This information was submitted by Leigh Ann Maze, a spokesperson for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.

Docents for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District have scheduled free outdoor activities in July, all taking place on the district's open space preserves throughout the South Bay, Peninsula and Coastside areas. Some activities require reservations. For more information, call (650) 691-1200 or go to www.openspace.org.

Friday, July 17, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (meet at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve)
"Friday Night Nordic Workout"
Start the weekend off right on a fast walk through a beautiful Preserve with docents Suzanne Schleck and Rebecca Pickart. Bring hiking poles if you have them for this vigorously-paced, 5-mile hike with occasional stops for views and wildflowers along the Dusky-footed Woodrat and Polly Geraci Trails. Arrive 15 minutes early if you would like instructions on using your hiking poles.

Saturday, July 18, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve (meet at Purisima Creek Road entrance)
"Big Redwood Loop"
Big trees call for a big hike. Docents Paul Billig and Sarah Schoen will lead you on an exploration through redwood groves and other habitats. The 9-mile hike has an elevation gain of 1,300 feet. You'll begin hiking up Purisima Creek Trail, followed by lunch among redwoods on the Soda Gulch Trail. You'll continue up Harkins Ridge Trail to a vista point, then descend North Ridge Trail into redwoods along Whittemore Gulch Trail. Bring plenty of water to cover this time and distance. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after July 4.

Saturday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve
"Search for the Everlasting"
Join docents Bob Segalla and Ellen Johnson as they re-live the excitement of this Preserve so close to home. Does the everlasting plant smell like maple syrup to you? A lovely view awaits you along the Orchard Loop and Zinfandel Trails. Listen to the Stevens Creek as you enjoy lunch at a Santa Clara County Park picnic area. Capable children can handle this moderately-paced, 4-mile hike with a couple of 200-foot climbs. A visit to Picchetti Winery for tasting is optional (on your own) at the hike's end.

Saturdays and Sundays, July 18-19, 25-26, noon – 5:00 p.m.
Daniels Nature Center
"Stop In and Explore"
Bring family and friends to visit the Daniels Nature Center on Saturdays and Sundays this summer between noon and 5:00 p.m. Enjoy displays about the natural environment, study aquatic organisms "borrowed" from Alpine Pond with the assistance of a docent, or enjoy a picnic with your companions on nearby tables (pack your trash!)

Sunday, July 19, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve
"In Memory of Wallace Stegner"
Wallace Stegner was an award-winning novelist and environmentalist who sold Long Ridge Ranch to MROSD. This 4.6 mile hike with docents Ellen Johnson and June Cancell is dedicated to his memory. You'll learn about Stegner's life and share some readings on the trail. At the Stegner memorial bench, you'll enjoy lunch and views.

Sunday, July 19, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
"Sunset Hike"
Join docents Mary Leeburg and Kay Partelow on a leisurely 2- to 3-mile hike to a sunset viewing spot. Bring a snack to eat while you enjoy the setting sun and create your own "Pocket Solar System" in a guided activity. After sunset, you'll return to the starting point and identify some Native American constellations. Trails and sunset viewing spot vary depending on the weather. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after July 5.

Wednesday, July 22, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Rancho San Antonio
"Scenic Aerobic Hike"
Keep yourself strong all summer out on the trails with docents Bernie Larkin and Stella Yang, visiting a variety of preserves on these 3- to 5-mile, moderately-paced aerobic outings. There will be few, if any stops along the way.

Friday, July 24, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
"Wander Windy Hill"
Join docents Robin and Les Wrigley for a scenic, aerobic, 8-mile hike through chaparral and woodland. You'll hike up Hamms Gulch Trail, lunch up at the top, traverse Lost Trail, and then descend Razorback Ridge Trail.

Saturday, July 25, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
"Gaspar de Portola ~ Alive and Well"
The fruits of explorer Portola's 1769 expedition are alive in the modern day Bay Area. Docents Ed Lange and Ellen Johnson will walk his route and discuss his motives, methods, and mistakes. Remember, he was looking for Monterey. You'll hear all about the wayward expedition while enjoying 5.5 miles of Pulgas Ridge Preserve trail.

Sunday, July 26, 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
"Lions and Us"
Join docents Keith Johnsgård and Collin Lim for a beautiful natural history hike on Skyline Ridge (a 4-mile circle route with an elevation gain of 275 feet each way). During a 1-hour lunch break (at the midway point) Johnsgård will tell you all about mountain lions, discussing a number of attacks on humans to illustrate how a little knowledge and preparation can reduce your risk when traveling in lion country. The subject matter is not appropriate for young children. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after July 12.

Friday, July 31, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (meet at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve parking lot)
"Nordic Hike"
Nordic walking burns more calories than traditional hiking while reducing stress on your knees and hips. Bring hiking poles if you have them – come along even if you don't. Docents Rebecca Pickart and Suzanne Schleck will lead you on this vigorous, fast-paced, strenuous, aerobic (no stopping) trek of 5 miles with 200 to 600 feet of elevation gain along the Blue Oak, Hassler, Dick Bishop, Dusky-footed Woodrat, and Polly Geraci Trails.

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