Layout 1 (Page 2) - Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

Enter the 

District’s Teen 

Video Challenge 

The Midpeninsula Regional Open 

Space District invites aspiring teen 

videographers to participate in the Teen 

Video Challenge, running April 20, 2011 

through August 20, 2011, for a chance 

to win an UltraHD Flip video camera! 

We’re interested in what open space 

means to you. For ideas, visit the 

District’s Video Gallery on its Web site 

at: www.openspace.org/video. Then, 

send us your original video(s). Up to three 

videos (per participant) will be accepted. 

Participants must have been enrolled in 

high school (grades 9-12) during the 

2010-2011 school year. 

Video submissions must be uploaded 

by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on 

Saturday, August 20, 2011. By entering 

the Teen Video Challenge, you agree to all 

Video Challenge Rules and Legal Conditions. 

For complete information, including how 

to upload your video submissions, visit 

www.openspace.org/videochallenge. 

Good luck! 

MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 

VIEWS 

QUARTERLY NEWS ON OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION AND PROGRAMS • SUMMER 2011 

PRESERVE SPOTLIGHT 

“Back to the Bay” 

Ravenswood Open Space Preserve and 

Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area 

Ravenswood Open Space Preserve 

and the Stevens Creek Shoreline 

Nature Study Area are the District’s 

connection to the vital preservation 

and restoration of the local baylands. 

Baylands are an important part of our 

landscape for many reasons: they ensure 

crucial habitat for a large number of 

animal and plant species, provide feeding 

and resting areas for migratory birds, 

support the small organisms that live in 

the mudflats that form the base of the 

food chain along the estuaries, and, kept 

healthy, they can improve water quality. 

A large percentage of bay wetland 

habitats have been damaged from filling 

for urban and industrial developments, 

agricultural and industrial pollution, and 

Photo Above: Ravenswood Open Space Preserve 

urban stormwater runoff and sewage. 

Fortunately, there has been much work 

done to begin to restore these areas to 

their natural states. 

Ravenswood Preserve, comprised of two 

separate areas encompassing 373 acres, 

is the District’s largest bayland preserve. 

Adjacent to the City of East Palo Alto’s 

Cooley Landing, the larger, southern 

area of this Preserve was once a naturally 

functioning tidal salt marsh. Tidal marshes 

are a transitional zone between the 

wetter bay habitats and the dryer upland 

areas, and work to filter storm run-off. 

Household wastes and toxins can be 

trapped in sediments within wetlands, 

and the plants and biological processes 

(continued on page 17) 

Slide into Summer! Listing of Summer Hikes and Rides —page 5

Karl Gohl 

A MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER 

Strategies 

Nature always has something interesting and new to teach us; lessons about the fellow creatures 

that inhabit this blue planet and life in general. When I think back to the summers of my 

boyhood, I recall endless vignettes of encounters with some bird, lizard or insect that held my 

fascination then, and still does today. The pale swallowtail, a large off-white butterfly with black 

stripes that we often see in the woodlands, is one of my favorite examples. 

The life history of the pale swallowtail is a strategic masterpiece. The small, off-white egg that is laid 

on the leaf of the coffeeberry hatches into a caterpillar that perfectly mimics a bird dropping. Who 

would want to eat that? The caterpillar soon molts into a pale green stage that is camouflaged to the 

precise color of the coffeeberry. It weaves a transparent silk pad in the middle of the leaf where it 

sits motionless most of the day. To feed, it purposefully crawls several branches away so that the leaf 

damage it creates, which can visually attract predators, will be some distance from its resting place. If, perchance, it is disturbed, it will 

suddenly expose large eyespots on the top of its thorax and extend foul-smelling, yellow osmetria – fleshy glands that pop out from an 

area in the back of its head when startled or threatened. This display is often enough to startle and deter a predator. As the weeks pass, 

the larva grows until, one day it suddenly vanishes from its silk pad, traveling at the blinding speed of ninety feet per hour. It then finds 

a safe horizontal surface such as the underside of a branch, very near the ground, where 

it pupates into a chrysalis that is even more difficult to locate than the caterpillar. Unless it 

is detected by a parasitic wasp or fly, it will emerge as an adult butterfly and the cycle will 

repeat itself. In the life of this insect, we observe a variety of adaptive strategies, executed 

with precision, ensuring the success of this 

species in an environment full of obstacles. 

Pale Swallowtail Butterfly, 

Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve 

As I turn my attention from the woodlands to 

the office, I think about the District’s future in 

a similar way. While we have depended on 

property tax from the Silicon Valley area for 

the past forty years to fund our activities, the 

challenges of this “new economy” demand 

that we explore new options for funding 

and partnering to broaden our “suite of 

strategies” so that we can secure the 

remaining unprotected open space lands in public ownership and expand our ability to 

bring sensitive stewardship and public access to lands we already own. As we develop 

and test these options as part of our Strategic Planning Process,* we would like to 

hear from you. I invite you to share your ideas with us, either via our Web site at 

www.openspace.org, contact us at info@openspace.org, or at the meetings of our Board of Directors that are held the second and 

fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. While the strategies we develop with your help will certainly be different from those 

used by the pale swallowtail, our goal – to ensure success in an environment full of obstacles – is really the same. 

Stephen E. Abbors 

General Manager 

* Strategic Planning Process 

Using a planning process developed by David La Piana, the District is identifying current opportunities and challenges and strategizing 

how to address them in a way that best fulfills the District’s mission. Steps include articulating the District’s identity, creating strategic 

decision making criteria, and developing, testing, implementing, and evaluating new strategies. The real-time strategic planning 

process is designed to allow the District to respond and adapt to unforeseen changes and circumstances through time. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Pete Siemens ◆ Ward 1 (Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga) ◆ Yoriko Kishimoto ◆ Ward 2 (Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Stanford, Sunnyvale) 

Jed Cyr ◆ Ward 3 (Sunnyvale) ◆ Curt Riffle ◆ Ward 4 (Los Altos, Mountain View) ◆ Nonette G. Hanko ◆ Ward 5 (East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Stanford) 

Larry Hassett ◆ Ward 6 (Atherton, Menlo Park, Pescadero, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Gregorio, Woodside) 

Cecily Harris ◆ Ward 7 (El Granada, Half Moon Bay, Montara, Moss Beach, Redwood City, San Carlos, Woodside) 

Stephen E. Abbors ◆ General Manager ◆ Kristi Britt ◆ Open Space Views Editor ◆ Renée Fitzsimons ◆ Outdoor Activities Editor 

2 

Coffeeberry, 

Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve 

Pale Swallowtail Larva, 

Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve 

Tom Cochrane

CONTEST WINNERS 

Third (2010) Digital Photo Contest Winners 

Thanks to all who participated last year in the District’s Third Annual Digital Photo Contest! Our third contest was a huge 

success, yielding over 700 entries (roughly equal to the entries for the first and second contests combined). Please join us 

in congratulating the winners. 

Grand Prize 

Winner: 

Vaibhav Tripathi 

Grand Prize Includes: 

• Admission for two on Oceanic 

Society’s Whale-watching 

Cruise in Half Moon Bay 

• A Flip UltraHD camcorder 

• $50 dining certificate 

• Reserved copy of the 

District’s coffee table book 

(release date: fall 2012) 

“Light-beam Scattering” 

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve 

3rd Prize 

Winner: 

Bing Huey 

2nd Prize 

Winner: 

Ichiro Asao 

3rd Prize Includes: 

• Admission for four to Filoli 

House and Garden 

• District messenger bag 

• Local cheese gift basket 

Further view the winning photos, along with other contest finalists, in their full splendid glory at: www.openspace.org/contest. 

3 

“Wildflowers Dance on a Windy Evening at Sunset” 

Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve 

2nd Prize Includes: 

• Admission for four to a 

production by Theatre 

in the Woods 

• $50 dining certificate 

• CJ Olson Cherries gift box 

• District travel blanket 

“Banana Slug Over Twig” 

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

WORKING FOR OPEN SPACE 

District staff and volunteers who work to preserve and protect natural and cultural resources 

Cindy Roessler, Senior Resource Management Specialist 

District preserves are loaded with natural resources: plants 

and animals – both common and rare – watersheds, 

and fragile ecosystems, and Senior Resource Management 

Specialist Cindy Roessler plays a vital role in their restoration 

and protection. (Natural resource management protects, restores, 

enhances, and monitors native vegetation and wildlife, and their 

geological setting.) 

Since she was a small child in 

Florida, Cindy’s passions have been 

rooted outdoors. One day her father 

handed her a seed catalogue, and 

she was amazed by all the types of 

flowers. She subsequently followed 

her parents’ interest in science by 

studying ecology at New College 

of Florida. After graduating, Cindy 

worked for several years for a local 

agency where she managed island 

beaches and monitored sea turtles. 

In 1984, Cindy moved to California 

and worked as a biological consultant 

before she was employed by the Santa 

Clara Valley Water District where she 

was responsible for restoring natural conditions along creeks. 

Cindy came to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District in 

2002 as the single resource management staff in the Operations 

department, and now oversees two Resource Specialists, a 

Natural Resource Intern, and a Special Project Coordinator. 

