Eco-Friendly Events Calendar

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Search for beautiful spring wildflowers while on an exciting and aerobic mountain bike ride with Docent Naturalists An Scharlaken, Steve Crawford, Jianfei Hu, and Veronica Chouinard. This adventure is designed for experienced mountain bikers looking to explore the region's dynamic trails while learning about the different habitats and what flowers grow there. You’ll start with a climb up the Ridge Trail, then ride down the Ancient Oaks Trail, gain elevation again on the Alder Spring Trail, and loop back to the Ridge Trail. This is an advanced-level ride: Participants must be experienced and able to ride steep, narrow trails with an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet. Bring a lunch (you can leave it in your car) if you want to eat together after the ride. (Note: This preserve fills quickly on spring weekends; carpooling encouraged.) Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after April 18 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close May 1 at 2:00 p.m. Where to Meet: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.

Join the EV for a fun exploration of local open space, led by our environmental educators. Intended for all ages 6 and up.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Join Docent Naturalists Greg Azevedo and Chris MacIntosh 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 April 19 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close May 1 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. 

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.What secrets do the oak woodlands hold? Join Docent Naturalists Melissa Hero and Jan Hintermeister in exploring the rich biodiversity and ecological significance of the oak woodlands. On this moderately-paced hike along the Waterwheel Creek Trail you’ll search for different species of these iconic California trees and learn what makes them unique. But beyond identifying them, you’ll discover the intricate relationships between various plants and animals who call this habitat home. Please bring a snack and something to sit on, as well as hiking poles if you need them. Note that you’ll meet at Picchetti Ranch Preserve to carpool to the trailhead at Monte Bello Preserve. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after April 19 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close May 1 at 2:00 p.m. Where to Meet:For this activity at Monte Bello Preserve, meet at the Picchetti Ranch Preserve parking lot. 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. Participants will carpool to the trailhead for this activity.

Join the EV in a Baylands Bioblitz, where we see how many plants and animals we can find in a day!Saturday, May 9th 9:00 am to 11:00 amJoin the Environmental Volunteers for a Spring BioBlitz in the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve and Byxbee Park.Spring is a wonderful time for flowers, pollinators, as well as courting or nesting birds. Join us to learn about some of our native and non-native species, become a community scientist and help us collect scientific data. We'll be adding to a crucial diversity database to help track changes in the Baylands over time.Please bring a digital camera or smartphone. Download the free iNaturalist smartphone app prior to the program and create a free account prior to the event and join the 2026 project. A printed guide will also be avaialble the day of.We will have families check in at the EcoCenter and then embark to record as many plants and animals as possible. Volunteers will be on site to take small groups/families who would like to learn more about plants, insects, birds, or how to use iNaturalist.For all ages 6 and up. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Join Docent Naturalists Jan Hintermeister, Karen DeMello, Cathy Brown, and Stephen Buckhout to explore the wonderful and strange world of insects that taste with their feet and smell with their antennae. Learn to identify common butterfly species and understand why humans from the Stone Age to the Space Age have been fascinated with these delicate winged creatures. Many facts and flutters await you on this leisurely-paced walk along the Zinfandel and Orchard Loop trails. Bring binoculars if you have them. Attentive children with an interest in nature are welcome. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after April 25 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close May 8 at 2:00 p.m. Where to Meet:Meet at the preserve parking lot on Montebello Road. 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 Rd.  The preserve is 0.5 miles up Montebello Rd. on the left.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Join Docent Naturalists Ani Agahian, Mary Ann Frank, Minh Pham for a serene sunset adventure. You and your dog (or just you!) will travel the Betsy Crowder Trail around Sausal Pond on this moderately‐paced hike before beginning your ascent partway up Spring Ridge Trail for spectacular views of the Santa Clara Valley. Along the way you’ll dive into the rich history of the land and explore nature’s nightlife. Dogs are welcome but not required—just your sense of curiosity and love for outdoors. Remember to bring a flashlight. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after April 25 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close May 8 at 2:00 p.m. Where to Meet:The Lower Windy Hill Parking Area at the lower portion of the preserve is located on Portola Road. Please note: This parking lot fills quickly. Please do not park on Portola Road: parking is strictly enforced.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Join Docent Naturalists Greg Azevedo and Gordy Ferguson for an engaging extension of the popular guided activity, “Wonders of Cherry Springs.” This leisurely-paced hike at a limited-access area will travel in a figure eight, traversing grassland meadows, mixed evergreen forest, and chaparral. It includes two uphill sections, one 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 or lunch for a short break. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after May 3 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close May 15 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. 

