BYRNE PRESERVE AND LOS ALTOS HILLS OPEN SPACES
Our work in Los Altos Hills focuses on Byrne, as well as Juan Prado Mesa, and O’Keefe Open Space Preserves, all of which are owned by the Town of Los Altos Hills. These spaces span over 100 acres of rolling oak woodland, chaparral, and grassland that are home to an abundance of wildlife and public walking trails. Byrne Preserve is home to the headwaters of Moody Creek, a seasonal creek which joins Adobe Creek before flowing into the San Francisco Bay.
We have been working in Los Altos Hills since 2014, with efforts focused on restoration at Byrne Preserve, including controlling invasive plants in the grasslands and enhancing native vegetation along Moody Creek. Our work at Juan Prado Mesa and O’Keefe Open Space Preserves focuses on invasive plant removal.
OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS AT BYRNE PRESERVE
OUR RESTORATION WORK AT BYRNE PRESERVE
Streamside Restoration
Our restoration efforts focus on a tributary (a smaller stream that flows into a larger stream) of Moody Creek that flows through Byrne Preserve. Along this seasonally wet area, volunteers have helped us remove invasive plant species. In certain areas, volunteers also sheet mulched to suppress invasive weeds and planted native plants from our nursery that are best suited for wet conditions of the tributary's floodplain. These plants protect against erosion on the bank of the stream and support animals including black-tailed jackrabbits, deer, coyotes, bobcats, and many species of insects and birds.
2017: Invasive weeds in the floodplain
2021: Our native plants flourishing in the floodplain
Invasive Removal
Our invasive plant removal efforts cover large sections of preserves. Some of the invasive plants we target at Byrne Preserve, such as French broom, Italian thistle, purple and yellow star thistles have taken over wide swaths of grassland and woodland habitats. But thanks to the engagement, passion, and hard work of volunteers and staff we are making great strides in controlling these invasives and helping our native habitats heal.
Students of Bullis Charter School helping to remove invasive mustard in 2015
EXPLORE BYRNE PRESERVE
Bird Habitats at Byrne Preserve - Naturalist Talk
Look! Butterflies of Los Altos Hills
by California Naturalist Graduate John Metcalfe
Look! Mushrooms of Los Altos Hills
by California Naturalist Graduate John Metcalfe
Restoration Techniques at Byrne Preserve
by College Intern Serena Myjer
VISIT BYRNE PRESERVE
27210 Altamont Rd, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
The roads that lead to the Byrne are winding and paved, and there are frequent cyclists. There is a gravel parking lot with about 13 spaces, including one accessible space, as well as overflow parking on Altamont Rd. There is no public transportation available to Byrne, and biking to the preserve is not recommended, though there is a bike rack at the site. There is no entrance fee or parking fee at the preserve. Be sure to lock your car and take all valuables with you.
Our volunteer areas are in full sun. The walking route to the work site is on a steep slope, can be slippery, muddy, uneven and even unusable in the rainy season. Walking trails are unpaved and wander up and down steep hillsides with little shade, and through oak woodland. There are also horses that graze freely within Byrne Preserve. Please enjoy the horses from a distance and refrain from touching them or walking directly behind them.
One pot-o-potty is available near the parking area, and water fountains are not available. Come prepared with water and a hat, and be aware of rattlesnakes, ticks, and poison oak.
OUR TEAM IN LOS ALTOS HILLS
Project Lead Emily Sharp manages our work in Los Altos Hills, along with Ecologist Siena Watson and Ecologist Stanley Gu. Any questions about our work in Los Altos Hills can be directed to Emily Sharp.
