Hikers in Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve / photo by Lanette Otvos

Explorer Hike: Lichens 101

Wednesday, September 17, 2025
10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Long Ridge Preserve
Approximate Total Miles
4.75

Enjoy discovering some basic facts and stories about lichen on this moderately-paced exploration with Docent Naturalists Kate Bauer, Nick Yatsko, and Sarah Schoen. You'll gain about 600 feet of elevation on a loop on the Peters Creek and Long Ridge trails while you search for these often-overlooked organisms and learn to identify several of the most common ones found in this habitat. Pack a lunch or snack.

Where to Meet

Meet at Peters Creek Roadside Parking, on the west side of Skyline Boulevard, 3.6 miles north of Highway 9 or 3.3 miles south of Page Mill Road.  If you are coming from the north on Skyline Blvd., the pullout is just past Portola Heights Road on the right.  From the south, the pullout is near the Palo Alto city limits sign on the right. There is additional parking across Skyline Blvd. at the Grizzly Flat trailhead (Santa Clara County Park).

To ensure your experience on a docent naturalist outing is enjoyable please review these activity guidelines.

For more information about trail characteristics for this event, check out the Midpen Trail Explorer app. To learn more about ADA accommodations for events, or make an inquiry with the ADA coordinator, visit our Accessibility page.

If your activity requires registration, please be sure to cancel your reservation (from your confirmation email) if you are no longer able to attend so others can participate.

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