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

Oaks Will Surprise and Sustain You

Saturday, October 18, 2025
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Monte Bello Preserve
Approximate Total Miles
4.5

Since oaks are a keystone species in several California ecosystems, they provide critical support for all life—both for more-than-human animals and for humans, too. Birds, mammals, and many insects depend on native oaks for food and shelter. Join Docent Naturalists Susan Bernhard, Maureen Draper, and Noa Doitel for an afternoon trek on the White Oak Trail and learn to identify several local oaks by their leaves, acorns, and galls. Added bonus: You may also see tarantula holes or turret spider burrows! You’ll return along a creek-carved canyon adjacent to the Stevens Creek Nature Trail. Bring a snack for the end of the loop.

Where to Meet

Meet at the Monte Bello Parking Area on Page Mill Road (across from Los Trancos Preserve), 7 miles west of I-280 or 1.5 miles east of Skyline Boulevard. Those traveling from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. should allow approximately 35 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.

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