midpeninsulaopenspace images

Kiddo and I spent the morning pulling out some invasive Italian thistle with #midpeninsulaopenspace last Saturday.

The joy of fresh air exercise #midpeninsulaopenspace #hiking

St.Joseph’s Hill Preserve An arthropods-only kind of day Canon EOS REBEL T3i/ EF-S60mm f2.8 Macro USM #midpeninsulaopenspace #stjosephshillpreserve #pollinators #macro #macrophotography #butterflies

today’s moment of zen 🧘🏻‍♂️⚙️ skeggs doesn’t disappoint!👌🏽 happy mother’s day weekend to all the moms and single dads! 💐 • #ssmtb #rigidmtb #singlespeed #chumbasendero #skeggs #skeggspoint #elcortedemadera #midpen #midpeninsulaopenspace #santacruzmountains #norcal #singletrack #mtb #mtblife #ssod

Fresh out the Slammer #sunset #sunsetsky #sunset_pics #sunsetphotography #goldenhour #slammer #gates #gate #opendoor #newpaths #new #running #runnersofinstagram #runninginspiration #wanderlust #travelphotography #bayarea #midpeninsulaopenspace #sanfrancisco #arastraderopreserve #wild #wanderer #ttpd #ttpdtaylorswift

This bobcat was sitting on the side of the trail. Didn’t move when I made noise or walked by. Just stared at me and then yawned. #typicalcat Also a chonky rodent #fremontolderopenspace #midpeninsulaopenspace #bobcat

When the sun goes down #sun #goldenhour #goldenhourphotography #goldenhourlight #rancho #ranchosanantoniopark #losaltos #paloalto #midpeninsulaopenspace #sanfrancisco #bayarea #california #hikersofinstagram #hiking #bayareahikes #wild #wanderlust

Turtle Rock looking towards the ocean. A favorite spot in Long Ridge OSP. #trailrunning #trail #hike #longridgeopenspacepreserve #midpeninsulaopenspace #getoutside

Western tiger swallowtail pollinating a blue dick wildflower at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve near San Jose, California. @midpenopenspace #butterfly #westerntigerswallowtail #pollinatingspecies #flower #wildflower #flowerstag #insectphotography #insects #insect #nature #naturephoto #midpeninsulaopenspace #sierraazul #sierraazulopenspacepreserve

You're invited to my Open Studio May 4 and 5 from 11am - 5pm! Grant Ranch Golds, 24" x 24" is part of the event. All fifteen Viewpoints Gallery artists are hosting Silicon Valley Open Studios at 315 State Street, Los Altos 94022. I'll be on hand May 4-5; artwork will be up for the month of May. Spring is here - a great time to add colorful artwork to your home or office!

Spring is finally here. Approx 4 mile loop around Long Ridge OSP. #bayareahikers #midpeninsulaopenspace

More fun stuff at Picchetti Ranch OSP on Friday... (1) Lots of Fernald's Iris, many starting to fade. @lilyboyjoy taught me about these many years ago. #irisfernaldii (2) There's a little stretch of the Zinfandel Trail where Western Columbines thrive. #aquilegiaformosa (3) Clover Corner with two kinds together- Rancheria and Tree! #trifoliumalbopurpureum #trifoliumciliolatum (4) That California Chicory you might mistake for a weed. #rafinesquiacalifornica (5) Hillside Woodland Star brightening up shady spots. #lithophragmaheterophyllum (6) Finally! An open Fairy Lantern! #calochortusalbus (7) The Santa Clara Red Ribbons Clarkias are showing in a couple spots now! #clarkiaconcinna #clarkiaconcinnasspautomixa (8) Go now to see the Wind Poppies! #papaverheterophyllum (9) I love seeing Red Berry actually with red berries. #rhamnuscrocea (10) Oh- and Picchetti Lake is still quite full! Pacific Chorus Frogs (great name for a singing group) tadpoles having fun. @midpenrangerspoa @midpenopenspace #midpeninsulaopenspace #picchettiranchopenspacepreserve #picchettiranchopenspacepreservewildflowers #picchettiranchopenspacepreservenativeplants #picchettiranchopenspacepreservespring2024

5.3 miles at Rancho San Antonio Open Space. This was my first time here and it was great. The hills are still green and there’s plenty of waters in the streams. I saw wild turkeys, deer, hundreds of chipmunks, and flowers I haven’t seen yet this season. I’m breaking in my new hiking shoes a little bit at a time! There wasn’t much shade, I bet this area gets hot in the summer. ☀️This was a lovely hike. #ranchosanantonio #ranchosanantonioopenspacepreserve #midpen #midpeninsulaopenspace #hiking #womenhikers #chasingwildflowers #wildflowerseason #hikingadventures #norcalhiking #sfpeninsula #westcoast #calistate #californiahiker #bayarea #sfbayarea #bayareahiking

