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

Plants of Alpine Pond

Saturday, February 21, 2026
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Skyline Ridge Preserve
Approximate Total Miles
1

The edge of Alpine Pond is rich with native plants that have been essential to indigenous people for their traditional, medicinal, and culinary uses for thousands of years. Join Docent Naturalists Susan Bernhard, Noa Doitel, and Maureen Draper for a leisurely-paced walk around this peaceful pond and learn to recognize some of these plants, such as cattails, mugwort, and wild fennel. You’ll also walk among trees including valley oaks, Douglas firs, and willows. Come enjoy an afternoon exploration to get better acquainted with your local landscape!

Where to Meet

For this activity at Skyline Ridge Preserve, meet at the Russian Ridge Parking Area on the northwest corner of the Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) and Page Mill/Alpine Road intersection (across Skyline Blvd. on the right). Those traveling from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. should allow approximately 40 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!