MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT PRESERVES
Our close partnership with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) has allowed us to participate in the management of several regional open spaces for ecosystem improvement. Our work at these preserves varies from invasive species removal to planting and maintaining native habitat. We work with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at Russian Ridge Preserve off of Skyline Boulevard and Page Mill, Hawthorns Property in Portola Valley, and Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve in Los Gatos.
OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS AT THE MIDPEN PRESERVES
OUR RESTORATION WORK AT THE MIDPEN PRESERVES
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
Our work at Russian Ridge focuses on invasive plant removal as well as maintaining a native garden at the preserve’s parking lot. Thanks to the help of volunteers, we focus on removing yellow starthistle and stinkwort in heavily visited areas at the preserve. Our demonstration garden welcomes preserve visitors with a sneak peak of the diverse native grassland species that grow throughout Russian Ridge.
Volunteers working in the Russian Ridge demonstration garden
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve – Hawthorns Area
Hawthorns is one of the Bay Area’s best success stories of yellow starthistle removal. Since 2017, volunteers have helped us monitor and remove yellow starthistle each summer, resulting in a 99% reduction throughout the property. We also work to remove French broom at Hawthorns. By removing these invasive species, we increase biodiversity, reduce fire risk, and improve habitat for local wildlife.
College interns scanning for yellow starthistle at Hawthorns Property
Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
We primarily work at a unique seasonally wet meadow at Bear Creek Redwoods. Since 2019, volunteers have helped us to remove a variety of invasive plants with a special focus on French broom. We have also added some native vegetation to the wetland, and collected seeds from existing plants to grow future generations of native habitat.
Volunteers celebrating the pile of broom they removed at Bear Creek Redwoods
VISIT THE MIDPEN PRESERVES
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
The entrance to Russian Ridge is at the intersection of Page Mill Road and Skyline Boulevard.
The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset. Parking for Russian Ridge is available in a gravel lot. There is no entrance fee or parking fee at the preserve. The road to the preserve is paved and winding for about 45 minutes coming from Palo Alto. There is a parking lot with about 30 spaces and 2 accessible spaces. It is easy to get lost finding the parking lot and there is no cell service, so be sure to download instructions before driving up the hill. Be sure to lock your car and take all valuables with you. There is no public transportation to Russian Ridge.
There are ADA compliant pit toilets at the parking lot. There is no drinking water available at the preserve.
Our work areas are not in the shade, but shade is available nearby. There is almost no walking required at volunteer days, but the work site is on an incline.
Preserve walking trails are unpaved and wander up and down steep hillsides with little shade, and through oak woodland habitat. Come prepared with water and a hat, and be aware of rattlesnakes, ticks, and poison oak.
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve – Hawthorns Area
Our site at Hawthorns Property is not open to the public. Specific directions will be sent to volunteers upon event registration.
The road to the preserve is paved and slightly winding, and there are about 30 parking spots across the street at Robert's Market. There is no public transportation to the site. There are bike paths around Portola Valley, and bike racks are available at the site, but getting to Portola Valley by bike is only recommended for strong bikers.
There are no restrooms and no water available at the preserve.
Our work areas are not necessarily in shade, but shade is available nearby. Volunteer days usually require 0.5 miles of walking, or about 20 minutes on steep rolling hills with no trails. Come prepared with water and a hat, and be aware of rattlesnakes, ticks, and poison oak.
Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Our volunteer site at Bear Creek Redwoods is not open to the public. Specific directions will be sent to volunteers upon event registration.
The route to Bear Creek Redwoods includes Hwy 17 which is paved but windy and people drive very fast. Bear Creek Road is also paved and windy. The parking location is at a dirt lot through a locked gate with about 20 spaces. Be sure to lock your car and take all valuables with you. There is no public transportation available to the site.
There are no restrooms and no water available at the work site, but are available down the road the preserve’s main entrance.
Our work areas are not necessarily in shade, but shade is available nearby. Volunteer days usually require 0.5 miles of walking, or about 5-10 minutes on hilly terrain with rocks, loose gravel, and holes. Come prepared with water and a hat, and be aware of rattlesnakes, ticks, and poison oak.
OUR TEAM AT THE MIDPEN PRESERVES
Project Lead Tyler Feld manages our work at the Midpen Preserves, along with two Watershed Stewards Program Members Dmi Rodriguez and Sawyer Porter. Any questions about our work at the Midpen Preserves can be directed to Project Lead Tyler Feld.