Spring has come to the coastal hills of San Mateo County ... #liveadventurously #wildernessvibes #hikeon #letswander #wanderout #celebratewild #outdooraddict #stayoutside #sanmateocounty #ceanothus #wildflowersofinstagram #trailruns #trailrunningviews #spottedatmidpen #openspace #midpeninsulaopenspace #openspaces #recreateresponsibly #pollinator #pollination #sangregorio #lahonda #mallow #poppiesofinstagram #californiapoppies

A scrub jay perched on an oak, with the distant Santa Cruz mountains and the sunset in the background. Looking forward to getting more of these environmental photos in the coming weeks! @shoot_small

Where does the time go?! Signing off today for the last time after 32 years of public service is our very own Ranger Ken Miller! Ranger Miller has been an active member of our POA and the Field Employees Association before that, helping negotiate 2 contracts and serving a term as union president. We can’t express enough our appreciation for his service and we wish him all the best in retirement. His knowledge and enthusiasm for the land will be greatly missed. Ken offers his fellow rangers these parting words: “No matter what happens at work we are blessed working in a BEAUTIFUL place. A personal career mantra has always been to work OUTSIDE. No matter what I kept that a priority and never let it go.” Congratulations, Ranger Miller! #midpenranger #legend #happyretirement #parkranger #spottedatmidpen #midpeninsulaopenspace #standwithrangers #outdoorcareers #naturelovers #sfbayarea #sfpeninsula #mtumunhum #sierraazulopenspacepreserve #rangerlife #amazingcareers #baynature #siliconvalley #bayareatrails

We had a beautiful hike at Long Ridge Open Space Preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains this past Saturday! The recent rain was evident with Peter’s Creek flowing beneath the bridges we crossed. We spotted a bright yellow Banana slug, a tiny California slender salamander, and lots of fungus and mushrooms along the trail. Of the forest wildflowers we saw, some included trillium, Shooting stars, poppies, and popcorn flowers. The trees were covered in moss and lichen, making for a lovely green blanket all over the forest! We enjoyed lunch at the Wallace Stegner bench, where the view of the ridge was breathtaking! On the way back, we saw a group of Western pond turtles basking at Two Moon Lake. It was a picturesque hike among the forest with lots of flora and fauna to enjoy. 🌲🍄‍🟫🌾🌱🐢🐌🪻🌤️🌧️ This project is funded in part by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. @midpenopenspace #midpeninsulaopenspace #midpeninsularegionalopenspacedistrict #bananaslug #westernpondturtle #californiaslendersalamander #turkeymushroom #getoutside #santacruzmountains #savedbynature #wildflowerseason

Finally did the Harkins-Britton-Purisima loop🥾🌲🍃 #purisimacreek #halfmoonbay #midpeninsulaopenspace #bayareahiking #coastalredwoods #springhike

🌷 Sunday, April 7: Faultlines, Flowers, and Hippies! 🗺️ Join Docent Naturalists John Seyfarth, Debbie Mytels, and Strether Smith for a fun and educational hike along the San Andreas Fault. You'll observe the impact of plate tectonics on the Skyline landscape, spot spring wildflowers, learn stories of Monte Bello history before the creation of @midpenopenspace, and enjoy impressive ridge top views. 🥾 Dude, let's go! https://siliconvalley.hilltromper.com/events/faultlines-flowers-and-hippies #HilltromperSV #MidpeninsulaOpenSpace #GuidedHikes

Join us this Saturday at Long Ridge Open Space Preserve for the first event in our Community Nature Hike Series! Our hike will take us through the redwoods, past an old apple orchard, and by Two Moon Lake. We’ll witness the unique habitat of the redwoods and watch the environment awaken with spring! Visit our website or the link in our bio to register. Distance: 4.1 mi Elevation Gain: 643 ft Type: Loop Lunch: Provided by Saved By Nature. Binoculars: Provided by Saved By Nature. Parking fee: Parking is free. 🌲🪻🌾☀️🪵🌼🌸🌿🪺 This project was funded in part by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. #openspacepreserve #redwoods #getoutside #longridgepreserve #communitynaturehike #midpeninsulaopenspace #midpen

Gene Sheehan Overlook. A favorite spot. #trailrunning #trail #hike #midpeninsulaopenspace #getoutside