Visiting a preserve with Cindy exposes one to the searching eyes 

and inquisitive mind of a biologist. A shrubby hillside to Cindy 

is evidence of prior agricultural use and changes over the past 

100 years. She can distinguish the non-native from native grasses, 

and the wildflowers and weeds 

battling for the remaining ground. 

Cindy and the resource management 

staff work closely with District field 

staff and volunteers on the removal 

of non-native, invasive plants. The 

goal is to restore the land to a 

condition of high native biodiversity. 

Cindy gets the natural processes 

working again to let the land heal. 

Cindy enjoys working with dedicated 

field staff, many with educational 

backgrounds and interest in biology. 

She calls them “practical ecologists.” 

Asked how she knows if her work is 

successful, she gives an example of 

the increase in badger digs that she 

spots throughout Los Trancos, Monte Bello, and Russian 

Ridge Open Space Preserves. Badgers are easily disturbed 

and displaced by habitat loss and the preserves have allowed 

them to slowly re-establish. Cindy also measures success by the 

Cindy Roessler, Senior Resource Management Specialist 

Why Cindy Came Out West and Stayed; 

Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve 

4 

devotion and enthusiasm of volunteers. She takes pride in 

educating volunteers and helping them connect their work to 

the natural qualities of the land. 

With nearly 60,000 acres of land to care for, the question of 

prioritization often arises. Sometimes the answer for Cindy lies 

in where the work can get the “biggest bang for the buck.” Los 

Trancos Preserve has the highest 

diversity of native grasses Cindy has 

seen in the Santa Cruz Mountains, 

and, therefore, it’s been a logical 

and rewarding location to concentrate 

on the control of non-native 

yellow starthistle. 

Other resource management 

programs moving along under 

Cindy’s lead are: eradication of 

slender false brome, a destructive 

weed currently found only in 

Thornewood Open Space 

Preserve and the surrounding 

town of Woodside; responding 

to sudden oak death which has 

been affecting oak and tanoak 

trees throughout coastal California and Oregon; grassland 

management; and conservation grazing. 

When Cindy is not working, she spends her time exploring 

the natural world around her. She currently lives at Big Dipper 

Ranch located in a closed area of Skyline Ridge Open Space 

Preserve. (Two major landslides contributed to this area being 

closed; recently obtained grant funds will allow the repair of 

these slides to begin this summer.) Cindy says that living in 

a preserve and witnessing the changes that occur season 

by season have given her more 

intimate knowledge of the land. 

She has started writing a natural 

history blog to share stories and 

photographs of this wild spot in 

the Santa Cruz Mountains. 

There are many issues and 

choices for the District’s Resource 

Management Program, including 

balancing a wide range of competing 

priorities. In her role, Cindy 

finds it important to “give people 

the confidence that we’re not just 

buying the land, we are caring 

for it.” 

To learn more about the District’s 

Resource Management and Volunteer Programs, please visit 

the District’s Web site at: 

• www.openspace.org/plans_projects/resource_management.asp 

• www.openspace.org/volunteer

WHAT’S THE DIRT? 

Sound Bites of Summer 

Many sounds are associated with summer – children splashing in a lake; katydids droning in the 

afternoon heat; waves crashing on a beach; bats chirping overhead in search of mosquitoes; 

Stellar’s jays chattering as you picnic; wind blowing through the trees… times remembered and 

memories made – summer sounds enrich our time outdoors. 

When you are out for a summer stroll along a preserve trail, listen for some of the myriad creatures 

that may be communicating around you. Animals could be defending territories, sending out alarms 

that predators are near, searching for mates, or protecting young. You may hear: vultures scream; 

badgers growl; frogs croak; beetles drone; foxes simper; owls shriek-hoot-screech; mosquitoes 

whine; rabbits drum; coyotes yelp; swallows twitter; raccoons chitter; falcons chant; and bitterns 

boom. Animal sounds are described in unusual terms! 

One of the more familiar late-evening sounds during the summer is the rhythmic chirping of a male 

cricket. A.E. Dolbear, a professor of physics at Tufts College, first noted the relationship between 

ambient temperature and the rate that a cricket chirps. Crickets chirp faster as temperatures rise 

and slower when temperatures fall. 

With this newsletter in hand and a sense of exploration in mind, 

we invite you to enjoy the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space 

District preserves. These 26 extraordinary preserves include nearly 

60,000 acres of permanently protected open space, from redwood 

forests to bay shoreline. We encourage you to participate in the wide 

variety of adventures offered inside Outdoor Activities. The activity 

durations listed are averages based on our experience. However, 

always allow extra time in your schedule for unusual circumstances, 

or the slower pace of some groups. You can help by arriving a little 

early to ensure a prompt start for each activity. 

GENERAL INFORMATION 

ACTIVITY GUIDELINES 

To ensure that your experience is enjoyable, please review this important information: 

• Please be courteous to other trail users. Stay alert and make your 

presence known to other trail users well in advance, particularly 

when approaching from behind. 

• Hikers yield to horses; bicyclists yield to hikers and horses. 

Observe trail speed limits (15 mph max; 5 mph when passing). 

• Equestrians must provide their own horses (no stallions or rental 

horses). Lead lines are required and breast collars are recommended 

for all horses, and helmets must be worn by all riders under age 18. 

• Heavy rain within two days prior to a mountain bike or horseback 

ride cancels the activity. 

MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 

OUTDOOR 

ACTIVITIES 

5 

SUMMER 2011 • JUNE– JULY– AUGUST 

Richard Kumaishi 

Great Horned Owlets, 

Fremont Older Open Space Preserve 

(continued on page 14) 

The activities are free, though some require reservations. Heavy rain 

cancels the activity unless otherwise noted in the description. If there 

is light rain or the threat of rain, go to the meeting place. 

All programs are led by docents who have completed a District training 

program. These docents volunteer their time to share their knowledge 

of nature with you. For more information about the volunteer docent 

program, visit the District’s Web site at www.openspace.org, or phone 

the District at 650-691-1200 weekdays, 8:30 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. 

• For all hikes, wear boots or sturdy walking shoes appropriate 

for rugged trails. 

• Dress in layers (T-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, sweater and/or jacket). 

The weather can be unpredictable. No matter what season it is, 

be prepared for rain, wind, fog, or sun! 

• Carry ample water with you to drink. Water is not available 

on preserves. 

• Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and insect repellent. 

• Restrooms are not always available; please plan accordingly.

DANIELS NATURE CENTER 

Park at the Russian Ridge Preserve parking 

lot on the northwest corner of the Skyline 

Boulevard (Highway 35) and Page Mill/ 

Alpine Road intersection (across Skyline Blvd. 

on the right). Walk to Alpine Pond at Skyline 

Ridge Preserve by going through the tunnel 

under Alpine Rd. The Nature Center is a 

small gray building on the east shore of 

Alpine Pond. 

EDGEWOOD COUNTY PARK 

From I-280, exit Edgewood Road. Drive 1 

mile on Edgewood Rd. toward San Carlos/ 

Redwood City. Turn right into the park 

entrance (at Old Stagecoach Road). 

EL CORTE DE MADERA CREEK 

Meet at Skeggs Point, a Caltrans vista point 

on the east side of Skyline Boulevard, about 

4 miles north of La Honda Road (Highway 

84) and 1.5 miles south of Kings Mountain 

Road. Please note that Caltrans prohibits a 

left turn into the lot when approaching from 

the north along Skyline Blvd. 

FREMONT OLDER 

Meet at the Preserve parking lot on Prospect 

Road in Cupertino. Exit Highway 85 at De 

Anza Boulevard. (From northbound 85 turn 

left on De Anza Blvd. and from southbound 

85 turn right on De Anza Blvd.) Travel on De 

Anza Blvd. (toward the mountains) for about 

0.5 miles. Turn right on Prospect Rd. At the 

first stop sign, turn left and cross the railroad 

tracks to remain on Prospect Rd. Follow 

Prospect Rd. for 1.3 miles, turning left after 

the Saratoga Country Club, until you reach 

the Preserve parking lot. 

LONG RIDGE 

Meet at the Grizzly Flat trailhead on the west 

side of Skyline Boulevard 3.6 miles north of 

Highway 9, or 3.3 miles south of Page Mill 

Road. If you are coming from the north on 

Skyline Blvd., the pullout is just past Portola 

Heights Road on the right. From the south, 

the pullout is near the Palo Alto city limits 

sign on the right. 

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. 

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • Summer 2011 

Where To Meet 

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 at different locations than where the activity will actually occur. If an activity does not meet at the preserve listed, or if there 

is more than one preserve access point, the alternate meeting location will be indicated in italics on a separate line following the preserve name 

as part of the activity header. (For example: Skyline Ridge 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 alternate meeting location listed below. 

PLEASE CHECK THE LISTED DESCRIPTION TO MAKE SURE YOU MEET YOUR ACTIVITY LEADER AT THE CORRECT LOCATION. 

MONTE BELLO 

Meet at the Preserve parking lot on Page 

Mill Road (across from Los Trancos 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. 

