Docents for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District have scheduled free outdoor activities in May and June, all taking place on the District’s open space preserves throughout the South Bay, Peninsula and Coastside areas.
For further information, to make a reservation, or to obtain directions, please call 650-691-1200 or refer to the District’s Web site at http://www.openspace.org.
Friday, June 5, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, meet at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
“Unique Redwood Trees”
Join docents David Milburn and Susan Peterson for a six mile hike to visit unique redwood trees in the Lobitos Creek area. Along Bald Knob Trail with distant views, your stops will include the “Reiteration Tree” with a buttressed secondary trunk and the “Chimney Tree” with a large goose pen. Some off-trail hiking required. You will carpool to the trailhead. Reservations are required on or after May 22.
Wednesday, May 27, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
“Scenic Aerobic Hike”
Docents Bernie Larkin and Stella Yang are ready to get you moving. Join them on the trails at a variety of District preserves on these three to five mile, moderately-paced aerobic outings.
Friday, May 29, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
“Spring Wildflower Hike”
Join docents Robin and Les Wrigley on a brisk eight to nine mile hike to Alpine Pond, Horseshoe Lake and beyond. You’ll cross lovely meadows, prime sites for abundant wildflowers. This is a long and hilly hike. Lunch will be enjoyed along the way.
Saturday, May 30, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve
“The Butterflies of Picchetti Ranch”
Join docents Jan Hintermeister and Karen DeMello and explore the wonderful world of insects that taste with their feet and smell with their antennae. Learn to identify common species and understand why humans are fascinated with butterflies. Many facts and flutters await you on this easy 2.5-mile walk Bring binoculars if you have them.
Saturday, May 30, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
“Mindego Meander II”
Join docents Paul Billig and Ann Reisenauer on a moderately paced, nine mile hike via Ridge, Ancient Oaks, and Mindego Trails. The adventure includes an ascent of Mindego Hill with an incredible 360-degree view during lunch and requires a 700-foot ascent in the afternoon. Reservations required on or after May 16.
Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31, June 6-7
12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m.
Daniels Nature Center
“Stop In and Explore”
A summer outing awaits you! Bring family and friends to visit the Daniels Nature Center on Saturdays and Sundays between noon and 5:00 p.m.. Enjoy displays about the natural world, explore Alpine Pond, study live aquatic organisms with the assistance of a docent or enjoy a picnic with your companions on nearby tables.
Sunday, May 31, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, meet at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
“What’s Galling You?”
What are twig galls, leaf galls, and witches broom? Come explore this amazing scene in nature with docents Rebecca Pickart and Chris MacIntosh on a leisurely three mile walk in search of plant galls.
Sunday, May 31, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
“Introduction to Geocaching”
Geocaching is a fun activity using a GPS unit to find a hidden cache, typically a small container with a logbook and small trinkets for trading. Docents Ellen Johnson, Bill Overall, and Mike Bradshaw will explain the District’s geocaching policy. REI Outdoor School Navigation Instructor Steve Wood will explain how to use a GPS unit. Geocacher Tim Oren will assist in finding caches hidden along the trails. Reservations required on or after May 17.
Sunday , May 31, 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve
“Peters Creek and Vistas”
Peters Creek is verdant in May with moss-covered boulders, lush ferns, and newt-filled pools. Join docents Keith Johnsgård and Jenny Whitman and follow the creek to its source before hiking through forest and grassland with spectacular views to the ocean during lunch before the mostly downhill return leg of this 4.5-mile loop.
Sunday, May 31, 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
“Discovering Spiders and Their Kin”
Explore the world of arachnids and other interesting multi-legged creatures with docents Debbi Brusco, Jack Owicki, and Jan Hintermeister. Keep your eyes on the lookout for creatures you might usually avoid as you leisurely travel the two to three miles of woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral on the Ridge and other trails.
Wednesday, June 3, 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Edgewood County Park
“Explorer Hike”
Make summertime living adventurous! Join docents Dennis Smith and Ida Rhodes on moderately-paced excursions of three to five miles with a variety of elevation gains. These hikes are offered at various preserves. The route for each hike will be determined based on prevailing trail and weather conditions at each location.
Friday, June 5, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, meet at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
“Unique Redwood Trees”
Join docents David Milburn and Susan Peterson for a six mile hike to visit unique redwood trees in the Lobitos Creek area. Along Bald Knob Trail with distant views, your stops will include the “Reiteration Tree” with a buttressed secondary trunk and the “Chimney Tree” with a large goose pen. Some off-trail hiking required. You will carpool to the trailhead. Reservations are required on or after May 22.
Friday, June 5, 6:15 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
“A Night Hike for Newbies”
Join docents Debbi Brusco, Katherine Greene, and Paul Billig for an evening in open space. Discover night’s natural wonders hiking through riparian areas, grasslands and woods at a moderate pace. Enjoy dinner and quietly return to your starting point by flashlight. This hike will cover about 3.5 miles. Bring a flashlight with a red filter/cellophane covering, a meal, and plastic to sit on. Reservations required and accepted on or after May 22.
Sunday, June 7, 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Los Trancos Open Space Preserve
“Earthquake Walk”
Join docents Jack Owicki and Dave Boore “where worlds collide” at the junction of the Pacific and North American plates. On this two to three mile stroll you’ll discover remnants of the effects of the 1906 earthquake, discuss plate tectonics and learn how to prepare for future earthquakes.
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