Ouch, that’s bright #staringatthesun #mindegohill #mindegomonday #spottedatmidpen #midpeninsulaopenspace #visitcalifornia #baynature #bayarea #santacruzmountains #naturelover_gr #nb_nature_brilliance #outside_project #discoverearth #earthoutdoors #earthpix #hikingbangers #yourshotphotographer #bayareaphotographer #landscapephotography #naturephotography #sunsetphotography #sunsetlovers #bayareahikes #bestofthebay #findyourpark #naturelovers #sfpeninsula #wonderfulwestcoast #goldenhour

End of the week jaunt up Fremont Older. Lovely light! #midpeninsulaopenspace #fremontolder #cupertino #california #goldenstate

A gnarly tree branch from a recent hike. #watercolor #watercolourpainting #aquarell #study #trees #midpeninsulaopenspace #sanmateocounty

California Native Plants and Wildflowers seen at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. 1. Checker Lily (Fritillaria affinis) 2. Fetid Adderstongue (Scoliopus bigelovii) 3. Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum) 4. Buck Brush (Ceanothus cuneatus) 5. Fremont's Death Camas (Toxicoscordion fremontii) 6. Giant Wakerobin (Trillium chloropetalum) 7. Western Houndstongue (Adelinia grandis) 8. Bluewitch Nightshade (Solanum umbelliferum) 9. California Buttercup (Ranunculus californicus) 10. Blue Dicks (Dipterostemon capitatus) Sony a6600, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN #sonyalpha #canativeplants #midpeninsulaopenspace

Seven quiet miles around Skyline Ridge to explore a few trails I haven’t hiked before and to revisit my favorite. And I got that Golden Hour too ☺️

This turned out better than I had hoped, trying to draw focus to the hill in the middle (though it's probably too dead center). It's always a little terrifying to do such "simple' compositions with little detail to prop them up - they easily can go wrong. Happy with the clouds and glad I got a bit of pink into them. 😊 #watercolor #watercolourpainting #aquarell #sanmateocounty #midpeninsulaopenspace #landscape

Warrior's Plume (Pedicularis densiflora) Sony a6600, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN #sonyalpha #midpeninsulaopenspace #canativeplants

Have you noticed that most of the benches on Midpen land have a little story to tell? Rancho San Antonio has two “Vista Points,” with the one pictured here being the lower of the two at about 930 feet. You can find it at the upper junction of High Meadow and Wildcat loop trails. While you’re admiring the views of Black Mountain to the west and Silicon Valley and the East Bay hills to the east, you might also notice that the bench at this vista point is dedicated to the memory of Lois Crozier-Hogle, a longtime resident of Los Altos Hills. “Former president of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Mary Davey, a friend and fellow conservationist, named Mrs. Crozier Hogle “the first lady of the environment because she has always been on the cutting edge, thinking ahead to the necessary actions to save the foothills.” Mrs. Crozier Hogle earned the title through her advocacies and her personal contribution.Mrs. Crozier Hogle pioneered the Peninsula’s environmental movement. Her works and legacy surround the community through the Committee for Green Foothills, which she co-founded in 1962. The advocacy group encouraged trails and open space, opposing even Stanford University when necessary to control development in the Hills.” - Joan Garvin of @losaltostowncrier We love a bench with a good view and a good story 😊 #trailtuesday #ranchosanantonio #highmeadowvistapoint #wildcatlooptrail #alltrails #bayareatrails #hikecalifornia #sfbayarea #sfpeninsula #bayareahistory #losaltoshills #benchwithaview #bestbenchviews #visitcalifornia #santacruzmountains #spottedatmidpen #midpeninsulaopenspace #naturepreserve #takeahike #findyourpark #naturelovers #baynature #conservationist #greenfoothills

Hike #73 Coal Creek Open Preserve (4.8 miles) #Hikes4Alison #sudepawareness #sudep #missyoumorethanlife #113Hikes4Alison #hikes4Ali13 #hikingadventures #hiking #foreversweet16AW #epilepsy #epilepsyawareness #coalcreekpreserve #portolavalleyhikes #midpeninsulaopenspace #midpeninsularegionalopenspacedistrict #bayareahikers Hiking for Alison and all those that lost a loved one to SUDEP - Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. 💜🦋

Sold! Windy Hill Wildflowers - 16"x16". Thank you to the wonderful collector who took this home from Viewpoints Gallery. Wildflowers are starting to pop up all over this year - always inspiring to paint.