PICCHETTI RANCH 

From the intersection of I-280 and Foothill 

Expressway, go 3.5 miles southwest (toward 

the mountains) on Foothill Boulevard/Stevens 

Canyon Road. Turn right on Montebello 

Road. The Preserve is 0.5 miles up 

Montebello Rd. on the left. 

PULGAS RIDGE 

From I-280, exit Edgewood Road. Drive 

0.75 miles on Edgewood Rd. toward San 

Carlos/Redwood City. Turn left (north) on 

Crestview Drive, then immediately turn left on 

Edmonds Road. Follow Edmonds Rd. to the 

Preserve parking lot entrance on the right. 

PURISIMA CREEK REDWOODS 

Whittemore Gulch entrance: This entrance is 

on Skyline Boulevard next to the now closed 

Kings Mountain Country Store. The parking 

lot is 4.5 miles south of Highway 92, and 

8.1 miles north of Highway 84. 

Purisima Creek Road entrance: From the 

Highway 92 and Highway 1 intersection in 

Half Moon Bay, travel south on Highway 1 

approximately 4.3 miles. Turn left on Verde 

Road. After turning on Verde Rd. and traveling 

0.25 miles, continue straight to remain on 

what becomes Purisima Creek Road. (Verde 

Rd. splits off to the right.) Travel approximately 

3.7 miles on Purisima Creek Rd. to reach 

the Preserve. 

RANCHO SAN ANTONIO 

From I-280, take Foothill Boulevard south and 

turn right almost immediately onto Cristo Rey 

Drive. Continue about 1 mile, veer right around 

the traffic circle, and turn left into the park. 

Go to the lot farthest to the right and meet 

near the restroom at the bottom of the hill. 

RUSSIAN RIDGE 

Meet at the Preserve parking lot on the 

northwest corner of the Skyline Boulevard 

(Highway 35) and Page Mill/Alpine Road 

intersection (across Skyline Blvd. on the right). 

Those traveling from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. 

should allow approximately 35 minutes 

travel time. 

6 

Jack Owicki 

El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve 

SARATOGA GAP 

Meet at the Caltrans vista point on the 

southeast corner of the Skyline Boulevard 

(Highway 35) and Highway 9 intersection. 

SIERRA AZUL 

Meet at the parking lot located near the 

intersection of Hicks Road and Mt. Umunhum 

Road in San Jose. Exit Highway 85 at 

Camden Avenue. (From northbound 

Hwy. 85 turn left on Branham Avenue and 

then turn left on Camden Ave. and from 

southbound Hwy. 85 turn left on Camden 

Ave.) Travel on Camden Ave. about 1.6 

miles. Turn right on Hicks Rd. and travel for 

about 6.3 miles. Turn right on Mt. Umunhum 

Rd. The Preserve parking lot will be on 

the right. 

SKYLINE RIDGE 

Meet at the Preserve parking lot on Skyline 

Boulevard located one mile south of the Page 

Mill/Alpine Road and Skyline Blvd. (Highway 

35) intersection. After entering the Preserve, 

turn right and go to the farthest parking lot. 

Those traveling from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. 

should allow approximately 40 minutes 

travel time. 

Equestrian parking lot: After entering the 

Preserve, proceed to the farthest parking lot 

on the left. Those traveling from I-280 on 

Page Mill Rd. should allow approximately 

40 minutes travel time.

Easy Hike: Flat to gently rolling 

hills. Total elevation gain less 

than 200 feet. Leisurely pace. 

Moderate Hike: Steeper or 

more frequent uphill grades. 

Total elevation gain 200 to 600 

feet. Leisurely to moderate pace. 

Strenuous Hike: Steep hills 

and/or long distances. Total 

elevation gain greater than 600 

feet. Moderate to vigorous pace. 

Bring a lunch, dinner, or snack 

as appropriate. 


Easy Nature Ride: Slow, 

leisurely pace, minimal climbing, 

and multiple stops to observe nature. 

Introductory Mountain Bike 

Ride: Outings include demonstration 

and practice emphasizing trail 

etiquette and techniques required 

for dirt riding followed by a 5- to 

7-mile ride on fire roads and singletrack 

trails, with occasional natural 

history stops. Riders should be in 

good physical condition to perform 

climbs and descents. 

ST. JOSEPH’S HILL 

Take Highway 17 south toward Los Gatos. 

Exit at Highway 9-Los Gatos/Saratoga and 

continue west on Hwy. 9 (approximately 

0.33 miles) to University Avenue. Turn 

left on University Ave. toward downtown 

Los Gatos. Turn left on Miles Avenue and 

proceed two blocks to the parking lot 

on the left for the Little League field. 

Key to Symbols 

Reservations Required: 

Reservations for activities requiring 

them will only be accepted within the 

two (2)-week period just before the 

activity date. To make a reservation or 

a cancellation, visit the District’s Web 

site www.openspace.org/reservations 

or call 650-691-2150 (enter Option 

2). If you provide information prior 

to the reservation acceptance period, 

it will not be processed. Please limit 

your reservation to a maximum of 

four (4) people. 

Suitable for children; must be 

accompanied and supervised by 

an adult. See the activity descriptions 

for any age recommendations. 

Intermediate Mountain Bike 

Ride: Intended for participants with 

dirt single track riding experience; 

able to climb and descend steep and 

moderately-rough trails. Recreational 

ride at a moderate/brisk pace, 8+ 

miles on a wide range of fire roads 

and single-track trails. For experienced 

riders in very good physical 

condition with good endurance. 

Wheelchair accessible. 

Stroller accessible. Jogger-type 

suggested. 

Well behaved and socialized dogs 

are allowed, and must be controlled 

on a maximum six-foot leash. 

Equestrian ride. Riders under age 

18 must wear a helmet. Lead lines 

are required and breast collars are 

recommended for horses. Equestrians 

must provide their own horses 

(no stallions or rental horses). 

Advanced Mountain Bike Ride: 

Intended for participants with dirt 

single track riding experience; 

competent at climbing and descending 

steep and rough trails. Moderate to 

fast pace, 10+ mile ride on a wide 

variety of trail conditions. For 

experienced riders with a high 

level of physical fitness and 

excellent endurance. 

For all rides, bicyclists must wear helmets and bikes must be in good condition, and the 

participants must be very familiar with the operation of gears and brakes. Mountain bikes 

are strongly recommended for all except the Easy Nature Rides. Easy Nature, Introductory, 

and Intermediate Rides include a natural history component that is provided by the docents 

during the rest stops. Advanced rides develop and improve mountain bike skills – any 

natural history discussion stops are secondary to the overall riding experience. 

Where To Meet 

(continued from page 6) 

THORNEWOOD 

From Highway 280 in Woodside, take the 

Highway 84/Woodside Road exit. Follow 

Highway 84/Woodside Road through 

Woodside and then to a junction with Portola 

Road at 3.3 miles. Bear right to stay on 

Highway 84, now La Honda Road. At 4.9 

miles from Highway 280, turn left at a brick 

wall marked 895-897; look for the District 

sign just inside this gate. The small parking 

area is on the right about 500 feet from the 

entrance gate. Please do not drive beyond 

this lot toward the private residences. 

Special Note: 

7 

THORNEWOOD (continued) 

Alternatively, from the junction of Highway 

35 (Skyline Boulevard) and Highway 84 in 

Sky Londa, take Highway 84/La Honda 

Road north 1.9 miles and turn right 

at the brick 

wall marked 

895-897. 

Illustration by 

Robert Moncrieff 

If you have a group of 8 or more people who would like to attend a docent-led activity listed here, please contact the Docent Programs 

Coordinator to discuss in advance at 650-691-1200 or docent@openspace.org. Other arrangements may need to be considered for your group.

JUNE 

Wednesday • June 1 

Sierra Azul 

10:30 am – 2:00 pm 

“Explorer Hike” 

Enjoy the warmth of early summer along the 

base of Mt. Umunhum. Join docents Lynn 

Jackson, Ida Rhodes, and Elaine Rossignol 

for a leisurely exploration of wildflowers 

and animal sign (tracks, scat, scrapes, nests, 

bones, feathers, etc.) during a 5.5-mile hike 

on the Woods Trail. 

Saturday • June 4 

Monte Bello 

10:00 am – 1:30 pm 

“Water Music” 

Join docents Keith Johnsgård and Ann 

Reisenauer on this 3-mile loop down through 

grasslands and forests into the beautiful 

Stevens Creek riparian corridor. You’ll ford 

a shallow creek on exposed rocks, and then 

stop for lunch at a hushed and shaded 

streamside spot with live water music. This 

is a leisurely walk along the Canyon and 

Stevens Creek Nature Trails with a 300-foot 

elevation gain return trip. 


Long Ridge 

10:00 am – 2:00 pm 

“Grizzly Adams in 

San Francisco?” 

James Capen Adams with his “Mountaineer 

Museum” was the hit of San Francisco during 

the 1850s. Walk with docents Ida Rhodes 

and Ed Lange on this 7-mile, moderatelypaced 

excursion to learn about this character 

of the old west and his friendly grizzlies, 

Lady Washington and Samson. You’ll travel 

along Peters Creek and Long Ridge Trails with 

a brief stop for lunch and reflection at the 

Wallace Stegner bench. 


