Articles

Birds with Curved Bills in Silicon Valley
Curved-bill birds in Silicon Valley include the California thrasher, long-billed curlew, and American avocet.

Acorn Woodpeckers at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park
Guadalupe Oak Grove Park in San Jose offers trails through oak savanna and woodland, making it an excellent spot to observe acorn woodpeckers.

Exploring the Fall Creek Unit: A 10-Mile Loop through Henry Cowell Redwoods
Explore the quieter Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods, a 10-mile hike featuring lush redwoods, historic lime kilns, and tranquil creekside trails.

Santa Cruz Sandhills at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
The Sandhills at Henry Cowell Redwoods feature ancient marine sand deposits, a rare geological formation dating back over 15 million years.

Tunnel Trail at Pinnacles
For a more strenuous hike at Pinnacles National Park, visitors can traverse the challenging High Peaks Trail that winds up to connect with Tunnel Trail.

Varied Thrush – A winter Visitor to the Santa Cruz Mountains
In the Silicon Valley area, the varied thrush is a winter visitor typically found in dense forests.

Black Oystercatchers on the Bluffs of Wilder Ranch
Black oystercatchers, with their black plumage and bright orange-red-bills, can be founding the coastal ecosystems near Santa Cruz.

Banana slugs in Silicon Valley: where to find these forest decomposers
Banana slugs are a curious and iconic sight in the damp forests of Silicon Valley’s Santa Cruz Mountains.

Coyotes in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Coyotes thrive in Silicon Valley’s open space preserves, playing a vital role in local ecosystems. Learn where to see them and how to share the trail safely.

Zinfandel Trail – Picchetti Ranch Preserve
The mostly shaded trails at Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve make it an ideal spot for a hike on a hot day.





