Eco-Friendly Events Calendar

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Join Docent Naturalists Chris MacIntosh, Annette Herz, Noa Doitel, and Susan Dunn for a non-technical fungus appreciation day. You'll train your eyes to find a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes growing underfoot (and sometimes overhead). On this leisurely- to moderately-paced hike on the strenuous North Ridge, Whittemore Gulch, and Harkins Ridge trails, you'll learn to notice the sometimes camouflaged but always fascinating fungi that flourish in winter in the different habitats. The rain (or lack of) will determine what you see. Bring boots for mud, your lunch, and your stamina and sense of curiosity. Despite frequent stops, there are some very steep sections of trail. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after January 10 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close January 23 at 2:00 p.m.Where to Meet:Meet at the North Ridge Parking Area on Skyline Boulevard.  This entrance is 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.

Join us to learn about tick bite prevention from Rachel Curtis-Robles, Communications Director at SMC Mosquito & Vector Control DistrictThis informative session will be at Wunderlich County Park. Parking is limited, please carpool if possible. Presentation will be in the Carriage House located up the driveway from the parking lot, across from the stable. Information about the Tick Talk:Learn about:Basic tick biology (questing, life cycle basics, etc.) and about the pathogens and (low!) prevalence of pathogens in ticks in San Mateo County.How to avoid ticks (trail habits, clothing, repellents, etc.)How to best check for ticksHow to properly remove ticksHow to talk about ticks with families and childrenHow to choose a safe, effective tick repellentGet:Several handouts, including tick remover tools, repellent samples, and tick ID cards.Information about Rachel:Rachel is an ecologist and infectious disease epidemiologist. She obtained her undergraduate degree from a small university in Pennsylvania before continuing to the veterinary school at Texas A&M University to complete her PhD. Rachel’s expertise covers a wide variety of animals and diseases, ranging from how squirrels manage their acorns, to how poison dart frogs avoid being eaten, to collecting samples from coyotes and bobcats in rural Texas. Her role at the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector District focuses on educating residents about the no-charge services the District offers to everyone living in San Mateo County.Information about San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District:The District is an independent special government district focused on protecting the public health of the residents of San Mateo County through a science-based program of integrated vector management that is responsive to the community. The District delivers specific services to residents and businesses under the guidance of a Board of Trustees comprising representatives from each of the 20 cities in San Mateo County and the County Board of […]

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Learn about the rarely seen but sometimes heard owls at this forested preserve with Docent Naturalists Karen DeMello, Jan Hintermeister, and Kay Partelow. On this leisurely-paced walk along the Middle Pete Siemens Trail, you'll begin with a handful of mini-tutorial stops to get acquainted with the life history of local owl species. As darkness sets in, be prepared to stand quietly and patiently in the cold to listen for owls. Whooooo knows? Maybe you'll get lucky and hear one! (Note: Please wear warm clothing that is “quiet” and doesn’t brush loudly against itself; bring a flashlight with red cellophane covering if possible and binoculars if you have them.) Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after January 10 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close January 23 at 2:00 p.m. Where to Meet:Meet at the Alma Parking Area.  From Highway 17 take the Bear Creek Road exit, opposite Lexington Reservoir. (From southbound Hwy. 17, exit the highway and go under an overpass; road will curve right to a stop sign at Bear Creek Rd., turn left. From northbound Hwy. 17 exit highway and cross the highway via the overpass on to Bear Creek Rd.) Travel 1.0 mile from Hwy. 17 on Bear Creek Rd., as road curves left there will be a pedestrian crosswalk, turn left into the parking lot immediately after the crosswalk.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Get curious about nature and engage your inner scientist with Docent Naturalists Jennifer Anthony, Jessica Kolla, and Katie Wilson. You'll enjoy a short and leisurely-paced hike around Alpine Pond before sitting down to practice your observation skills by creating a nature journal entry. Please bring journals and/or paper and pencils for all of those in your family or group who would like to join in on the nature journaling fun. All ages invited. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after January 11 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close January 23 at 2:00 p.m. Please register all adults and children.Where to Meet:For this activity at Skyline Ridge Preserve, meet at the Russian Ridge Parking Area 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 40 minutes travel time.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Join Docent Naturalists Greg Azevedo and Emma Finter for a leisurely-paced hike at a limited-access area. You’ll travel in a single loop, traversing grassland meadows, mixed evergreen forest, and chaparral. It includes one uphill section with a 500-foot elevation gain. You’ll discuss local history, learn about the pond environment and flora of the area, and enjoy views of Santa Clara Valley while exploring habitats that few humans have recently visited. Bring a snack for a short break. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after January 18 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close January 30 at 2:00 p.m.Where to Meet:Meet at the VTA Park & Ride lot at Camden Avenue @ Highway 85. Docents will lead a carpool to the access area and have a group permit and parking passes for participants. Please arrive on time; the group will depart promptly. All participants must stay for the duration of the activity (no early departures in a closed area). Please note: there are no restrooms in VTA lot, nor the Preserve, so please plan accordingly. Thank you.