Monte Bello 

6:00 pm – 10:30 pm 

“Encounters of the 

Nocturnal Kind” 

Discover night’s natural wonders with 

docents Debbi Brusco, Jack Owicki, and 

Jan Hintermeister. You’ll hike about 4 miles 

at a leisurely to moderate pace on the 

Canyon and Indian Creek Trails, with stops 

for interesting sights and sounds. Bring a 

flashlight with a red cellophane covering or 

filter, your packed meal, and plastic to sit on. 

Reservations are required and will be 

accepted on or after May 19. 


Saturday and Sunday 

June 4 and 5 

Daniels Nature Center 

12:00 noon – 5:00 pm 

”Stop In and Explore” 

A summer outing awaits you…bring family 

and friends to visit the Daniels Nature Center 

on Saturdays and Sundays this summer 

between 12:00 noon and 5:00 pm. You can 

enjoy displays about natural communities, 

view larger-than-life pond strata mobiles, 

take a pond prowl, study live aquatic organisms 

“borrowed” from Alpine Pond with the 

assistance of a docent, or enjoy a picnic with 

your companions on nearby tables (pack out 

your own trash please!). The living is easy – 

come and see! 

Bay Area Ridge Trail, 


Sunday • June 5 

Purisima Creek Redwoods 

Meet: Whittemore 

Gulch entrance 

10:00 am – 2:00 pm 

“Peaks and Creeks Ride” 

Ride the creek canyons and open-view, singletrack 

trails of this beautiful Preserve on your 

mountain bike with docents Dave Kocsis and 

Collin Lim. This intermediate/advanced-level 

ride begins with a short road ride and then 

drops steeply from Skyline Boulevard through 

redwood forests along Purisima Creek. You’ll 

then climb back under deep forest shade to 

a ridge with a sweeping view of the Pacific 

Ocean before returning to your starting point. 

The total distance will be about 9.75 miles 

with approximately 1,500 feet of climbing. 


accepted on or after May 19. 

8 

Frank Crossman 


Skyline Ridge 

Meet: Russian Ridge 

11:00 am – 1:30 pm 

“Hiking 101” 

New to hiking? Your questions and apprehensions 

will be addressed by docents Ed Lange 

and Cathy Brown on this leisurely 3-mile 

hike. You’ll discuss safety, hiking equipment, 

where and who to hike with, and have any 

questions answered concerning day hiking in 

this area. This short hike will conclude with a 

tour of the Daniels Nature Center for anyone 

interested. Bring a snack and a smile. 


Los Trancos 

2:00 pm – 4:30 pm 

“Earthquake Walk” 

Join docents Dave and Judy Boore for a 

fun and educational hike along the San 

Andreas Fault. On this 2- to 3-mile stroll, 

you’ll discuss the wonder of plate tectonics, 

examine remnants left by thousands of major 

earthquakes, and learn how to prepare for 

future earthquakes. 


Saratoga Gap 

10:00 am – 12:00 noon 

“Scenic Aerobic Hike” 

Summer weather awaits you most days with 

cool beginnings and warm endings. Docents 

Stella Yang and Bernie Larkin are waiting 

too, for you to join them on a 3- to 5-mile 

hike at a District preserve – you’ll enjoy 

minimal stops combined with a moderate 

pace to keep the scenic aerobic mantra. 

Thursday • June 9 

Long Ridge 

10:00 am – 2:00 pm 

“Search for Lemonade Springs” 

Join docents Tommi and Strether Smith 

on their continuing search for the fabled 

Lemonade Springs. This 6-mile hike will 

explore the beautiful Peters Creek and Long 

Ridge Trail areas. You’ll lunch at the Stegner 

Bench with ocean views and tales about environmentalist 

and author Wallace Stegner. The 

hike will be at a moderate pace with a climb 

of about 600 feet. 

Friday • June 10 

Edgewood County Park 

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm 

“TGIF Sunset Hike” 

Join docents Robin and Les Wrigley for a 

5-mile sunset hike around Edgewood County 

Park. You’ll hike the Sylvan Trail to admire the 

wildflowers, then cross the Serpentine Loop 

Trail, and return downhill on the Edgewood 

Trail. There will be an optional dinner 

with your hiking companions at a local 

restaurant afterward.


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 12mile, 

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. 


Long Ridge 

10:00 am – 1:30 pm 

“Ohlone Medicine” 

Native Americans, including California 

Indians, had a great number of uses for the 

plants growing on their lands – a primary 

use was medicinal. Join docents Sarah 

Schoen and Judy Fenerty on this 5-mile hike 

exploring the Peters Creek and Long Ridge 

Trails, with a lunch stop overlooking the 

western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. 

Learn ways that selected native plants were 

used to treat a number of ailments before the 

introduction of modern medicine. 


June 11 and 12 


12:00 noon – 5:00 pm 

“Stop In and Explore” 

(Please see the activity description for June 4.) 


Saratoga Gap-Long Ridge 

Meet: Saratoga Gap 

10:30 am – 2:00 pm 


Enjoy two preserves on one hike and avoid 

the summer heat with docents Ida Rhodes, 

Elaine Rossignol, and Lynn Jackson. You’ll 

explore the woodlands and meadows on a 

leisurely 4-mile loop trip along the Saratoga 

Gap and Achistaca Trails in the Saratoga 

Gap and Long Ridge Open Space Preserves. 


Long Ridge-Saratoga Gap 

Meet: Long Ridge 

10:00 am – 4:00 pm 

“Exploring the Ridge” 

Grasslands, woods, a pond, a creek, coastal 

views – diversity abounds on this 12-mile, 

2,000-foot gain trek on the Long Ridge, 

Hickory Oaks, Achistaca, Saratoga Gap, 

and Peters Creek Trails in the Santa Cruz 

Mountains. Docents Fran Keeler and 

Ranjana Sharma will explore with you 

the fascinating discoveries found along 

myriad trails in two preserves. 



Monte Bello-Los Trancos 

Meet: Los Trancos 

10:00 am – 1:00 pm 

“The San Andreas Fault” 

Hear the remarkable story of how California 

slowly emerged from the sea during North 

America’s 200 million year westward voyage, 

how the San Andreas Fault took form, and 

how thousands of subsequent earthquakes 

shaped the fault landscape that you’ll traverse. 

Docents Keith Johnsgård and Ida Rhodes will 

lead this 3-mile outdoor moving classroom 

geared for adults. No young children please. 


accepted on or after June 2. 




12:00 noon – 5:00 pm 




Monte Bello 

10:00 am – 2:00 pm 

“Learning the Landscape” 

Join docents Dave Kocsis and Martin Manley 

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. On 

this 6-mile, moderately-paced hike via Bella 

Vista, Canyon, Skid Road, and Stevens Creek 

Nature Trails, you’ll descend into Stevens 

Canyon, meander along Stevens Creek 

through a nice mixed evergreen forest, 

and then ascend Black Mountain for a 

commanding view of the entire South Bay 

and the Santa Cruz Mountains. 



Meet: Whittemore 

Gulch entrance 

10:00 am – 2:00 pm 

“Sunday with the Old Giants” 

Explore the less-visited southwestern slopes 

of this Preserve with docents Mary Bernstein 

and John Wertzler on a 6.5-mile, moderatelypaced 

hike along Bald Knob, Irish Ridge, 

and Lobitos Creek Trails. On a clear day, 

you’ll have a grand view – if it’s foggy, you’ll 

experience fog drip first hand. You’ll come 

face-to-face with some forest giants and, with 

luck, find the delicate harebells in bloom. 

You’ll enjoy lunch somewhere amid the big 

trees. (Note: Participants will carpool to a 

trailhead with limited roadside parking.) 



9 

Strether Smith 


Picchetti Ranch 

10:30 am – 3:00 pm 

“Search for the Everlasting” 

Join docents Bob Segalla, Harry Cornbleet, 

and Greg Azevedo to share the finest things in 

life so close to home. On this leisurely-paced, 

4-mile hike with a couple of 200-foot climbs, 

a lovely view awaits you along the Orchard 

Loop and Zinfandel Trails. The sound of Stevens 

Creek will engage you as you enjoy lunch at a 

Santa Clara County Park picnic area, and by 

the end of the hike you can decide if the everlasting 

plant smells like maple syrup to you. 

Capable children are welcome on this outing. 

A visit to Picchetti Winery for wine tasting is 

optional (on your own) at the hike’s end. 


St. Joseph’s Hill 

10:00 am – 12:00 noon 



Friday • June 24 

Rancho San Antonio 

10:00 am – 3:00 pm 

“PG&E Trail Trek” 

Join docents Robin and Les Wrigley on the 

challenging PG&E Trail. You’ll enjoy some 

lovely forests, creeks, and bay views during 

this vigorously-paced, 8-mile hike with a 

1,000+ foot elevation gain. 


Miramontes Ridge 

Meet: See text below 

10:00 am – 2:00 pm 

“Explore Miramontes Ridge” 

Docents Judy Fenerty and Steve Warner 

welcome the opportunity to explore this limitedaccess 

Preserve with you on a 3- to 4-mile 

excursion to the historic home site of Gilcrest 

Ranch. Enjoy wonderful views of the coast, and 

learn about the area’s history and watershed 

values. This is a moderately-paced uphill hike, 

with a downhill return on unimproved trails. 


accepted on or after June 9. Directions to 

the meeting location will be e-mailed or 

snail-mailed to you. 

