You may not normally think of nests, burrows, and other animal-made structures as architectural, but they’ve all evolved as carefully assembled designs for specific purposes, and many have inspired human construction methods. You’ll examine some of the master builders of the woodlands, learn why they’ve been so successful, and understand the importance of preserving a healthy environment that provides the materials and food to sustain them. Docent Naturalists Helena Cohen, Frances Reneau, and Sarah Schoen will guide you on this leisurely-paced hike along the Orchard Loop Trail to the Zinfandel Trail and back.
Bring a snack to enjoy on the way. Children are welcome. At the end of the hike you’ll have the option for a little wine tasting on your own at the Picchetti Winery.
Meet at the preserve parking lot on Montebello Road. From the intersection of I-280 and Foothill Expressway, go 3.5 miles southwest (toward the mountains) on Foothill Boulevard/Stevens Canyon Road. Turn right on Montebello Rd. The preserve is 0.5 miles up Montebello Rd. on the left.