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Join Docent Naturalists Dave Kocsis, Steve Crawford, and Peter Maxwell for an advanced mountain bike ride on fun trails with outstanding views in memory of our friend and Midpen Docent Naturalist Strether Smith. You’ll carpool from Picchetti Ranch Preserve to the beautiful Waterwheel Creek Trail and ride the single track and fire roads in Monte Bello Preserve, including Bella Vista, Canyon, White Oak, and Skid Road trails, before taking Stevens Canyon Road back to the carpool location. The mostly downhill route (2,200-foot net descent) includes 1,700+ feet of climbing. Approximately five miles of the ride is on public roadways. Bring snacks or a light lunch to eat at breaks along the way. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after May 3 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close May 15 at 2:00 p.m. Where to Meet:For this activity at Monte Bello Preserve, meet at the Picchetti Ranch Preserve parking lot. 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. Participants will carpool to the trailhead for this activity.

Join expert EV docents for an exploration of the science and nature of the Palo Alto Baylands.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Join Docent Naturalists Greg Azevedo, Mari Aldridge, Bobbie Riedel, and Fran Keeler for a leisurely-paced walk through a less-traveled section of this preserve on the Waterwheel Creek Trail. If the weather is clear, expect to see spectacular views of the Santa Clara Valley and portions of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This walk will include occasional stops to discuss the history of the preserve and of Midpen, as well as to learn about the plants, animals, and geology of the area. This hike has minimal elevation gain hike and is suitable for children and those needing a less physically challenging outing. (Note: You’ll meet at the Picchetti Ranch Parking Area and carpool to the Waterwheel Creek trailhead.) Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after May 11 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close May 22 at 2:00 p.m. Where to Meet:For this activity at Monte Bello Preserve, meet at the Picchetti Ranch Preserve parking lot. 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. Participants will carpool to the trailhead for this activity.

Join us for a fun weekday hike with great company and fresh air!Hike with the Friends: Weekday HikeJoin us for a fun and friendly in-person hiking adventure! It's a perfect chance to stay active, meet new friends, and enjoy the great outdoors together. Hike designed for active participants. 4-5 miles with approximately700 elevation gain on beautiful trails. Meet at the Purisima Creek Redwoods Roadside parking area at 9:00 AM sharp! We will hike upper Huddart. Lace up your shoes, bring water, layers, and sun protection and come explore nature with fellow seniors leading the way! Hike hosted by the Friends of Huddart & Wunderlich Parks and guided by volunteer naturalist Dennis Ruby.

Join us for a fun weekday hike with great company and fresh air!Hike with the Friends: Weekday HikeJoin us for a fun and friendly in-person hiking adventure! It's a perfect chance to stay active, meet new friends, and enjoy the great outdoors together. Hike designed for active participants. 4-5 miles with approximately700 elevation gain on beautiful trails. Meet at the ZWIERLEIN parking area at 9:00 AM sharp! Participants DO NOT pay parking fee at entry. Lace up your shoes, bring water, layers, and sun protection and come explore nature with fellow seniors leading the way! Hike hosted by the Friends of Huddart & Wunderlich Parks and guided by volunteer naturalist Dennis Ruby.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Witches’ brooms, oak apples, redwood burls, and stem fasciations—do you know what these are and how they are formed? Welcome to the huge and fascinating world of plant galls and other abnormal growth patterns. Come out with Docent Naturalists Frances Reneau and Helena Cohen on this leisurely-paced exploration along the Page Mill and Lost Creek Loop trails to learn how to spot spined turbans, red cones, pink bowties, and yellow wigs hiding in plain sight on some of your favorite plants. Bring a loupe if you have one. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after May 15 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close May 28 at 2:00 p.m. Where to Meet:Meet at the Lower Page Mill Roadside Parking off Page Mill Road. From Highway 280, exit onto Page Mill Road and head west. Follow Page Mill Road for approximately six miles. The parking pullout is on the right. From Skyline Boulevard, turn left on Page Mill Road and travel 2.6 miles to the parking pullout on the left. (Note: If coming from Skyline Blvd., you'll pass the main parking areas for Los Trancos and Monte Bello preserves—keep going another 1.2 miles.) 