Miramontes Ridge Open Space Preserve




12:00 noon – 5:00 pm 





Meet: Whittemore Gulch entrance 

10:00 am – 1:00 pm 

“Ride Purisima Canyon” 

Come spend the morning on horseback amid 

redwoods and ferns with docents Lyndall Erb 

and Jenny Whitman for a ride down and 

up the Purisima Canyon. This 10-mile ride 

explores a favorite area for those who like to 

see a variety of flora and fauna. Horses need 

to be conditioned for steady climbs up fire 

roads. No stallions. (Note: This activity is 

designed for equestrians who have their 

own horse; horses are not provided.) Trailer 

parking is limited. Reservations are required 

and will be accepted on or after June 9. 


Skyline Ridge 


11:00 am – 2:00 pm 

“Focus on Kids” 

Docents Keith Johnsgård and Ann Reisenauer 

will tell your kids all about nature on this fun, 

2-mile hike (accompanying parents permitted 

to listen while the kids engage!). You’ll visit 

a hidden Indian grotto, a pond, and deep 

forest. After climbing a hill to see the world 

below, you’ll finish at the interactive Daniels 

Nature Center for a visit and picnic by 

Alpine Pond. Activity best suited for children 

ages 8-11. 



10:00 am – 3:00 pm 

“Summer Shade” 

Escape the sun and heat of the lowlands with 

an exploration of trails and old logging roads 

in the cool and shady depths of this Preserve. 

Docents Fran Keeler, Ranjana Sharma, and 

Lou Wolner will guide you through the 

elaborate trail network of the Preserve on 

this 10-mile, 2,200-foot gain trek along the 

Sierra Morena, Steam Donkey, Blue Blossom, 

Lawrence Creek, Gordon Mill, and Timberview 

Trails. (Note: Participants will carpool to a 



JULY 

Saturday • July 2 

Skyline Ridge-Long Ridge 

Meet: Skyline Ridge 

equestrian parking lot 

10:00 am – 2:00 pm 

“Ridge Cruise” 

Docents Strether Smith, David Kocsis, 

and Earl Girbovan will lead you on an 

intermediate bike ride that mixes moderate 

climbs and descents with lots of sightseeing 

along Peters Creek Trail and throughout the 

Long Ridge and Skyline Ridge Preserve areas. 

Riders will cover about 10 miles and climb a 

total of about 1,000 feet as they enjoy several 

of the Bay Area’s best overlooks. Suitable for 

riders 14 years of age and older who are 

comfortable on single-track trails and moderately 

steep hills. Reservations are required 

and will be accepted on or after June 16. 



Meet: Purisima Creek 

Road entrance 

10:00 am – 5:00 pm 

“Big Redwood Loop” 

Big trees call for a big hike. Docents Paul 

Billig and Sarah Schoen will lead you on this 

exploration through redwood groves and 

other habitats. The 9.5-mile hike will have an 

elevation gain of 1,300 feet. You’ll begin with 

a hike up the Purisima Creek Trail. Following 

a lunch stop among redwoods along the 

Craig Britton Trail, you’ll continue up the 

Harkins Ridge Trail for a second stop at a 

vista point. You’ll descend back down on the 

North Ridge Trail and into more redwoods 

along the Whittemore Gulch Trail. Be sure to 

bring plenty of water to cover this time and 

distance. Reservations are required and will 

be accepted on or after June 16. 

10 

Summer Nature Days 

Don’t miss out on amazing fun for ages 5 to 10 years old ! 

Join the District and Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (SCVAS) for nature 

exploration extraordinaire – discover bugs, birds, creeks, trees, and more, using 

crafts, games, and other activities. 

Several sessions to choose from – select one day or all three: 

July 26 @ Picchetti Ranch Preserve (9am-2pm), July 27 @ Rancho San Antonio 

Preserve (10am-2pm), or July 28 @ McClellan Ranch Park (10am-2pm). All locations 

are near Cupertino. A modest registration fee is required. For details and information 

go online at www.scvas.org or call 408-252-3740. 


July 2 and 3 


12:00 noon – 5:00 pm 


(Please see the activity description for 

June 4.) 

Sunday • July 3 

Los Trancos 

2:00 pm – 4:30 pm 


(Join docents Paul Billig and Liz Farnsworth, 

and please see the activity description for 

June 5.) 

Friday • July 8 

Pulgas Ridge 

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm 

“TGIF Sunset Hike” 

Start off the weekend right with a 

fast-paced, 4- to 5-mile walk with 

docents Robin and Les Wrigley. You’ll 

traverse through woodland, chaparral, 

and grasslands along the Preserve’s 

major trails. There will be an optional 

dinner with your hiking companions 

at a local restaurant afterward. 


El Corte de 

Madera Creek 

10:00 am – 2:00 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 toward 

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 June 23.


July 9 and 10 


12:00 noon – 5:00 pm 


(Please see the activity description for 

June 4.) 


Thornewood 

10:00 am – 12:00 noon 

“Strolling to the Pond” 

Docents Kandis Scott and Mike Alexander 

will lead you on a leisurely 3-mile stroll 

into this Preserve and walk part way on 

the new Bridle Trail to explore this area. 

On the return hike, you’ll stop for lunch 

at peaceful Schilling Lake and enjoy the 

shade of mature trees. 


Skyline Ridge 


10:00 am – 1:00 pm 

“The Ohlone Way” 

Docents Keith Johnsgård and Ida Rhodes 

will lead this leisurely 2-mile walk along 

the Butano View and Ipiwa Trails with 

stops to discuss useful plants. Lunch will 

feature a 1-hour talk on the history of 

humans in North America and Skyline 

Ridge. This hike is geared for adults. 

No young children please. Reservations 

are required and will be accepted on or 

after June 23. 

Friday • July 15 

Monte Bello 

6:00 pm – 10:30 pm 

“Sunlight to Moonlight” 

Join docents Paul Billig and Katherine 

Greene on an evening walk in Monte Bello 

Preserve. As you enjoy the dinner you 

bring atop Black Mountain, sunlight will 

give way to moonlight when the full moon 

rises after sunset. This 5-mile hike will 

have an elevation gain of about 800 feet. 





9:30 am – 1:00 pm 

“History of Logging Ride” 

(Please see the activity description 

for June 11.) 



Skyline Ridge 

10:00 am – 1:30 pm 

“Lions and Us” 

Join docents Keith Johnsgård and Adda 

Quinn on a 4-mile natural history hike 

through beautiful Skyline Ridge Preserve. 

During a 1-hour lunch, Johnsgård, a mountain 

resident, will talk about lion encounters with 

humans to illustrate the basic guidelines for 

safe travel in lion country. This hike and 

discussion are not appropriate for children. 



Dragonflies, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve 


July 16 and 17 


12:00 noon – 5:00 pm 




Skyline Ridge 

10:00 am – 1:00 pm 

“Natural Communities 

Sampler: Summer” 

Experience the grasslands, chaparral, mixed 

evergreen forests, and riparian natural 

communities of Skyline Ridge Preserve in 

the summer with docents John Wertzler, 

Cathy Brown, and Madeline Brane. On 

this moderately-paced, 3- to 4-mile hike on 

the Sunny Jim Trail and other trails around 

Horseshoe Lake, you’ll get to observe plants 

and animals adapting to the dry seasonal 

changes. Come take pictures and capture the 

essence of natural communities in the summer. 

Return in the fall or another time of year to 

see what a difference a season makes. Hike 

may be repeated quarterly. No lunch break 

planned; pack a snack if you like. 

11 

Strether Smith 

Sue Copeland 

Wednesday • July 20 

Long Ridge 

10:30 am – 2:00 pm 


Docents Elaine Rossignol and Lynn Jackson 

will lead you on a moderate 4- to 5-mile 

hike to enjoy the shaded woods and terrific 

vistas available at Long Ridge Preserve. 

A specific route will be chosen based on 

weather conditions. 


Skyline Ridge 

9:30 am – 12:00 noon 

“Discovering Dragonflies” 

Docents Karen DeMello and Jan Hintermeister 

will introduce you to the fascinating world 

of dragonflies on this 2-mile hike around 

Horseshoe Lake. On the first part of the walk, 

you’ll learn the basics of dragonfly biology 

and behavior. Then you’ll observe and try to 

identify these interesting insects near the lake. 

Bring binoculars if you have them. 


Skyline Ridge 

11:00 am – 3:30 pm 

“A View of Life” 

Check out young oak trees planted by District 

volunteers as part of a restoration project. 

Docents Bob Segalla and Lou Wolner will 

guide you on this excursion that includes 

visiting Alpine Pond via the Ipiwa Trail, and 

Horseshoe Lake via the Ridge Trail to explore 

and understand the preservation of our local 

”greenbelt.” This moderately-paced, 4-mile 

hike has a 400-foot elevation change and is 

suitable for capable children. 




