REDWOOD GROVE NATURE PRESERVE
Redwood Grove, a beautiful six-acre nature preserve in the heart of Los Altos, showcases a range of California ecosystems including redwood forest, the riparian floodplain of Adobe Creek, oak woodland, and native meadow. We have managed restoration sites throughout the preserve since 2009. We also maintain a demonstration garden, designed for visitors to learn how to garden with California native plants in their own yards.
OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS AT REDWOOD GROVE
OUR RESTORATION WORK AT REDWOOD GROVE
Invasive Removal
Algerian ivy once blanketed large swaths of Redwood Grove, but over the last twelve years, volunteers have helped to eradicate it from many areas of the preserve. This plant is widely sold and used as a groundcover in residential areas and business developments. Without natural competition, Algerian ivy thrives in shady woodlands, where its dense growth crowds out native plants and wildflowers. Algerian ivy also kills trees by climbing and smothering them, and creates shelter for pests like the Norway rat.
Other invasive species we focus on at Redwood Grove include Himalayan blackberry, poison hemlock, periwinkle, Italian thistle, privet, smilo grass, and more.
Native Plantings
Our revegetation work at Redwood Grove has focused largely along Adobe Creek which originates on Black Mountain and empties into the Bay. The creek flows during wet winter and spring months and is often dry the rest of the year. Plants in the riparian zone along the creek protect the creek bank against erosion, and support animals and insects that migrate along the water route.
At the back of the preserve, Grassroots Ecology staff and volunteers maintain a pollinator meadow. The native flowers and grasses in this seasonally wet area are a critical food source for native birds and insects, which play an important role in the local ecosystem. Some native birds found at Redwood Grove include chickadees, woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches, turkey vultures, and red-shouldered hawks.
Demonstrating planting to volunteers
Blue-eyed grass blooming in the pollinator meadow
Redwood Tree Care
There are no naturally-occurring redwood trees at Redwood Grove. All of the existing redwood trees were planted in the 1920s by Emma Halsey who transported them as saplings from the Santa Cruz Mountains. Redwood trees are typically found closer to the coast, where they receive plenty of moisture from fog drip. Here in Los Altos, where the climate is warmer and drier, redwood trees need extra care. We water the redwood trees weekly during summer and fall using custom tree sprinklers.
Manresa Trail
Our work along the Manresa Trail is a five-year project to restore rich riparian habitat along 500 feet of Adobe Creek. This restoration project is made possible by a grant from Valley Water and the cooperation of neighboring homeowners. Restoration focuses on the land between the creek and a footpath, known as Manresa Trail, that connects Manresa Way to Redwood Grove Nature Preserve.
Restoration along this trail is happening in three phases, with dedicated community members volunteering at each stage. First, we remove invasive species that have taken over the area. Second, we sheet mulch to prevent unwanted plants from resprouting. Finally, we revegetate by planting a diversity of beneficial riparian plants. These plants will provide habitat for local animals, birds, and insects, and beautify the area.
VISIT REDWOOD GROVE
482 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022
Redwood Grove is open from 6am-9pm. Street parking is available along University Ave and there is no entrance fee or parking fee at the preserve. The roads to the preserve are flat through the City of Los Altos. There is no parking lot, but limited street parking is available on University Ave or at Shoup Park with around 30 spaces available and two accessible spaces. Be sure to lock your car and take all valuables with you during your visit. Redwood Grove is also accessible by public transportation via VTA route 40 at the El Monte stop (a 10 minute walk to the preserve). There are many roads with bike lanes and sidewalks that lead to the preserve, and bike racks are available at the site.
Walking trails mostly consist of flat wooden boardwalks under the shade of redwood trees. These boardwalks can be slippery when wet. Some work sites are full sun, but shade is available for breaks. No more than 1/2 mile from either parking area is required at work days. The path to work sites is a downhill slope if parked on the street.
One flush toilet is available about a 10 minute walk away at Shoup Park including one ADA compliant restroom. No water fountains are available at the preserve, but there is water available onsite for volunteers. There is generally cell service available. Come prepared with water and a hat, and be aware of ticks and poison oak which is marked with pink flagging to help visitors recognize it.
OUR TEAM AT REDWOOD GROVE
Project Lead Emily Sharp manages our work at Redwood Grove, along with Ecologist Siena Watson. Any questions about our work at Redwood Grove can be directed to Emily Sharp.
