Eco-Friendly Events Calendar

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, Mallik K., and Chris MacIntosh. You’ll ramble the Canyon Trail and climb the scenic Bella Vista Trail, observing seasonal flora and fauna, then watch the sun set and the full moon rise from Black Mountain’s summit while enjoying the food you brought. You’ll earn extraordinary views of the Santa Clara Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains. This is a strenuous but moderately-paced excursion with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after June 15 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close June 26 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.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Come ride the trails through grasslands and oak woodlands with Docent Naturalists Steve Crawford and An Scharlaken. You’ll learn how tectonic forces have shaped the landscapes and soils, which in turn influence the plants and animals who live in this habitat. The route includes the White Oak, Canyon, and Bella Vista trails, among others, as well as a visit to the sag pond. This is an intermediate ride designed for nature enthusiasts who are experienced mountain bike riders. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after June 27 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close July 10 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.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Docent Naturalists Olga and Tony Bright look forward to sharing both the rich history and the diversity of plants along the Bridle and Schilling trails in this smaller preserve. Even on a midsummer’s afternoon day, the trails tend to stay cooler since you’ll be hiking beneath the redwood canopy. Though this exploration is moderately-paced, there are a couple of steep inclines. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after June 27 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close July 10 at 2:00 p.m. Where to Meet:Meet at the Thornewood Parking Area on La Honda Road. From I-280, 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 Midpen 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. 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.

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

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

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.Come celebrate National Moth Week, scheduled for July 18-26, and see for yourself that moths are much more than little brown things that eat your clothing! Docent Naturalists Debbi Brusco, Jan Hintermeister, Vivian Neou, Ray Curiel, and Annette Herz will use special lights to attract the moths to sheets so you can observe how beautiful and interesting these winged creatures are. You'll also have the opportunity to be a community scientist by photographing and submitting your observations to iNaturalist. Bring snacks, a flashlight, and your camera or phone. This easy, observational activity is well suited if you need a less physically challenging outing. (Notes: This activity takes place at the parking lot but wear close-toed, sturdy shoes/boots; you’ll have the option to leave earlier than the scheduled end time.) Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after July 5 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) and close July 17 at 2 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.

Guided hike in Huddart Park!Weekday Walk in the WoodsLooking for a fun way to break up your week? Join us for a guided hike to connect with nature, breathe fresh air, and maybe spot some cool wildlife. Meet at the Zwierlein Picnic Area. Hike is approximately 5 miles with 500 elevation gain.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Experience the twilight’s transition from day to night during a moderately-paced hike along the Ancient Oaks, Ridge, and Charquin trails with Docent Naturalists Sabra Abraham, Lindsay Joye, and Ann McCarty. These can be very active hours in the natural world, as some animals are getting ready for sleep and others, the nocturnal ones, are just getting started. You’ll pause at the top of Borel Hill—one of the highest vantage points in San Mateo County—for a snack break while watching the moon rise as the sun sets, followed by a short hike back to the parking area. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after July 14 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close July 27 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 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.Step into a cool redwood canyon where banana slugs cruise the mossy understory and every trail name tells a story about some of the humans who were here before. Join Docent Naturalists Catherine Xun, Susan Dunn, and Jianfei Hu to discover how loggers, squatters, and settlers transformed this landscape. On this moderately-paced hike with approximately 1,100-feet of elevation gain, you'll loop down the Grabtown Gulch Trail, follow Purisima Creek, and return via the Borden Hatch Mill Trail. This is a less frequented, very peaceful part of the preserve, so get ready for a fun exploration. Bring a snack; hiking poles recommended for steep sections. (Note: You'll meet at the main parking area of El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve and carpool/caravan on a five mile/12-minute-long drive to the trailhead; participants must stay for the duration of the hike.) Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after July 17 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close July 30 at 2:00 p.m. Where to Meet:Meet at the El Corte de Madera Parking Area located on the west side of Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard), about one mile south of the Caltrans Skeggs Point parking area and 2.7 miles north of the intersection of Highway 35 and Highway 84.