12:00 noon – 5:00 pm 



Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve


Skyline Ridge-Russian 

Ridge-Coal Creek- 

Monte Bello 


9:30 am – 2:00 pm 

“Tour de Open Space” 

Join docents Patty Lovelace and Mike 

Bradshaw for a ride encompassing a four 

preserve circuit of Skyline Ridge, Russian 

Ridge, Coal Creek, and Monte Bello 

Preserves. Get a taste of what each of the 

Preserves has to offer while meandering up 

and down (approximately 2,000 feet of total 

climbing – depending on the group’s wishes) 

through them all. The ride will be a highintermediate 

level ride, about 12 miles total 

distance on fire roads and single track, 

and with a small bit of pavement riding. 


accepted on or after July 7. 


Skyline Ridge -Russian 

Ridge-Monte Bello 



10:00 am – 1:00 pm 

“Ride the Ridges” 

Join docents Lyndall Erb and Jenny Whitman 

for an enjoyable 10-mile ride on a route to 

be determined by weather, number of riders, 

and interests of the group – with three 

preserves and many trails, a great ride is 

definite. Horses need to be conditioned for 

steady climbs up fire roads. No stallions. 

(Note: This activity is designed for equestrians 

who have their own horse; horses are not 

provided.) Reservations are required and 

will be accepted on or after July 7. 

Thursday • July 28 

Skyline Ridge 

9:00 am – 12:00 noon 

“Summer on the Ridge” 

Discover the beauty and diversity of Skyline 

Ridge 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 of the many plant 

communities in this diverse Preserve, including 

woodland, grassland, chaparral, and aquatic. 

A repeat of this hike is planned for fall, winter, 

and spring to observe seasonal changes. 


Skyline Ridge 


11:00 am – 2:00 pm 


(Join docents Keith Johnsgård and Christina 

Petitt, and please see the activity description 

for June 26.) 


Yellow Bush Lupine, 

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve 




Road entrance 

11:30 am – 2:00 pm 

“Beating the Heat” 

To hide from the heat, you can take shelter 

in the redwoods on this leisurely stroll led 

by docents Kandis Scott and Mike Alexander. 

You’ll look closely at the redwood trees along 

the creek on this 2.5-mile out-and-back walk. 

The time is set to avoid beach traffic but, 

because there is not a practical lunch spot, be 

sure to bring walk-along snacks. Reservations 


after July 14. 




12:00 noon – 5:00 pm 




Los Trancos 

10:00 am – 2:00 pm 

“Geocaching Family Fun” 

This fun and interactive hike is great for 

families and children (that can hike for 3 to 

4 miles). Join docents Bill Overall, Christina 

Petitt, and REI Outdoor School Navigation 

instructor Steve Wood to search for ”geocaches,” 

or hidden treasures, using GPS 

units supplied by REI (or you can bring your 

own units). Bring small trinkets to trade for 

objects you’ll find in the caches. This is a super 

engaging activity that kids (and grownups) 

will enjoy! Reservations are required and 


12 

Frank Crossman 

Karl Gohl 

AUGUST 

Saturday • August 6 

Skyline Ridge 


10:00 am – 1:00 pm 

“The Ohlone Way” 

(Join docents Keith Johnsgård and Linda 

Smith, and please see the activity description 

for July 10.) Reservations are required and 



Monte Bello 

10:00 am – 2:00 pm 

“Black Mountain – 

Waterwheel Cruise” 

Docents Strether Smith, Dave Kocsis, and 

Earl Girbovan will guide you on a 10-mile, 

intermediate-level bike excursion. You’ll 

climb Black Mountain for the views and 

explore the Waterwheel Creek Trail area 

before descending into Stevens Creek canyon 

for a final climb out to the parking lot. 

Participants are expected to be experienced 

and able to ride on fairly steep, narrow dirt 

trails, and ready to climb more than 1,000 

feet. Reservations are required and will be 




August 6 and 7 


12:00 noon – 5:00 pm 


(Please see the activity description for June 4.)

Sunday • August 7 

Rancho San Antonio 

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 be walking at a moderate 

pace, on this 4-mile trek, with stops at trail 

intersections and special points of interest 

only. You’ll explore the Rogue Valley and 

Mora Trails. (Note: 

Arrive early to 

find parking.) 

Reservations are 

required and will be 




10:00 am – 2:00 pm 

“Cool Summer at 

Corte Madera” 

Enjoy a cool break from the heat of summer 

among the redwoods, firs, and manzanita of 

the Preserve on this 4- to 5-mile, moderatelypaced 

hike with docents David Bergman and 

Kandis Scott along the El Corte de Madera 

Creek, Fir, and Resolution Trails. You’ll hike to 

the sight of a famous 1953 plane crash and 

will have lunch at a vista point overlooking 

the Pacific Ocean. Be prepared for cool 

weather if the fog is hanging on the ridge. 


Los Trancos 

2:00 pm – 4:30 pm 


(Join docents John Wertzler and Madeline 

Brane, and please see the activity description 

for June 5.) 

Wednesday • August 10 

Saratoga Gap 

10:00 am – 12:00 noon 



Thursday • August 11 


10:00 am – 3:00 pm 

“Kings Mountain Discoveries” 

Discover the site of the ill-fated Resolution 

airplane crash on Kings Mountain with docents 

Fran Keeler and Ranjana Sharma on this 

10-mile, 2,000-foot elevation gain hike. 

Along the way, you’ll visit a unique sandstone 

formation and a venerable old-growth 

redwood tree as you trek through dense 

forests on the Tafoni, Resolution, Methuselah, 

Giant Salamander, Timberview, and 

Manzanita Trails. 


Friday • August 12 

Russian Ridge 

5:30 pm – 10:30 pm 

“Girls’ Night Out” 

Join docents Debbi Brusco, Katherine Greene, 

and Kay Partelow for an evening out in 

open space. You’ll hike up and down 

grassland and woodland trails at a moderate, 

sometimes leisurely pace watching for wildlife, 

the moon, and the stars. Enjoy your packed 

dinner, and bring some of your favorite 

chocolate or treat to share! This hike is 

about 4 to 5 miles. Bring a flashlight with a 

red cellophane covering or filter, and plastic 

to sit on. Reservations are required and will 

be accepted on or after July 28. 


Skyline Ridge-Russian 

Ridge-Monte Bello 



10:00 am – 1:00 pm 

“Ride the Ridges” 

(Please see the activity description for July 24.) 

(Note: This activity is designed for equestrians 

who have their own horse; horses are not 

provided.) Reservations are required and 





12:00 noon – 5:00 pm 




Monte Bello-Los Trancos 

Meet: Los Trancos 

10:00 am – 1:00 pm 

“The San Andreas Fault” 

(Join docent Keith Johnsgård, and please 

see the activity description for June 18.) 



Wednesday • August 17 


Meet: El Corte de 

Madera Creek 

10:30 am – 2:00 pm 


You’ll be a real explorer as you hike the Bald 

Knob Trail at this Preserve. Docents Lynn 

Jackson, Elaine Rossignol, and Ida Rhodes 

will help you learn more about a seldomvisited 

area on a 4-mile, leisurely-paced 

hike. (Note: Participants will carpool to a 



accepted on or after August 3. 

13 

Thursday • August 18 

Thornewood 

10:00 am – 2:00 pm 

“Exploring Thornewood” 

Tommi and Strether Smith will lead you on 

a 4-mile exploration of one of the District’s 

most beautiful Preserves. This hike wanders 

through redwood forest and investigates 

the historical traces around Schilling Lake. 

Depending on conditions, there may be 

moderate, cross-country hiking involved. 

Bring a lunch to enjoy at one of the many 

scenic spots. 


Skyline Ridge 


6:15 pm – 8:45 pm 

“The Bats at Alpine Pond” 

Join docents Karen DeMello and Jan 

Hintermeister on this 1.5-mile outing to learn 

some facts and dispel some myths about the 

world’s most misunderstood mammal: the bat. 

As the sun goes down, you’ll hang out near 

the Daniels Nature Center to see whether bats 

appear over Alpine Pond, returning to your 

car before darkness sets in. Bring binoculars 

if you have them. 




12:00 noon – 5:00 pm 



Friday • August 26 

Monte Bello 

6:00 pm – 10:30 pm 

“Nature at Night” 

When the sun sets, not all of nature goes 

to sleep. Some parts of nature are active in 

the cool darkness of night. Join docents Paul 

Billig and Katherine Greene as you witness 

the changes that occur along the Stevens 

Creek Nature Trail as day moves into night. 

The hike begins with a walk down the 

Canyon Trail where you’ll stop to enjoy 

the dinner you bring as darkness descends. 

Then using your flashlight, you’ll be looking 

as well as listening for the sights and sounds 

of nature at night. Red filters for your flashlight 

will be provided for those who need 

them. The hike will cover 3.5 miles with a 

400-foot elevation gain. Reservations are 

required and will be accepted on or after 

August 11. 

Illustration by 

Robert Moncrieff



10:00 am – 2:00 pm 

“Geocaching Family Fun” 

(Join docents Bill Overall, Collin Lim, and 

Steve Wood – REI staff, and please see the 

activity description for July 31.) Reservations 


after August 11. 