Hike 10: Was hoping for some warm sunshine but no such luck. Did see some bunnies, though! 🐰 📍 Sunny Jim & IPIWA Loop - Skyline Ridge OSP - La Honda, CA | 3.02 miles, 636ft elevation #52hikechallenge #52hikechallenge2024 #skyline #openspace #midpeninsulaopenspace #bayareahiking #norcalhikes #southbay

Looking at an old growth redwood tree is like taking a step back in time, much like looking at our 2023 Year in Review Ranger Blotter! See the total number of law enforcement contacts and emergency incidents that occurred in Midpen Open Space Preserves last year by visiting our web site, link in bio: https://www.midpenrangerspoa.com/ranger-blotter #midpenranger #midpeninsulaopenspace #spottedatmidpen #peaceofficer #parkranger #firstresponder #lawenforcement #weareporac #sfbayarea #nbcbayarea #sfpeninsula #bayareatrails #outdoorcareers #naturelovers #naturepreserve #sanmateocounty #santaclaracounty #losaltos #woodside #portolavalley #lahonda #cupertino #losaltoshills #sanjose #losgatos #eastopaloalto #saratoga

Sharing a series of photos from my favorite Bay Area preserve. I love going into the creek and just hiking up into the forest to see what I can find 🌲🔎 #treescape #divineforest #forest #woodland #tree_captures #woodlandphotography #californiaphotography #californiaadventure #californiacoast #california #wildcalifornia #rawcalifornia #california_igers #VisitCalifornia #californiathroughmylens #californialove #californiacaptures #californiaholics #olympuscamera #olympusinspired #naturephotography #moodylandscape #midpeninsulaopenspace #bayareaphotography

Feb. 2024, Russian ridge. - #russianridge #midpeninsulaopenspace #bayarea #wildbayarea #goldenhour #ig_sunsetshots #tree #raysoflight #landscapephotography #sony #sonya7iv #tamron

Windy jaunt in El Sereno. Montevina trailhead to Serenity trail. Some drizzle. Always great view. #trailrunning #trail #hike #midpeninsulaopenspace

Those reddish and purple tones in the sky and that lupine patch overlooking the sunset are just perfect. 🌇 repost 📸 Instagram of @midpenrangerspoa - Lori Buecheler, Compass DRE# 01859485 📲 Get in touch: IG: @lori.buecheler.realtor (650) 387-2716 [email protected] LoriRealEstate.com #sunsetsunday #sunsetlovers #sunsetphotography #californiasunset #santacruzmountains #spottedatmidpen #midpeninsulaopenspace #blackmountain #montebelloopenspacepreserve #hikecalifornia #bayareahikes #wonderfulwestcoast

Let’s be honest, there are some trashy people in this world. Luckily, there are some real classy ones, too! Thanks to @castateparks for stopping to help us move several bags of dumped trash out of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve this weekend! And thanks to everyone who takes the time to make the world a cleaner, more beautiful shared space by regularly picking up litter on your hikes and in your communities. Please report illegal dumping. And always pack out what you pack in #trashytuesdaycleanup #gettrashoutofthepicture #leavenotrace #litterpickers #midpenranger #midpeninsulaopenspace #spottedatmidpen #illegaldumping #parkranger #rangerlife #parkmanagement #parkmaintenance #santacruzmountains #sanmateocounty #naturepreserve #thislandisourland #trashtag #wildandscenic #todayscalifornia #earthcapture #sfbayarea #sfpeninsula #bayareatrails #publicland

Yesterday some of our staff got up close to a resting Bobcat on the trails. The bobcat just hung out while the horses passed by. #trailriding #horsebackriding #bobcat #midpeninsulaopenspace #kittycat #horsesofinstagram #naturephotography #wildlife #friendnotfoe #wildcat #baylynx #equestrian

Double delight Atmospheric river slammed NorCal during the last few weekends There were some colorful moments in between. I went to the neighborhood preserve to catch a glimpse of double rainbow that lasted for a whole hour #rainbow #bayarea #california #midpeninsulaopenspace @midpenopenspace

Ventured out to explore Foothills Nature Preserve today. Beautiful waterfalls, fungi, and a bobcat sighting made for a beautiful 7 mile hike. #hiking #trailrunning #bobcat #funghi #wildanimals #naturephotography #trillium #nikonphotography #nikonz8 #nanpapix #yourshotphotography #california #naturelovers #waterfalls #wildflowers #picoftheday #sfbayarea #wildlife #wildlifephotography #pictureoftheday #animal_bestshots #nikoncreators #beautiful #greenfoothills #beautifulanimals #featured_wildlife #nikonusa #nikoncreators #waterfall #midpeninsulaopenspace #foothillsnaturepreserve

Hike to the fall wall at Coal Creek Open Space Preserve #blueandscarlet #vwbus #vwbusadventures #exploremore #californiaadventure #california #hikingadventures #hiking #welovehiking #bayarea #hikingtrails @midpenopenspace #coalcreekopenspacepreserve #coalcreekopenspace #midpeninsulaopenspace #hikingwaterfalls #skylinehikingtrail #portolavalleyhiking

