Join us at the Cherry Springs Pond Area of Sierra Azul, a Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Preserve, to explore the unique biodiversity of an area of Sierra Azul that is not open to the public! Participants can expect to walk at a slow, "naturalist" pace through an exposed and hilly terrain with moderately steep climbs for up to 3 miles. We will explore the ecosystem of Cherry Springs with a special focus on the less common plants present in the preserve!
This preserve has a gated entrance that we must keep closed during the event. For this reason, we cannot accomodate late arrivals or early departures.
Waivers/Registration: All participants must register & approve the online waiver through this Eventbrite page. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf.
Meeting Space: There are no facilities, bathrooms, or running water on site. Paticipants must bring a full water bottle and use the restroom prior to arriving. Please note that the gate to the private road entering the preserve will be opened 5 minutes before the start time of the event and will be closed at 3:15. Please arrive on time and note that we cannot accomodate early departures.
Directions and Parking: We will be meeting at Cherry Springs Pond at the end of Pheasant Road in Los Gatos. Download driving instructions ahead of time, as there is limited cell reception. The preserve entry requires driving on a private road into the preserve. Please note while the road is paved, there are some sections with potholes. Vehicles may get dirty and/or dusty. Please navigate to 18199 Pheasant Rd or 37.20222, -121.9078 for accurate directions to our meeting point. Follow Grassroots Ecology signs for where to meet and park.
From Hwy 17 Exits: Navigate towards Shannon Rd. Once you are on Shannon Rd, go east and follow it for just over 3 miles. Take another right turn onto Hicks Road, and another onto Pheasant Road. Continue up Pheasant Road through the gate, and follow Grassroots Ecology signs for where to meet and park.
From Hwy 85 Exits: Navigate to Camden Ave towards Hicks Road. From Camden, drive for just under 2 miles, and take a right onto Hicks Road. Follow Hicks Road for 1.5 miles and take another right turn onto Pheasant Road. Continue up Pheasant Road through the gate, and follow Grassroots Ecology signs for where to meet and park.
Alternate Transportation: The preserve is only accessible by car.
Prepare for Working Outdoors:
Long sleeves and long pants are strongly encouraged for this event
Extra layers for changing weather
Water bottle filled with water
Sturdy close-toed shoes that can get dirty
Hat/sunscreen or rain gear/boots
Plan for potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks
Prepare for limited to no cell reception, no bathroom access, and no water fountains.
Event Cancellations:
We are committed to the safety of our staff and participants. In the event that we must cancel an event 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 (i.e., 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 best prepare for your participation.
Accessibility concerns? Questions? Cancellations? Email clara@grassrootsecology.org