37th Annual Hike the Open Spaces

Created in 1972, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is an independent special district that helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a connected greenbelt of more than 65,000 acres of public open space. These diverse and scenic landscapes, from bay wetlands to redwood forests and coastal grasslands, host an incredible diversity of life, making our region one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.Midpen’s purpose is to create a regional greenbelt of unspoiled public open space lands in order to permanently protect the area’s natural resources and to provide for public use and enjoyment. On the Coast, Midpen has an expanded mission to acquire and preserve agricultural land of regional significance, preserve rural character and encourage viable agricultural uses of land resources.

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

Midpen guided activities are led by trained volunteer docent naturalists. All are welcome.

Monte Bello Preserve

<p>Join Docent Naturalists Greg Azevedo, Bobbie Riedel, and Mallik K. 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 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.) <strong><strong>Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after May 12 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close May 23 at 2:00 p.m.</strong></strong></p>

<h3>Where to Meet:</h3><p>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.</p>


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