What were rangers responding to during the 🎶 “most wonderful time of the year” 🎄 Read the full list of December incident synopses by checking out our Ranger blotter, link in bio. #parkranger #midpenranger #spottedatmidpen #midpeninsulaopenspace #policeblotter #firstresponder #lawenforcement #parkmanagement #emergencyresponse #ems #skylineboulevard #sfpeninsula #sfbayarea #bayareanews #bayareatrails #californiatrails #naturepreserve #findyourpark #parkrangerlife #regionalpark #sanmateocounty #santaclaracounty

Hike 6: Stormy Sunday 📍 Long Ridge Loop - Long Ridge Open Space Preserve - La Honda, CA | 4.47 miles, 663ft elevation gain #52hikechallenge #52hikechallenge2024 #stormyday #rainyhike #sundayhike #bayarea #norcal #trailhead #longridge #southbay #bayareahiking #norcalhikes #midpeninsulaopenspace #openspace

Calm and peaceful Russian Ridge OSP. #trailrunning #trail #hike #midpeninsulaopenspace #russianridge

So yesterday was Dirca Watch Tuesday. Well, it has been for a few weeks and will continue for a few more. (2) I met @midpenopenspace docent/ Deer Hollow Farm volunteer Nancy (teaches kids about Ohlone culture in the Village there), and @bayarearidgetrail aficionado etc. to check the closest Western Leatherwood I knew was there. (1) But first, hairiest pigs ever. New ones, George and Martha, from the mtns in China? Help me out Nancy. Check it out- Pigs are native to Hungary! First time I was at this Farm was 40 years ago with baby @bobbykamalino (3) Viola! Whoo-hoo! Keeping our eyes super-peeled, we found the one plant (there's more in lotsa places) I knew of behind the Farm. #dircaoccidentalis #dircawatchwinter2024 #dircawatch #westernleatherwood (4,5) But lots more fun- I think I squealed. You see Pacific Snakeroot, right? #saniculacrassicaulis ? Kinda common, maybe boring. Well I recently learned (was edumacated) that a variety had been noticed and studied and I stumbled on it at Edgewood. Now I look at every one of these plants! 🤣🤣🤣. Rancho is a hotbed for them! (4) #saniculacrassicaulisvarnudicaulis (5) #saniculacrassicaulisvarcrassicaulis Can you see the differences? More later. #saniculacrassicaulis (6) Gopher with attitude! Except he'd zip underground real quick. (7) So many beautiful Giant Trillium gardens! #trilliumchloropetalum (8) I showed Nancy the weensy but ubiquitous Two-horned Gall Wasp galls. #dryocosmusdubiosus (9) She showed me the sprawling Jack-o-Lantern Fungus Tree! I had a very jolly laugh over this one. 😄 (10) Other of many fungus cuties. #midpeninsulaopenspace #ranchosanantonioopenspacepreserve #ranchosanantonioopenspacepreservewinter2024 @midpenrangerspoa @midpenopenspace

You know the drill! Read all of the November Ranger blotter incident summaries at midpenrangerspoa.com #midpenranger #parkranger #outdoorcareers #firstresponder #wildlandfirefighter #peaceofficer #parkmanagement #naturepreserve #spottedatmidpen #midpeninsulaopenspace #santacruzmountains #sfbayarea #bayareanews #santaclaracounty #sanmateocounty #californialove #parklife #laborunion #weareporac

Coal Creek #weekendwalks #midpeninsulaopenspace #coalcreekopenspacepreserve #coalcreekwaterfall

Monte Bello OSP jaunt. Page Mill - Waterwheel Creek. Beautiful day for a trail run. Chatted with a few hikers along route. Trails in great shape. Overall peaceful and serene. #trailrunning #trail #hike #midpeninsulaopenspace #montebelloopenspacepreserve

Read all of the October Ranger blotter incidents at midpenrangerspoa.com! #midpenranger #parkranger #outdoorcareers #firstresponder #wildlandfirefighter #peaceofficer #parkmanagement #naturepreserve #spottedatmidpen #midpeninsulaopenspace #santacruzmountains #sfbayarea #bayareanews #santaclaracounty #sanmateocounty #californialove #parklife #laborunion #weareporac

