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, An Scharlaken, Roger Wigenstam, and Peter Maxwell. 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 May 24 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close June 5 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.Discover the natural and cultural history of this small yet diverse preserve on a leisurely-paced hike with Docent Naturalists Bobbie Riedel and Nick Yatsko. You’ll wander beneath the shade of redwoods on the new Rock of the Ages Trail in search of historic landmarks and head down the Bridle Trail to enjoy the small pools of Dennis Martin Creek. As you explore, you’ll hear stories of the two men, Dennis Martin and August Schilling, who impacted this landscape in the late 1800s and through the early 20th century. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after May 28 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close June 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.

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Nature journaling involves closely observing the natural world and describing what you see using words, drawings, or paintings—sometimes all three, sometimes more! Spend a summer Sunday morning connecting with nature with Docent Naturalists Ann Reisenauer, Noa Doitel, Maureen Draper, and Susan Bernhard. You’ll start with activities to engage your senses before having a leisurely-paced opportunity to explore Alpine Pond. This more active portion will be followed by some quiet time to sit and pen a poem, draw a wildflower, or paint a watercolor. Finally, you'll share your work (if you want to) and discuss these new pages in your nature journals. (Note: Please bring a sketchbook/journal, a pen and pencil, and if working in color, a set of color pencils or watercolors. Also bring a snack and a portable chair or something comfy to sit on.) Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after May 31 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close June 12 at 2:00 p.m. 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.

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 picnic area at 9:00 AM sharp! 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 picnic area at 9:00 AM sharp! 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.Visit the historic Skyline Chestnuts property for a chance to learn how honey is produced. Led by Docent Naturalists Kate Bauer, Mary Brunkhorst, and Nick Yatsko, you’ll start at the Peters Creek Trail and take a moderately-paced hike along the Chestnut Trail to reach the orchard. If you’re in luck, the chestnut trees will be in bloom with the honeybees buzzing among the flowers. You’ll see beehive boxes on a walk through the orchard while learning how the trees, bees, and people work together to create sweet, delicious chestnut honey. Bring a snack or a lunch for a short break. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after June 3 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close June 16 at 2:00 p.m. Where to Meet:Meet at Peters Creek Roadside Parking, on the west side of Skyline Boulevard, 3.6 miles north of Highway 9 or 3.3 miles south of Page Mill Road.  If you are coming from the north on Skyline Blvd., the pullout is just past Portola Heights Road on the right.  From the south, the pullout is near the Palo Alto city limits sign on the right. There is additional parking across Skyline Blvd. at the Grizzly Flat trailhead (Santa Clara County Park).

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.Trail Treks, scheduled the last Thursday of the month provide exercise-focused hikes and opportunities to discover Midpen's beautiful preserves. Hit the trails with Docent Naturalists Nancy Weintraub, Bobbie Riedel, and Nick Yatsko for a moderately paced trek with a 670-foot gain through a less-traveled section of this preserve. Your route will follow the Waterwheel Creek Trail and Monte Bello Road to Black Mountain. Bring a snack to enjoy at the peak. If the weather is clear, expect to see spectacular views of the Santa Clara Valley and portions of the Santa Cruz Mountains. (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 June 11 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close June 24 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.

Play board games at the EcoCenter, a restored historic building in the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve!Looking to spend an afternoon of cozy gaming but also wanting to touch grass and enjoy the summer weather? Do both at Board Games in the Baylands on June 27th from 2pm to 5pm!Enjoy nature-themed table-top favorites like Wingspan, Parks, Cascadia, and more. Jigsaw puzzles will also be available for those in the mood for something more relaxed.All players are welcome, whether new or experienced! Bring friends or make new ones. We’ll help you find the right table and jump in.When you need a break, enjoy some snacks or pick up a Baylands nature journal and explore trails right outside the EcoCenter.The event is FREE to attend, with a suggested donation of $15 to support Environmental Volunteers. Learn more about our mission to provide hands-on environmental education to thousands of kids in the Bay Area and beyond.*Participants are also welcome to bring their own games to play. Please bring games that are appropriate for all ages.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 […]

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.