Road entrance 

10:00 am – 3:30 pm 

“Get Some Redwood Oxygen” 

Find out why you’ll be breathing some of the 

cleanest air in the world. Get to know the 

secrets a redwood forest holds with docents 

Bob Segalla, Madeline Brane, and Sam Berry 

on the Purisima Creek and Craig Britton 

Trails. This easy-paced, 4-mile, 500-foot 

elevation change hike is suitable for capable 

children and is downhill on the return. 


accepted on or after August 11. 


Skyline Ridge 


11:00 am – 2:00 pm 


(Join docents Keith Johnsgård and Sarah 

Schoen, and please see the activity 

description for June 26.) 


WHAT’S THE DIRT? (continued from page 5) 

Sound Bites of Summer 

Dolbear published the first equation for using crickets to calculate temperature in 1897. 

Using his equation, called Dolbear’s Law, you can determine the approximate temperature 

in Fahrenheit, based on the number of cricket (and some other Orthopteran [grasshopperscrickets-katydids] 

species) chirps that you hear in one minute. 

Dolbear’s Law: 

T = 50+[(N-40)/4] 

T = temperature 

N = number of chirps per minute 

Chirping rates of crickets and katydids vary by species, so Dolbear and other scientists 

devised more accurate equations for some species, e.g. field cricket T = 50+[(N-40)/4], and common katydid T = 60+[(N-19)/3]. 

Learning to listen in nature can engage your often underused sense of hearing. You can begin to understand the rhythms and connections 

of the creatures around you with an enhanced auditory awareness. You may also learn other skills that help you better understand some 

natural processes. To actively explore how skilled listeners hone their abilities, The Exploratorium in San Francisco has developed “Listening 

Guides.” Check out www.exploratorium.edu/listen/lg_intro.php to listen and learn. Don’t forget to count cricket chirps and estimate a 

midsummer’s eve temperature! 




12:00 noon – 5:00 pm 




Teague Hill 

Meet: See text below 

9:30 am – 1:30 pm 

“Exploring Teague Hill” 

Explore this little-known Preserve with docents 

Mary Bernstein and Chris MacIntosh. Bring 

your spirit of adventure to hike up and down 

this hilly Preserve through a variety of habitats 

on this 5-mile hike. Trails may be steep, and 

will be mostly shaded. Reservations are 

required and will be accepted on or after 

August 11. Directions to the meeting location 

will be e-mailed or snail-mailed to you. 

Oak Apple Gall, 

Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve 

14 

Katydid Nymph, El Corte de Madera 

Creek Open Space Preserve 




Road entrance 

10:00 am – 3:00 pm 

“Redwoods and Ferns” 

If it is hot where you live, this hike through a 

landscape of redwoods and mostly dappled 

shade will help cool you down. Docents Bill 

and Marilyn Bauriedel will talk about the 

redwood logging history of this Preserve 

and guide you along on this 7-mile hike via 

Harkins Ridge, Craig Britton, and Purisima 

Creek Trails. You’ll also spend some time 

closely observing several of the 14 varieties 

of ferns that make this Preserve their home. 

With the use of a hand lens and illustrations 

from a book, you’ll learn about the typical 

life cycle of ferns and their relatives, 

including horsetail or scouring rush that 

never bears seeds. Reservations are 

required and will be accepted on or 

after August 11. 



11:00 am – 12:30 pm 

“Story Time on the Trail” 

Join docents Christina Petitt and Sara Witt 

on an easy 1-mile hike to the pond at 

Picchetti Ranch Preserve. There you’ll 

enjoy an interactive story telling of 

Ohlone legends. This activity is intended 

for children under 6 years old accompanied 

by adults. 

Debbi Brusco

MT. UMUNHUM UPDATE 

The Latest on the Remediation and Site Planning Projects 

Remediation Project 

The federally-funded Remediation Project, which will clean up 

the contaminants at the former Almaden Air Force Station 

at Mt. Umunhum (Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve), is being 

completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is moving 

along quickly. To date, approximately 30 structures have been 

completely abated. The remediation contractor is currently working 

inside the radar tower structure. When that work is complete, the 

exterior of the radar tower will be cleaned, as well as the exterior 

of all other structures on site. We anticipate that all work on site 

will be completed by June 2011. This work is the first step in the 

remediation project; after removing the hazardous materials, 

demolition and restoration work is planned. To see photographs 

of the work progress, refer to the project Web site noted at the 

end of this article. 

Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project 

As reported in the spring 2011 edition of Open Space Views, 

the District continues its work on the Environmental Restoration 

and Public Access Project, which will plan and implement 

the site restoration and improvements for public access and 

enjoyment of the Mt. Umunhum site. 

FIELD NOTES 

La Honda Creek 

Open Space Preserve 

Pond Restoration Project 

In the winter 2010-2011 edition of 

Open Space Views, staff reported that 

the pond restoration project at La Honda 

Creek Open Space Preserve, to repair 

a failing earthen berm, was successfully 

completed. The pond restoration provides 

for improved wetland habitat – a deeper, 

longer lasting pond and prevention of 

sedimentation in downstream Harrington 

and San Gregorio Creeks, (which 

provides habitat for endangered Coho 

salmon and threatened steelhead trout). 

The restored pond provides breeding 

habitat for the federally threatened 

California red-legged frog, a food source 

for the federally endangered San Francisco 

garter snake, which are found nearby and 

with a restored food source, may eventually 

colonize the area around the pond. As 

part of the restoration efforts, District 

volunteers removed invasive vegetation 

surrounding the pond and replaced it 

with native wetland plants, including 

rushes, sedges, and arroyo willow. Since 

frogs typically lay their eggs on this type 

of vegetation, restoration planting is a 

key final step in habitat enhancement. 

Update & Next Steps 

The pond filled with winter 2010 rains, 

and frogs have already used the restored 

pond for their breeding efforts. During 

the upcoming months, staff will continue 

red-legged frog surveys to determine if 

eggs laid in January and February have 

developed into frog larvae (or tadpoles). 

Staff will monitor the ponds again in 

late summer to determine water levels 

and to look for frog larvae that have 

metamorphosed (or changed into) subadult 

* Conservation grazing occurs at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. Cattle can be used as 

an effective tool to remove thatch from annual grasses and control invasive, non-native weeds. 

15 

Project Schedule 

Staff is currently preparing the Draft Environmental Impact Report 

(DEIR) for the Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project. 

Public Release of the DEIR (Public Input Opportunity): 

Watch for the public release of the DEIR this summer (anticipated 

in June 2011). The DEIR will be available on the District’s Web 

site for review by the public and the District’s Board of Directors. 

A 45-day public comment period will follow. 

September 2011 – Tentative (Public Input Opportunity): 

A Board of Directors public hearing to consider final approval 

of the Public Access Plan and CEQA Certification will be held 

tentatively in September 2011. 

Shortly thereafter, District staff will use the project description 

analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report to prepare a more 

detailed site and implementation plan that will be presented to 

the Board of Directors for its consideration. The public will 

also have the opportunity to comment at this meeting. 

For any questions regarding the Environmental Restoration 

and Public Access Project, contact Meredith Manning, Senior 

Planner, at 650-691-1200 or mt.um@openspace.org. 

To see photographs of the remediation work progress, for more 

information on the project goals and objectives, or to review a 

copy of the DEIR when released to the public, visit the District’s 

Web site at: www.openspace.org/plans_projects/ 

mt_umunhum.asp. 

(or juvenile) frogs. These young frogs will 

leave the ponds after the first rains and 

will return again when they are ready to 

begin breeding (usually within 1-2 years). 

Monitoring for frogs throughout their life 

cycle provides an opportunity for the 

District to confirm if breeding efforts are 

successful each year. Prior to restoration, 

the pond dried early each year (May 

or June) smothering tadpoles before 

they could develop into adult frogs. If 

restoration efforts are successful, the 

restored pond will provide water long 

enough (through August or September) 

for frog larvae to fully develop into adult 

frogs each year. 

This fall, wildlife friendly fencing will 

be installed around half of the pond to 

exclude cattle* and protect frogs and 

egg masses from trampling during their 

breeding season. The remainder of the 

(continued on page 17)

WILD THINGS 

A Celebrated, and Threatened, California Jumping Frog 

The California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) once 

ranged from southwest British Columbia to northwest Baja, 

California, including portions of the Sierra Nevada mountain 

range, where it’s believed to be the title character of Mark 

Twain’s famed short story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of 

Calaveras County.” The California red-legged frog has been 

eliminated from more than 70% of its historic range as a 

result of a wide variety of human impacts, including urban and 

residential development, draining of wetlands, construction 

of reservoirs and water diversions, chemical contaminants, 

agriculture, overgrazing of livestock, and introduction of 

invasive species. These activities can destroy, degrade, and 

fragment habitat. Introduced predators and competitors such 

as fish, crayfish, and bullfrogs continue to threaten the viability 

of many remaining California red-legged frog populations. As 

a result, the California red-legged frog was federally listed as 

threatened in 1996 and is a California Department of Fish and 

Game state species of special concern. 

