Have You Checked Out All The Free Regional Open Space Hikes?

MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT --

The district includes 24 extraordinary preserves with 46,500 acres of permanently protected open space, from redwood forests to bay shoreline. Docents who have completed a District training program lead hikes through the preserves. For all hikes, wear boots or sturdy walking shoes and dress in layers. Bring sun protection in the form of a hat or sunscreen, insect repellent, water and snacks. There are no restrooms available. Heavy rain cancels the hikes.

ONGOING EVENT --

“Stop In and Explore,’’ ongoing. Enjoy displays about nature and
community, view pond strata mobiles, take a pond prowl, and study live
organisms. At the Daniels Nature Center, by Alpine Pond at the Russian Ridge
Preserve, Skyline Boulevard and Page Mill-Alpine Road. Saturday and Sunday,
noon to 5 p.m.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES -- ongoing.

“Nature Through a Lens,’’ ongoing. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. A leisurely 2- to
3-mile nature photography hike.

“Earthquake Walk,’’ ongoing. 2-4:30 p.m. A 2- to 3-mile stroll to
discover remnants of the effects of the 1906 earthquake. Discuss plate
tectonics and how to prepare for future earthquakes.

“Ride the Ridges,’’ ongoing. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Docents Strether Smith
and Anne Henmi lead an intermediate bike ride that mixes moderate climbs and
descents with lots of sightseeing along Peters Creek Trail and throughout
Long Ridge and Skyline Ridge areas. Meet at the Skyline Ridge Equestrian
parking lot.

“Witches’ Butter, Sunny Side Up,’’ ongoing. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Search
for fungi on a 7-mile loop hike on the North Ridge, Whittemore Gulch and
Harkins Ridge Trails. Meet at Whittemore Gulch entrance.

“Mammal Tracks and Signs,’’ ongoing. 1-3:30 p.m. Learn to identify
tracks, scat and other signs of Santa Cruz mountain mammals in this moving
outdoor classroom activity. Meet at Caltrans vista point.

“Explorer Hike,’’ ongoing. Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Join
docents Siefken Krieger and Bill Bauriedel on a moderately-paced excursion of
about three to five miles with a variey of elevation gains. Reservations are
required. Meet: Hickory Oaks trailhead.

“Cool at the Top,’’ ongoing. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Head up Black Mountain
with Bob Segalla and Collin Lim to see why Mountain View got its name.

“Woods, Wine, and Waterfalls,’’ ongoing. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This
docent-led, leisurely paced five-mile hike takes participants along Bear
Meadow, Orchard Loop and Zinfandel trails. Participants may make an optional
visit to Picchetti Winery at the hike’s end.

Free. San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. (650) 691-2150, (650)
691-1200.

For more info, follow this link www.openspace.org.