Ok, that last ‘Name that Preserve!’ Quiz was pretty mean, we know, with only a 13% success rate. We just wanted to highlight that we have a lot of creeks to enjoy in preserves that don’t have the word creek in their name 😁 and some of our preserves might surprise you with what they have to offer! This bridge can be found on the Peters Creek trail in Long Ridge Open Space. Peters Creek was named after the Peters family. “In 1860 the family of Jean Peters (from Germany and Switzerland) came to live along Old Page Mill Road near the creek that bears their name. Two of the Peters daughters married men in the cattle business in the Alpine region. The Peters property later became The Big Dipper Ranch.” - The South Skyline Story The rainy season is the best time to check out creeks in Midpen preserves. Peters Creek trail is open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding, but the trail closes to bikes and horses during wet conditions. See you on the trails! #throwbackthursday #longridgeopenspace #peterscreek #bayareahistory #southskyline #californiahistory #creeks #naturephotography #bayareatrails #santacruzmountains #skylineboulevard #sanmateocounty #californiahistory #bayareatrails #californiatrails #parkranger #forestphotography #spottedatmidpen #midpeninsulaopenspace

Solo Headlamping! Today’s run: 9.85 miles, 1450ft elevation #morningrun #trailrunning #trail #ranchosanantoniopark #midpeninsulaopenspace

The September Ranger Blotter is live! How many medical calls did rangers respond to? Did an auto burglary occur in your favorite preserve? Find out by checking the Ranger blotter at midpenrangerspoa.com! #midpenranger #parkranger #outdoorcareers #firstresponder #wildlandfirefighter #peaceofficer #parkmanagement #naturepreserve #spottedatmidpen #midpeninsulaopenspace #santacruzmountains #sfbayarea #bayareanews #santaclaracounty #sanmateocounty #californialove #parklife #laborunion #weareporac

Beautiful run with my beautiful girlfriend. In addition to the great scenery, we also saw a couple big banana slugs and a coyote! Despite being late January, it totally felt like a late spring day. Definitely try to get outside tomorrow before the big storm rolls in next week! #trailrunning #running #adventureswithmygirlfriend #midpeninsulaopenspace #santacruzmountains #baleafsports

This Great Lakes transplant is still blown away by how early spring comes to the Bay Area. Already, in late January, signs of renewal are all around us. We saw our first currant in bloom last weekend, at El Sereno Open Space Preserve. Interestingly, it was a chaparral currant (Ribes malvaceum). Native to our chaparral, foothill woodland and closed-cone pine habitats, chaparral currant is often described as endemic to California. Some sources, however, include northern Baja in its range. Endemic of not, this species is much less widely distributed than the blood-red currant (R. sanguinem) we usually see here in our little slice of the East Bay. With their elegant clusters of flowers in tones of pink, red and white, both these early bloomers are lovely to behold. But it’s always fun to see something new. 🙂 . . . . . . . #chaparralcurrant #ribesmalvaceum #ribes #canativeplants #californianativeplants #caendemic #caendemicplants #californiaendemic #nativeshrubs #nativeshrubsofnorthamerica #elserenoopenspacepreserve #elserenoopenspace #bayarearidgetrail #midpeninsulaopenspace #midpenos #santacruzmountains #southbaynature #baynature #naturephotography #naturegram #naturejournal

7.2 miles in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve on the Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Ridge Loop. This is one of my favorite places to hike on the SF peninsula. It’s in the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Half Moon Bay. The views of the ocean are spectacular plus you get redwoods, Purisima Creek (which is flowing right now!), mushrooms, banana slugs, wildflowers, and miles of trails. This place definitely feels mystical and special when there’s fog down by the creek. It’s a place I recommend all the time! Decent bathrokms and well marked trails are a bonus. 😃🌳🥾 #purisima #purisimacreek #purisimacreekredwoods #purisimacreekredwoodsopenspacepreserve #midpeninsulaopenspace #midpeninsula #hiking #bayareahiking #sfpeninsula #redwoods #redwoodhiking #halfmoonbay #halfmoonbayhiking #womenhikers #mushrooms #fungus #adventure #norcalhiking #norcalhikingtrails #california #californiahiker

Our Christmas decorations are packed away until next year, but this California scrub oak is still sporting some ornaments. These aren’t glass balls, though; they’re the work of the beaked twig gall wasp. This tiny insect induces bright red or green galls with yellow spots and pointed “beaks” on certain oak trees, including blue oaks, leather oaks and scrub oaks. A gall occurs when a female insect lays its eggs in an actively growing part of a plant. Although the mechanism isn’t fully understood, something in the saliva or other fluids of the female or her offspring prompts the plant tissue to grow into a gall. The young insect lives inside the gall, which provides both shelter and food, until it’s ready to emerge. It’s too bad beaked twig gall wasps don’t target Christmas trees. On the other hand, what would we do with all those boxes in the attic? . . . . . . #beakedtwiggallwasp #burnettweldiaplumbella #gallwasp #gallwasps #gallsofinstagram #insectsofcalifornia #californiascruboak #quercusberberidifolia #canativeplants #californianativeplants #elserenoopenspacepreserve #bayarearidgetrail #midpeninsulaopenspace #midpenos #santacruzmountains #southbaynature #baynature #naturephotography #naturejournal