The California red-legged frog is the largest native frog in 

the western United States, and is one of two subspecies of the 

red-legged frog found on the Pacific coast, the other is the northern 

red-legged frog (Rana aurora). California red-legged frogs 

range from 1.5 to 5 inches in length. The belly and underside of 

hind legs are often red or salmon pink; the back is characterized 

by small black flecks and larger dark blotches on a background 

California Red-legged 

Frog Life Cycle 

Adults (Size: 80+ millimeters) 

Larger, sexually mature frogs that can 

live for up to 8 to 10 years; these 

fully-formed frogs are capable 

of breeding each year and 

often return to the pond 

in which they were born 

to rear their own young. 

Female frogs are 

generally larger than 

male frogs. Adult frogs 

are typically active in the 

daytime and will often leap 

into water when threatened. 

➤➤ 

Subadults (Juveniles) 

(Size: 45 – 75 millimeters) 

1 to 3 years; almost fully developed; 

looks and acts like an adult, but is 

not sexually mature. The white upper 

lip is a key field mark. 

16 

of brown, gray, olive or reddish-brown. They can also be 

recognized by their low, staccato grunts, heard during the few 

weeks between late winter and early spring when they breed. 

The diet of the California red-legged frog is highly variable. 

Insects, occasionally small fish, and frog and salamander 

larvae are the most common sources of food, although the 

larva/tadpole stage of the frog likely eats algae. 

What is needed to support the California red-legged frog life 

cycle and the frog’s recovery efforts? California red-legged 

frogs inhabit relatively deep, still or slow-moving water in 

streams, springs, marshes, ponds, and reservoirs, and require 

shallow, warmer aquatic habitat for breeding, but also use 

a variety of other habitat types, including damp woods 

and meadows. 

California red-legged frog recovery efforts include protecting 

existing populations by reducing threats, and restoring and 

creating habitat. Protective measures include pesticide restrictions, 

surveying and monitoring populations, conducting research 

on the biology and threats to the species, restoring degraded 

habitat, and re-establishing populations of the species within 

the amphibian’s historic range. For more information regarding 

the recovery efforts, refer to the La Honda Creek Open Space 

Preserve Pond Restoration Project article on page 15. 

Eggs 

Breeding can occur from late November to early April. 

Softball sized gelatinous masses contain an average of 

2,000 eggs and are deposited at the surface of the 

water, often attached to emergent or loose floating 

vegetation; eggs hatch in 2 to 4 weeks. 

➤➤ 

➤➤ 

Illustration by Robert Moncrieff 

Larvae (Tadpoles) 

(Size: 25 – 40 millimeters) 

An aquatic “in-between” phase 

from eggs to subadults; larvae 

resemble small eels that eventually 

develop legs and begin to experience 

other physical changes as they metamorphose 

(change) into land based frogs. Metamorphosis 

usually occurs between July and September 

(3 to 7 months after eggs are laid). In this life 

stage, they may still have a tail and smaller, 

less-developed frog features. 

© Gary Nafis, Adult California red-legged 

frog and larvae/tadpoles photos.

PRESERVE SPOTLIGHT (continued from page 1) 

“Back to the Bay” 

Ravenswood Open Space Preserve and Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area 

within a healthy wetland system will 

often break down and convert these 

harmful pollutants to less damaging 

substances. In the early 1950s, a 

levee was constructed at this location 

that allowed for commercial salt 

production, halting the benefits of 

a healthy tidal marsh system. Since 

being purchased by the District in 

the 1980s, the area has been slowly 

returning to a more natural state. 

The southern area of the Preserve 

features two observation decks 

and a 1.2-mile trail created in 

collaboration with San Mateo 

County and made possible by a grant received from the 

California Coastal Conservancy. The District has partnered 

with the City of East Palo Alto on a Vision Plan to open Cooley 

Landing for public enjoyment. Environmental review of the Vision 

Plan has recently been completed, construction documents are 

currently under development, and remediation of the site is 

expected to begin this year. Additional information, including 

project updates, can be found on the District’s Web site at: 

www.openspace.org/plans_projects/cooley_landing.asp. 

The 100-acre northern area, just south of the Dumbarton Bridge, 

is now open following completion of trail work for the South 

Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. (The South Bay Salt Pond 

Restoration Project is a federal/state multi-agency effort that 

includes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California State 

Coastal Conservancy, California Department of Fish and Game, 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, local water districts, and the 

Open Space District.) The refurbished, 1-mile trail includes an 

additional short segment of levee trail that provides visitors with 

a newly enhanced opportunity to view recent restoration work. 

FIELD NOTES 

(continued from page 15) 

La 

pond will be left open to cattle for drinking and grazing. During 

their elaborate transformation through egg, larva (tadpole), 

subadult (juvenile), and adult stages, frogs use both open and 

vegetated pond areas. The cattle grazing will be managed, 

including occasional temporary access to the fenced area, to 

maintain a mosaic of pond vegetation as healthy frog habitat. 

Balancing the requirements of frogs and cattle creates a wetland 

that is beneficial to both species. 

To complete the project, the District received $83,000 in grant 

funds from the State of California and the Nature Restoration 

Trust, a collaboration between Pacific Gas and Electric Company, 

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Fish 

and Wildlife Foundation. 

Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area 

17 

Visitors will also find interpretive 

display signs and two viewing platforms 

where they can admire the 

nesting islands created for shorebirds. 

In addition, the project implemented 

low fencing as a way to keep a 

threatened shorebird, the western 

snowy plover, from entering the 

surrounding roads. 

Further to the south in Mountain View 

is the 55-acre Stevens Creek Shoreline 

Nature Study Area, also an important 

Preserve for its surrounding water 

systems. To one side of the single 

levee trail, you’ll find ponds and 

marshes and, on the other, Stevens Creek. The headwaters for 

this adjacent creek are located in the District’s Monte Bello Open 

Space Preserve and run along the Stevens Creek Nature Trail 

before making its way into Stevens Creek Reservoir and out to 

various cities and the bay. The levee trail continues straight 

beyond the Preserve’s boundary line, now part of the Don 

Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Recently 

opened to the public is another short stretch of the San Francisco 

Bay Trail, which leads to the right at the northern corner of the 

Preserve at the levee gate. (Please note: the gate and road on 

this stretch of trail are managed and maintained by the U.S. Fish 

and Wildlife Service and seasonal waterfowl hunting or other 

closures may impede your planned outing.) 

Both District bayland preserves are open to pedestrians and 

bicycles, and can accommodate visitors in wheelchairs or anyone 

desiring a less strenuous open space experience. For a free copy 

of the Ravenswood Preserve or Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature 

Study Area trail maps or detailed directions, please visit the 

District’s Web site www.openspace.org or call 650-691-1200. 

Honda Creek Open Space Preserve 

Pond Restoration Project 

The pond featured in this article is one of many located in La 

Honda Creek Preserve. A Pond Management Plan was created 

to manage 11 of the most critical ponds located within high 

quality California red-legged frog habitat. A similar pond 

restoration project is currently in design for two additional 

ponds within the Preserve. These restoration efforts will result 

in a complex of ponds that provide multiple opportunities for 

frogs to disperse, mate, and hopefully increase the overall 

population of frogs within the Preserve. 

Staff will report the findings of ongoing frog monitoring in a 

future newsletter issue. To learn more about the California redlegged 

frog, refer to the “Wild Things” article on page 16.

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 

330 Distel Circle 

Los Altos, California 94022-1404 

Phone: 650-691-1200 • Fax: 650-691-0485 

E-mail: info@openspace.org 

Web site: www.openspace.org 

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Pull out and save your schedule of summer 

Outdoor Activities in open space and... 

be sure to visit us on our Web site for preserve 

maps, volunteer opportunities, and more. 

www.openspace.org 

Twitter: @mrosd 

Looking for a new way to 

experience the great outdoors? 

The District is launching a 

geocaching challenge designed 

for families and individuals 

looking for adventure along 

the District’s trails. 

“Preserve Circuit 

Geo-Challenge” 

Objective: Use your Global 

Positioning System (GPS)-enabled 

device to locate a series of 

geocaches within District 

preserves. Receive a ‘Preserve 

Passport’ that you will take with 

you along a designated circuit of 

preserves. Fill your passport with 

stamps from the geocaches and 

earn cool collectibles. 

Get Out and Geocache! 

18 

“Launch and Learn” Event 

Saturday, July 9, 2011 

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Open House) 

Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve 

RSVP Details Below 

PRE SORTED 

STANDARD 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

SAN JOSE, CA 

PERMIT 1206 

Monte Bello Open Space Preserve by Karl Gohl 

The District’s mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity; protect and restore 

the natural environment; and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. 

Technology Meets Nature – Geocaching Program Launch! 

Receive “Preserve Circuit Geo-Challenge” program 

information and learn how to take part in this fun activity 

that will bring out the adventurer in you! To RSVP, or for 

more event details, visit www.openspace.org/geocaching or 

contact Assistant Program Coordinator Jennifer Williams at 

(650) 691-1200 or by email at jwilliams@openspace.org. 

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt 

where the objective is to locate geocaches, 

or hidden containers, outdoors with the 

help of a GPS device and then you share 

your experiences online.

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