Get outside, escape the summer heat, and learn more about local oak tree species! On this guided walk, participants will explore will explore oak ecology and how these trees define many of our local open space preserves. Pearson-Arastradero Preserve has a mosaic of ecosystems where native oak trees are keystone species. Oaks dot Arastradero's grasslands, provide shade to its creeks, and support thousands of other species with habitat. We'll appreciate their beauty in the golden hours of the day before the sun sets!
Participants should expect to walk 2.5-3 miles at a slow to moderate pace, on dirt and gravel trails with hills and uneven terrain.
Visit Grassroots Ecology’s Pearson-Arastradero Preserve webpage to learn more about the ecosystem and accessibility considerations.
Parking: 1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. Please arrive early and carpool if possible. There will be some parking spaces reserved for the event at the back of the lot. There is no street parking available along Arastradero Road or Page Mill Road.
Alternate Transportation: Bike racks are available near the parking lot. The 280/Page Mill Rd Park and Ride lot is a 10-minute walk from the preserve.
Meeting Space: We will meet by the buildings in the Gateway Garden down the path from the parking lot. Water and restrooms will be accessible at the beginning and at the end of the event.
Prepare for Working Outdoors:
Reusable water bottle (filled with water)
Snacks, if desired
Long pants, long sleeves recommended
Sturdy closed-toed shoes that can get dirty
Hat/sunscreen or rain jacket/pants/boots
Epi-Pen or allergy medicine, if applicable
Plan for potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks, prickly plants
We will provide gloves and tools.
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 hannah@grassrootsecology.org