Get better acquainted with your local flora by joining Docent Naturalists Nick Yatsko, Jumana Latif, and Annie Guo on a moderately-paced hike through this popular preserve. On a route along the Jones, Manzanita, and Novitiate trails you’ll have the opportunity to explore what makes chaparral such a unique California habitat and what adaptations these tough plants already have in place to help them survive in the face of climate change. (Note: If no parking is available in the main area on the east side of Alma Bridge Road, there is paid parking available across the road at the county lot.)
Meet at the County boat launch parking lot next to the Lexington Reservoir Dam. From southbound Highway 17, take the Bear Creek Road exit, cross over the highway, and go 0.4 miles north on Highway 17 to Alma Bridge Road. Follow Alma Bridge Rd. over the top of the dam. Continue beyond the dam as the road jogs to the right. Turn right into the parking lot just before the road veers to the left. A Santa Clara County Park parking fee is in effect.