Join Grassroots Ecology at Russian Ridge Open Space, a Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Preserve, to explore the life that abounds in late winter! California's native plants are beginning to wake up from winter dormancy, covering the landscape in bright green sprouts, buds, leaves, and the occasional flower. During this walk, you'll see spectacular sunset views of the San Francisco Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains, explore the different ecosystems of Russian Ridge and learn about the preserve’s biodiversity.
Event attendees should expect to walk 2-3 miles at a slow to moderate pace on gravel and dirt trails across exposed, uneven and occasionally steep terrain. The event will end around sunset, so prepare for cold temperatures.
Visit Grassroots Ecology's Russian Ridge page to learn more about the ecosystem and accessibility considerations.
Waivers/Registration: All participants must be registered individually and have approved the online waiver through this Eventbrite page. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf. Participants age 12 and under require an accompanying adult.
Parking: Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve parking lot on Skyline Blvd. We will meet at the parking lot on the corner of Skyline Blvd and Alpine Road. Please carpool if possible, as parking is limited. The road up to the site is very steep and curvy, and it may take more time than expected to travel to the preserve. Download driving instructions ahead of time, as there is no cell reception up on Skyline Blvd.
Alternate Transportation: Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve is mainly accessible by car. Strong bikers can lock their bikes to a rack on-site.
Meeting Space: We will meet in the main parking lot on the corner of Skyline Blvd and Alpine Rd. Russian Ridge has no available drinking water. Volunteers will have access to an ungendered pit toilet.
Prepare for Being Outdoors:
Reusable water bottle (filled with water)
Snacks, if desired
Long pants, long sleeves recommended
Warm layers, as this event will take place at sunset
Sunglasses and/or a hat with a brim
Sturdy closed-toed shoes that can get dirty
Hat/sunscreen or rain gear/boots
Binoculars, if desired
Epi-Pen or allergy medicine, if applicable
Plan for potential exposure to cold, wind, sun, poison oak, ticks, prickly plants
Prepare for limited to no cell reception, access to a pit toilet, and no available drinking water
Event Cancellations:
We are committed to the safety of our staff and volunteers. In the event that we must cancel a workday due to extreme weather conditions or poor air quality, a Grassroots Ecology staff person will reach out via email no later than 5:00 PM the day prior to this event.
Join Us!
Grassroots Ecology encourages people from all identities and backgrounds to participate in our programs. Many of our programs are outdoors and involve moving and working in a variety of landscapes. If you have accessibility concerns (e.g. allergies, limited mobility, learning differences), our projects are flexible and we are happy to work with you. Please reach out to the workday facilitator so we can prepare for your participation.
Accessibility concerns? Questions? Cancellations? Email maya@grassrootsecology.org