Now that things have settled back to normal after the holidays, it’s time to start picking away at our circumnavigation of the Bay Area Ridge Trail again. With most of the East Bay, Peninsula and Marin knocked out, we’re tackling the parts of the trail that seem more far-flung to us. Lately we’ve been exploring the South Bay, and our first Ridge Trail Hike of 2024 was El Sereno Open Space Preserve, near Los Gatos. Dedicated in 2021, this recent addition to the Bay Area Ridge Trail is named for the 2,500 foot Mount El Sereno, part of a prominent ridge in the Santa Cruz mountains. It’s a 3.5 mile trek through exposed chaparral, surrounded by spectacular views of the Lexington Reservoir, Silicon Valley and the Sierra Azul range. For this flatlander, the most challenging part of the hike was the drive to the trailhead, accessed via the very steep and narrow Montevino Road. Definitely not a “sereno” experience! 😱 If you go, go early; as advertised, the parking is very limited. . . . . . . . . #elserenoopenspacepreserve #elserenoopenspace #bayarearidgetrail #rtcircumnavigation #midpeninsulaopenspace #midpenos #santacruzmountains #southbayhikes #southbayhiking #southbaytrails #bayareahikes #bayareahiking #bayareatrails #hike #hiking #getoutandhike #hitthetrail #getoutside #getoutdoors #beautifultrails

First time back at Purisima Creek trail in a few years. Still as wonderful as always... • • • • • • #midpeninsulaopenspace #rainydayhike #bananaslugs #wintermushrooms #mistywoods #mossywoods #redwoods #halfmoonbay #purisimacreek #bayareahikes #fantasticfungi

Thank you to the visitors who helped our staff reunite this calf with its mother last weekend! The calf had somehow gotten on the wrong side of cattle fencing and was by itself in a section of the Grasshopper loop trail that shouldn’t have any cattle. Visitors alerted and also helped Midpen staff herd the calf back to its mother, who was immediately greeted by her hungry calf. Please be aware that cattle are frequently in the area of the Grasshopper Loop trail. While dogs are permitted on the trail at this time, it is important that dogs are leashed at all times and kept away from cattle. Please also ensure to secure cattle gates behind you. 📸Ranger Lucas #lahonda #lahondacreekopenspacepreserve #grasshopperlooptrail #alltrails #bayareatrails #dogfriendlytrails #rangeland #cattlegrazing #spottedatmidpen #midpeninsulaopenspace

One of those days where I fall in love with running all over again. Purisima Creek OSP is a hidden gem in the Bay Area. With more than 5,000 acres of preserve and many trail options, Purisima always feels empty even when the parking lots are full. The OSP features sweeping views of the Pacific, redwood trees as far as the eye can see, lush greenery even in summer, and banana slugs… so many banana slugs. Its defining feature is Purisima Creek Canyon. As the name implies the walls of the canyon are steep. If you start at Skyline, be prepared for a ~3 mile downhill and ~3 mile return, but you will be rewarded with a magical (and mostly flat) fairy tale wonderland at the bottom. There are a few parking lots, but parking at the North Ridge Trailhead is my favorite. There’s nothing like the Skyline drive. Get there early though because even with 40+ spaces it can be full midday. The OSP opens a half hour before sunrise so don’t let the need for silly things like work or “family obligations” keep you away from this special place. Due to storm damage from 2023 there are a lot of trail closures still, but Purisima’s standard 9 mile loop is still open. It’s wet right now, but the trail drains well making it a good option for rainy days if you have shoes with lugs. You can find info about trail conditions on the @midpenopenspace website. I hope you get a chance to check it out. Happy trails!!! @runinrabbit @squirrels_nut_butter @methodseventrail @ultraspire @ultrarunningmag @thefeedme @stevenscreekstriders

This Sunday (1-14-24) is the last day to apply to be a Ranger Aide with @midpenopenspace ! Working a summer season as a ranger aide is an excellent way to gain entry level park experience and learn if a career in parks is a good fit. Many of Midpen’s former ranger aides are now working as full time park rangers. If you enjoy hiking trails and helping people have a safe, enjoyable outdoor experience, we invite you to apply! $27.51 an hour. Visit http://www.openspace.org/about-us/jobs to learn more #outdoorcareers #seasonaljobs #rangeraide #parkaide #parklife #parkcareers #parkranger #jobsearch #sfbayarea #sfpeninsula #santacruzmountains #summerjob #sanmateocounty #santaclaracounty #midpeninsulaopenspace #spottedatmidpen #naturelovers #outdooroffice #workoutdoors #outdoors #optoutside #parkranger #naturecareers #parkmanagement #bayareatrails #californiatrails #bayareacareers #californiajobs #nowhiringbayarea

