Go Mindego! Listening to Nature Sunday • May 10 Friday • May 15 Trail Run: Mindego Views Russian Ridge • 4.5mi Skyline Ridge • 3.5mi Saturday • May 16 Meet: Mindego Gateway parking lot 10:00am to 2:00pm Russian Ridge • 4.6mi 11:00am to 3:00pm Meet: Mindego Gateway parking lot Open your ears and embark on an 2:30pm to 4:30pm Explore the natural beauty and rich auditory journey through this beautiful cultural history of this iconic landmark. Preserve. From birdsong to windsong, Take in majestic views of the Bay Area from Join docents Chris Christensen, Helena biophony to geophony the hills are alive the Mindego Hill summit on this out-and- Cohen, and Collin Lim for a hike along with the sound of nature. Join docents back, up and down strenuous trail run with the Mindego Hill Trail to the summit of Chris Christensen and Jumana Latif for docents Anna Lee and Raymond Curiel. Mindego Hill. The route offers exceptional a leisurely soundwalk around Horseshoe Multiple paces accommodated, beginning opportunities for raptor sightings, spring Lake then climb the Sunny Jim and Ipiwa trail runners and veterans welcome! wildfl owers and spectacular views of the Trails to bask in the rich ambience of the surrounding hills. distant hills. Along the way you’ll learn Stop In and Explore how species compete for their niche in Saturday and Sunday the sonic landscape and how they are May 16 and 17 constantly challenged to adapt to the Daniels Nature Center modern, ever-changing world of sound. 12:00noon to 5:00pm Please see the description for April 4. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • SPRING 2020

Butterfl ies of Picchetti Ranch Sunday • May 17 Picchetti Ranch • 2.5mi 10:00am to 1:00pm Join docents Jan Hintermeister, Karen DeMello, and Cathy Brown to explore the wonderful and strange world of insects that taste with their feet and smell with their antennae. Learn to identify common butterfl y species in their natural environment and understand why humans from the Stone Age to the Space Age have been fascinated with these delicate winged creatures. Many facts and fl utters await you on this leisurely walk along the Zinfandel and Orchard Loop Trails. Bring binoculars if you have them. Attentive children with an interest in nature are welcome. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after May 3.

Clockwise from upper left: Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area by Liv Ames, Skyline Ridge OSP by Susan Osofsky, La Honda Creek OSP by Frances Freyberg, Bear Creek Redwoods OSP by Frances Freyberg, Skyline Ridge OSP by Liv Ames, and Monte Bello, OSP by Anda Corlan 11 Stop In and Explore Saturday and Sunday May 23 and 24 Daniels Nature Center 12:00on to 5:00pm Please see the description for April 4.

Dinner on the Deck Sunday • May 24 Russian Ridge • 5mi 6:00pm to 10:30pm Enjoy a moderately-paced evening hike with docents Paul Billig and Huey-Shin Yuan. Enjoy views along the Ridge Trail and at Borel Hill, and dine on a redwood Explorer Hike: deck. After the sun sets, you’ll do a Clockwise starting above: Rancho San Watershed Wonders return hike through ancient oak trees. Antonio OSP by Douglas Wednesday • May 20 Be prepared for fog with layered clothing Wirnowski; Rancho San Picchetti Ranch • 4.5mi for warmth. Bring water, dinner and a Antonio OSP by Yamil 10:30am to 2:30pm fl ashlight with a red fi lter or cellophane Saenz, Windy Hill OSP covering, if possible. Reservations are by Carol Daniels and Take a moderately-paced hike through required and will be accepted on or Long Ridge OSP by the Stevens Creek watershed along the after May 10. Niki Muller lovely Zinfandel Trail with docents Kate Gudmundson, Mary Brunkhorst, Dennis Astride the Sleeping Giant Smith, and Laura Levin. You’ll see fi rsthand 34th Annual – Hike the Sunday • May 17 some of the intriguing ways nature moves, Open Spaces OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • SPRING 2020 Los Trancos • 2mi stores, and conserves water to make the Monday • May 25 2:00pm to 5:00pm most of this life giving resource. Learn Monte Bello • 3mi some of the ways a healthy watershed Meet: Picchetti Ranch Please see the activity description for depends on the complex interactions 8:30am to 12:45pm March 8. Reservations are required between water, geology, soil, plants, and will be accepted on or after May 3. and wildlife and in turn supports a Join docents Greg Azevedo and Bob rich diversity of species including Segalla for a leisurely-paced walk Spring Sunset and humans. You’ll break for lunch at through a less traveled section of this Mindego Hill picnic tables under towering Preserve on the Waterwheel Creek Trail. If the weather is clear, expect to see Sunday • May 17 sycamores before returning some spectacular views of the Santa Russian Ridge • 4mi along the same route. Clara Valley and portions of the Meet: Mindego Gateway parking lot Santa Cruz Mountains. This walk 5:00pm to 7:30pm Introduction to Geocaching Saturday • May 23 with occasional stops will include Enjoy a relaxed-paced hilly loop hike Los Trancos • 2.5mi the history of the Preserve and the before sunset with docents Ann Reisenauer, 10:30am to 12:30pm District, and you’ll learn about the Noa Doitel, and Susan Bernhard as you plants, animals, and geology of the travel down the Mindego Hill Trail, up the Join docents Debbie Mytels and Dave area. This minimal elevation gain Charquin Trail and along the Ancient Oaks Kocsis, and an REI Outdoor School hike is well suited for children and Trail with about a 600-foot elevation gain. Instructor, and please see the activity those needing a less physically You’ll learn about and admire some fi ne, description for March 21. (Note: This challenging outing. (Note: Participants venerable old oaks plus enjoy sweeping activity includes some off-trail hiking; will carpool/shuttle to the trailhead.) ocean and forest views and many signs long pants are recommended and Reservations are required and will of spring along the way. Your evening closed-toe shoes are required.) be accepted on or after May 11. hike will fi nish as the sun sets behind Reservations are required and will Mindego Hill. be accepted on or after April 25.

Fremont Older House Tours are not being offered for Spring 2020. Please make a note to check next year for availability of tours.

Photos by Midpen staff 12