New guide to Peninsula open space trails New guide to Peninsula open space trails (December 22, 2004)

Guide points out plants, animals and history of lands threaded by the trails

By Marion Softky

Almanac Staff Writer

"Peninsula Tales and Trails" is more than just a trail guide.

The book by David Weintraub celebrates the natural open spaces of the Peninsula that have been preserved over the last 30 years by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.

Since 1972, MROSD has acquired and saved from development nearly 50,000 acres in 25 open space preserves from the Bay to the mountains, and from Saratoga to San Carlos.

For starters, "Peninsula Tales and Trails" describes 38 routes through 22 preserves that offer something for everyone -- walkers, runners, bicyclists, dog-walkers, bird watchers, horseback riders, and families. Trails are as easy as the stroll around the marsh at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, or as tough as the Spring Ridge Trail straight up landmark Windy Hill.

Beyond the wheres and how-to-get-theres, the new guide describes the high points, the plants and animals, and above all, the history of the lands threaded by the trails.

A forward by Jay Thorwaldson, editor of the Palo Alto Weekly, describes the political saga that led to formation of the open space district in 1972 in order to preserve the foothills from the growth creeping out of the former "Valley of Heart's Delight" (now Silicon Valley) into the foothills and mountains.

For every preserve, the book furnishes a history of the tough and often unruly characters who shaped the present terrain. Ken Fisher of Skyline tells stories of the loggers who cut down giant redwoods in Purisima Creek and El Corte de Madera open space preserves, and built the rough-and-tumble community on Kings Mountain.

Mort Levine, former publisher of the Country Almanac, recalls Fremont Older, crusading editor of the old San Francisco Call, and his wife Cora, who built a spacious home where the literati of the time visited and signed the guest book. Mort and Elaine Levine have restored the house, known as Woodhills, and preserved the guest book and much of the Olders' history. Woodhills is open to the public every spring for a tour.

"Peninsula Tales and Trails" also features abundant pictures highlighting the varied scenery, diverse plants and animals, and colorful history of the preserves that now belong to the public.
INFORMATION

Published by Graphic Arts Books, "Peninsula Tales and Trails" is available for $19.95 at bookstores, including Kepler's and Books Inc.; at the open space district office; and online at Amazon.com. For information, call the Midpeninsula Open Space District at 692-1200, or go to openspace.org.

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