Exploring the Hawthorns Area

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.

Windy Hill Preserve

<p>Enjoy a leisurely-paced hike with Docent Naturalists Bobbie Riedel, Ann Reisenauer, and Nick Yatsko to explore the cultural and natural history of the Hawthorns Area, a limited-access location separate from the rest of Windy Hill Preserve. You’ll meander through grasslands, pass an olive orchard, wander along a stream, and see structures built in the late 1880s. You will also learn about plans for future access and appreciate sweeping views of the mountains and the bay. <strong>Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after August 15 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and August 28 at 2:00 p.m.</strong></p>


<h3>Where to Meet:</h3><p>Directions will be sent.</p>