Rainy days in the woods... * * * * * #elcortedemadera #wintermushrooms #bayareahikes #hikingadventures #winterhike #exploremore #optoutside #foresthikes #midpeninsulaopenspace

Hike 2: Sunny skies and ocean views at Russian Ridge 📍 Hawk Ridge, Alder Spring, Charquin, Ancient Oaks, and Bo Gimbal Loop - Russian Ridge OSP | 3.4 miles, 551ft elevation gain #52hikechallenge #52hikechallenge2024 #newyearnewchallenge #bayareahiking #norcalhiking #midpeninsulaopenspace #hiking #trail #girlswhohike #ricohgriii #landscape

Longest run since 2022 - 15+ miles and 4,000+ feet of uphill #trailrunning #vertsnotreal #mountumunhum #sierraazulopenspacepreserve #midpeninsulaopenspace #sanjosecalifornia

French broom removal volunteering at Cathedral oaks with @midpenopenspace 1. Genista broom moth/ Sophora worm (𝘜𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴) 2. Western jack-o’-lantern mushroom (𝘖𝘮𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴) 3. Common puffball mushroom (𝘓𝘺𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘥𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘮) 4. Order: Tremellales 5. Cramp balls (𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘩𝘺𝘱𝘰𝘹𝘺𝘭𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘮) 6. California newt (𝘛𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘢) #photography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #midpeninsulaopenspace #amphibian #californianewt #insect #insectphotography #genistabroommoth #sophoraworm #mushrooms #mushroomphotography #cathedraloaks

Bracket fungus (𝘎𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢 𝘴𝘱.) Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve While volunteering with @midpenopenspace to remove French broom at Old Bridge Ridge, a large bracket fungus was discovered. While volunteers, including me, marveled at the sight of small minute white and red velvet colored mushrooms that stippled the forest floor, the largest mushroom lurked in plain sight, inconspicuously avoiding detection for a majority of the time spent volunteering. Protruding outwards from low on a California black oak, the fruiting body had a width that surpassed 18 inches. This Bracket fungus, which is either 𝘎𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘮 or 𝘎𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘪𝘪, a pathogenic species of mushroom, rotting the heartwood of its preferred host species. While the idea of a still living tree, a California black oak, in this case, being rotted from the inside garners a feeling of queasiness and unease, the role of this species in its environment is crucial. As the tree eventually weakens in its structural stability and subsequently falls (which may be decades if no strong disturbance occurs), the reopening of the canopy will allow for grasses to flourish in the renewed sunlight. A renewal of light will permit the Pink honeysuckle, actively sprawling around the base of the tree to flower, catering to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, while the subsequent fruit subsist foraging birds. Successional species, such as Douglas-fir may eventually replace the lost canopy of the California black oak where the tree once stood. Neighboring trees, now having less competition for sunlight will develop branches that expand into the once-occupied canopy space. With reduced competition for water and nutrients, the trees that once neighbored the oak will also grow healthier. While the fungus can spread to neighboring trees and their spores can infect trees both locally and distant, their performance in enhancing forest and woodland structure, succession, and diversity is an important feat. #midpen #midpeninsulaopenspace #photography #mushroom #mushroomphotography #bearcreekredwoods

Get outside and connect with nature. Midpen preserves offer people room to breathe and connections with nature, while giving plants and animals a chance to thrive. . . . ____ pc: @midpenopenspace #midpenopenspace #midpeninsulaopenspace #midpen #openspace #santacruz #midpeninsularegionalopenspace #midpeninsula #midpeninsularegional #sanmateocounty #santacruzmountains #coastside #getoutdoors

Visit midpenrangerspoa.com to read summaries of all incidents that occurred in @midpenopenspace for the months of June and July 2023. Link in bio and today’s stories #midpenranger #parkranger #midpeninsulaopenspace #apottedatmidpen #sfbayarea #bayareanews #sfpeninsula #bayareatrails #outdoorcareers #firstresponders

Brush Rabbit #baynaturemag #audubonca #cottontail #bayareawildlife #smcparks #californiabrushrabbit #californiastateparks #greenfoothills #midpeninsulaopenspace

Happy Monday. #heavenlyhikes #trailtherapy #disconnect #nowifinosignal #midpeninsulaopenspace #midpenzen