Published November 6, 2025
Since 1996, the David C. Daniels Nature Center at Skyline Ridge Preserve has welcomed visitors on weekends. From April until mid-November, friendly and knowledgeable Nature Center Docents host the nature center, which is Midpen’s sole interpretive facility. There are plenty of ways to engage with the docents and discover the natural history of the Skyline Area.
There’s something for everyone: a touch table to explore various natural objects, pelts and skulls, an interactive mural, larger-than-life pond creatures, and a live ambassador Pacific Gopher Snake named Rolo, who may peek from his rock inside the tank. Wildlife enthusiasts of all ages, including birders of any experience level, may observe a variety of animal species from the facility’s observation deck or while strolling around Alpine Pond.
Some of the bird species spotted include barn swallow, yellow-rumped warbler, acorn woodpecker, American coot, Anna’s hummingbird, dark-eyed junco, band-tailed pigeon, red-winged blackbird, red-tailed hawk, American robin, turkey vulture, quail, orange-crowned warbler, and many more. Other wildlife includes western pond turtles, brush rabbits, deer, lizards, gopher snakes, and especially during the summer, dragonflies and damselflies near the pond’s edge.
This year, from April to the end of October nearly 2,500 people visited the nature center, including around 500 youth and 2,000 adults.
There are only a few more weekends left this season before the nature center closes until next spring. Come say hello to the Nature Center Docents and enjoy the interpretive facility this fall season, along with a pleasant stroll around the pond or a longer hike on the nearby trails.
Want to appreciate Alpine Pond all year long? Even when the nature center is closed, the preserve and its trails remain open throughout the seasons. The easiest way to visit the pond is to park at Russian Ridge Parking Area, then enter the tunnel that leads into Skyline Ridge Preserve, and continue along the pathway. If you prefer to observe Alpine Pond from the comfort of your home, you can check out the live webcam to get a peaceful peek of the pond to catch a glimpse of wildlife, viewing changing weather, and observe seasonal variations.