Fall 2011 - Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • FALL 2011
Sunday • October 23
Coal Creek
9:00 am – 12:00 noon
“Fall Frolic with K-9 Friends”
Dog lovers, join docents David Bergman and
Jenny Whitman for a fall frolic through oak
grasslands and mixed evergreen forests with
our canine companions. There will be plenty
to sniff and see as you and your dog enjoy
beautiful views of Santa Clara Valley on this
4.5-mile, moderately-paced hike along most
of the trails in the Preserve. The weather may
be warm, or cold and foggy so dress appropriately.
Please do not bring your dog unless
they are well socialized; canine companions
not required however. Reservations are
required and will be accepted on or after
October 6.
Coal Creek Open Space Preserve
Saturday • October 23
El Corte de Madera Creek
9:30 am – 1:00 pm
“History of Logging Ride”
Explore this historic logging area via bike with
docents Linda and Glen Wegner. You’ll travel
along the Blue Blossom, Crosscut, Manzanita
and other trails for this 10- to 12-mile,
advanced-level mountain bike ride with over
3,500 feet of climbing. Riders must have
experience with technical single-track trails
and fire roads. Bring water, a power snack,
and layers for possible foggy/cool weather.
Sunday • October 23
Skyline Ridge
Meet: Russian Ridge
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
“Fall Edibles”
Docents Paul Vadopalas and Kandis Scott
will take you on an excursion to look for
fall edibles typically found in the Santa Cruz
mountain woodlands – fruits, nuts, and berries
relished by wildlife and people alike. Old
Page Mill Road meanders through a forest of
mature trees, bushes preferring shaded areas,
and patches of grassland and chaparral –
this 4-mile out-and-back hike will pass
through these areas.
Dean Birinyi
Wednesday • October 26
Long Ridge
10:00 am – 12:00 noon
“Scenic Aerobic Hike”
(Please see the activity description for
September 28.)
Thursday • October 27
Skyline Ridge
9:00 am – 12:00 noon
“Autumn on the Ridge”
Discover the beauty and diversity of this
Preserve with docents Fran Keeler and
Ranjana Sharma on this 6-mile, 1,100-foot
gain, moderately-paced loop hike. You’ll
enjoy panoramic views and learn about
the many plant communities found here,
including woodland, grassland, chaparral,
and aquatic. A repeat of this hike is planned
for winter, spring, and summer to observe the
seasonal changes.
Friday • October 28
Monte Bello
4:00 pm – 10:30 pm
“Evening Explorer Hike”
(Join docents Katherine Greene and Paul
Billig, and please see the activity description
for September 9.) Reservations are required
and will be accepted on or after October 13.
Saturday • October 29
Picchetti Ranch
8:30 am – 11:00 am
“Beginning Birding Hike”
Docents Amy and
Mike Sanchez would
like to show you how to
spot and identify local birds.
You’ll walk at a moderate
pace on this 2.5-mile trek,
with stops at trail intersections
and at special points
of interest only. You’ll explore
the Zinfandel Trail and
circle the pond on the Bear
Meadow Trail in search of
birds. Reservations are required and will
be accepted on or after October 13.
Saturday • October 29
Monte Bello
10:00 am – 1:30 pm
“The Importance of Oaks”
California oaks are essential to the well being
of many species of plants, animals, birds, and
insects. Docents Bill and Marilyn Bauriedel will
describe the inter-relationships between the
various plants and creatures that make their
homes in and near oak woodlands. You’ll also
be given an update on Sudden Oak Death
in the District’s open space preserves. This
moderately-paced, 4-mile hike will take you
along the White Oak and Canyon Trails.
12
Saturday • October 29
El Corte de Madera Creek
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
“Exploring ECdeM”
Explore the shaded forests and challenging
single-track trails of this beautiful Preserve on
your mountain bike with docents Dave Kocsis
and Patty Lovelace. This intermediate/
advanced level ride drops steeply from Skyline
Boulevard through mixed evergreen and redwood
forests to El Corte de Madera Creek,
800 feet below, then climbs back to a vista
point with a sweeping view of the Pacific
before returning to your starting point.
The total distance will be about 10 miles
with more than 2,000 feet of climbing.
Reservations are required and will be
accepted on or after October 13.
Saturday and Sunday
October 29 and 30
Daniels Nature Center
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
“Stop In and Explore”
(Please see the activity description for
September 3.)
Sunday • October 30
Long Ridge-Saratoga Gap
Meet: Long Ridge
8:15 am – 4:30 pm
“Fall Loop of Gap and Ridge”
Join docents Chris MacIntosh and Lynn
Jackson to hike up hill and down dale while
enjoying fall leaves and fruits, cool air, and
good views. Starting from Skyline Boulevard
area, you’ll descend to Stevens Creek, back
up to the ridge, and then return to your
starting point via the length of Long Ridge
Preserve and traveling along trails including
Hickory Oaks, Peters Creek, Ward Road,
and Charcoal Road. This will be a strenuous
10-mile outing with some very steep hills,
both up and down.
Sunday • October 30
Monte Bello
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
“Learning the Landscape”
Join docents Dave Kocsis and Mike
Alexander to see how the motion of the
San Andreas Fault has shaped the Santa
Cruz Mountains, left some evidence behind,
and helped to create a variety of natural
communities. You’ll descend into Stevens
Canyon, meander along Stevens Creek
through mixed evergreen forests and riparian
areas, and then ascend Black Mountain
for a commanding view of the
entire South Bay and the Santa
Cruz Mountains. This is a
7-mile, moderatelypaced
excursion.
Illustration by
Robert Moncrieff