Palo Alto Open Space preserves offer many ways for you to enjoy the outdoors. You can venture out on your own, participate in interpretive programs led by rangers, or take a school group. Volunteering is always an option too; see our Volunteering page.
Here is a sampling of activities you can do in each preserve. See the specific preserve web pages for more detailed information. If you want to do activities with a group see the Groups and Special Event Permits page and the Rentals and Reservations page.
Ranger-led programs are offered through the city’s Enjoy! catalog. Please register for all programs to ensure availability, which can be done through our online registration system. The Enjoy! print catalog is available at Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.
Note that you need an account to sign up for Enjoy! programs online. Accounts are free and available to everyone.
Special request interpretive programs are available in Open Space preserves by reservation. Programs vary from nature walks, to astronomy, to canoe tours. They can be tailored to the needs of your group. Note that not all programs are available at all preserves. Download the request form here. Please contact Ranger Kathleen Jones at 650-329-2423 for more information.
If staff is available you can request a ranger to stop by and visit your group in any preserve. These free "15 minute" talks are a great way to get acquainted with the preserve, find out what is blooming, what animals are out, or learn a little about the history of these local treasures. Please call 650-329-2423 for requests in Foothills Park and Pearson-Arastradero Preserve or 650-617-3156 for Baylands Preserve.
School field trip programs on subjects such as salt marsh ecology, the world of the Ohlone, and the habitats of Foothills Park can be arranged through a naturalist at the Junior Museum and Zoo. Call 650-329-2506 or email naturalist@cityofpaloalto.org for more information or reservations.
