MROSD offers Coastside hikes in February

Docents for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District have scheduled free outdoor activities this month, all taking place on the District’s permanently preserved open space lands throughout the South Bay, Peninsula and Coastside areas. These guided hikes are a great way to explore the beauty of nature in winter including birding, mushroom hunting, animal tracking and earthquake hikes, among others. Please help the District introduce these free opportunities to your audience by listing the following outdoor activities. Note that some activities require reservations. 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 www.openspace.org. Consult the Midpeninusula Regional Open Space District website for a complete list of upcoming hikes.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
"Grasslands and Live Oaks"
After a leisurely loop around Horseshoe Lake, you’ll switchback upward through the grasslands along the Bay Area Ridge Trail with docents David Milburn, David Bergman and Peggy Jacobs on this six mile, moderately strenuous hike. A rocky outcrop overlooking ridges and canyons stretching west to the Pacific will serve as your lunch spot. Alpine Pond may provide opportunities to observe waterfowl activity. You’ll return to the Skyline Ridge trailhead with a southward walk along the ridge.

Sunday, Feb. 15, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Meet: El Corte de Madera Creek
"Bald Knob Forests"
Immerse yourself in the many shades of green of the bald knob forest with docents Mary Bernstein and Debby Kramer on this five mile, moderately-paced hike along the Bald Knob, Irish Ridge, and Lobitos Creek trails. If the day is clear, you’ll see the coast from Irish Ridge and admire a true giant of the forest. Participants will carpool to the trailhead.