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

Oak Academy

Saturday, October 11, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Skyline Ridge Preserve
Approximate Total Miles
4

This one has “hairy arm pits” while that one is covered in oak apple galls. There’s a couple with lobed leaves, and some others with spiny leaves, while some are deciduous and others are evergreen. Help! It’s time to learn your local, native California oak trees with Docent Naturalists Frances Reneau and Helena Cohen on this leisurely-paced hike. With any luck, many will also be fruiting and covered with nutritious acorns, a mainstay in the diets of many local omnivores, including humans. Homemade acorn bread provided!

Where to Meet

Meet at the Skyline Ridge Equestrian Parking Area on Skyline Boulevard located one mile south of the Skyline Blvd. (Highway 35) and Page Mill/Alpine Road intersection. After entering the preserve, proceed to the farthest parking lot on the left. Those traveling from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. should allow approximately 45 minutes travel time.

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.

After your participation on a guided activity please share your feedback — your input is meaningful to our volunteers and program staff – thank you!