Join the EV each month on the last Saturday from 10-11:30am for a hands-on exploration of nature and science. For children ages 7-9.

Help us make salt scrubs as a gift to say thank you to our volunteers!Join us at the EcoCenter on May 30th (Saturday) from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM to help us make gifts for the volunteers who deliver our environmental education programs. We'll be creating salt scrubs so our volunteers can pamper themselves the way they care for our community.Our team will provide the jars, ingredients, and art materials. We could use some helping hands to mix, pour, and put a little love into each gift!Questions? Contact Via de Jesus at viadj@environmentalvolunteers.org or (650) 493-8000 x ext 1.About the EcoCenterLocated in the heart of the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, the EcoCenter is a regional hub for nature and science exploration for all ages. A historic landmark with its distinctive Nautical Moderne architecture, the EcoCenter was originally constructed in the 1940s as a base for the Sea Scouts. Today, it serves as a thriving public nature center and community education resource as the headquarters of the Environmental Volunteers. Visitors will find plenty to explore: from hands-on activities and interactive displays, to green building features and rotating art exhibits, there is always something new to discover at the EcoCenter.About Environmental VolunteersEnvironmental Volunteers has inspired people of all ages for over 50 years to learn about the wonders of the natural world. We train volunteers to bring immersive science and nature-based experiences programs through over 20,000 student experiences each year. Through field trips and programs in the classroom, in the community, and at the EcoCenter, we grow students’ environmental awareness, connect kids and adults to the outdoors, and instill a desire to protect Earth’s beauty and natural resources.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Ready to watch the sunset from one of the best vantage points in the South Bay? Join Docent Naturalists Catherine Xun, Stephen Buckhout, Mari Aldridge, and Ann McCarty for an evening ascent to the top of Mt. Umunhum where you’ll gather for a brief story circle and catch the sun setting over the western horizon. You’ll start by parking your car at the summit before carpooling down to the Bald Mountain trailhead. From there, you’ll be led on a moderately-paced hike through shaded woodlands on your way back to the peak, gaining 1,384 feet and panoramic view of Silicon Valley. Bring a dinner or snack. (Notes: This activity ends after dark and the hike involves a caravan (meet at summit, shuttle down, hike up.) Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after May 16 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close May 29 at 2:00 p.m. Where to Meet:Meet at the Mt. Umunhum Summit Parking Area at the top of Mt. Umunhum Road. Exit Highway 85 at Camden Avenue. (From Southbound Hwy. 85 turn left on Camden Ave. From northbound Hwy. 85 turn left on Branham Avenue, then left on Camden Ave.) Travel on Camden Ave. about 1.6 miles. Turn right on Hicks Road and travel for about 6.3 miles. Turn right on Mt. Umunhum Road and travel for 5.3 miles to the preserve parking lot on the left.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Hike one of the peninsula’s iconic peaks while appreciating the twilight on an evening excursion with Docent Naturalists Dave Kocsis, Lindsay Joye, and Stephen Buckhout. You’ll ramble the Canyon Trail and climb the scenic Bella Vista Trail observing late spring flora and fauna, then watch the sun set and the full moon rise from Black Mountain’s summit while enjoying the snack or meal you brought. You’ll earn extraordinary views of the Santa Clara Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains. This is a strenuous but moderately-paced hike with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after May 17 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close May 29 at 2:00 p.m. Where to Meet:Meet at the Monte Bello Parking Area 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.