Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve: Public Access Advances

LOS GATOS, CA – The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District broke ground this week on planned trails and a parking area in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, set to open to the public next spring.

The efforts, part of multi-phase projects funded by Measure AA, will include a parking area on Bear Creek Road, an easy-access path around a historic pond and six miles of trail through forested slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains above Lexington Reservoir, according to the Midpen district, a nonprofit agency dedicated to acquiring and preserving regional open space.

"People have been drawn to Bear Creek Redwoods for centuries. Native Californians ground acorns in mortar stones still visible there," agency officials said. "Since the gold rush, the property has been the site of elaborate estates, logging operations, the West Coast’s first Jesuit school of theology and a century-old horse stable still in use.

"Midpen is working to share Bear Creek Redwoods’ layers of local history while restoring the health of its forests and creeks for the many benefits they provide people and wildlife."

The ceremonial groundbreaking held May 1 is the start of Midpen’s plan to restore the 1,432-acre preserve’s natural environment and provide opportunities for the public to connect with nature and local history.

Officials at the celebration included Los Gatos Mayor Rob Rennie and local environmental leaders.

Santa Clara Valley Water District grants are supporting the removal of such harmful non-native plants as English ivy and French broom along the preserve’s creeks, and old logging roads are being regraded or converted into trails to improve water quality by reducing erosion, the agency said.

Midpen also is partnering with researchers to protect the area’s forests from sudden oak death.

IMAGES: Walter Moore of Peninsula Open Space Trust; Midpen Director Jed Cyr, Midpen Director Pete Siemens; Midpen General Manager Ana Ruiz; California State Assembly Field Representative Aditi Shakkarwar; Los Gatos Mayor Rob Rennie breaking ground; An easy-access path with encircle a historic pond at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve when it opens in spring 2019; Approximately six miles of trail will open in spring 2019 through the forests of Midpen’s Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

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--Photos courtesy of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District