Queer Ecology Naturalist Walk in Los Gatos at Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve

Join Grassroots Ecology and Branching Out Adventures at Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve, a Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Preserve, for a casual walk through redwood forest. We will  discuss and observe about how queer ecology presents itself in our local ecosystems! Participants should expect to walk up to 3 miles through hilly and potentially muddy terrain.

Visit this page to learn more about the ecosystem and accessibility considerations at Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve.

Waivers/Registration: All participants must register & approve the online waiver through this Eventbrite page. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf.

Parking/Meeting Space:

Please note that there is limited cell service and driving directions should be downloaded ahead of time.

We will be meeting in this part of the preserve which is currently closed to the public. Note: this is NOT the main parking lot. The gate to enter this location will be opened at 9:30. If you arrive early, safely wait at the main parking lot.

Coming from the Bay Area:

Navigate to this part of the preserve by continuing South on Hwy 17 under the overpass at Bear Creek Road. Continue another 2 miles on Hwy 17 towards Santa Cruz. On the right hand side, there is a right turn lane into a private entrance to Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve. Keep an eye out for the Grassroots Ecology sign. Go through the gate and follow the Grassroots signs to the meeting location.

Coming from Santa Cruz:

From the 17 North, take the Bear Creek Road exit. Use the exit to take Hwy 17 South an additional 2 miles toward Santa Cruz. On the right hand side, there is a right turn lane into a private entrance to Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve. Keep an eye out for the Grassroots Ecology sign. Go through the gate and follow the Grassroots signs to the meeting location.

Alternate Transportation: The preserve is only accessible by car.

Prepare for Working Outdoors:

• Long sleeves and long pants are strongly encouraged for this event. This area is shaded and additional layers are recommended.
• Water bottle filled with water
• Sturdy close-toed shoes that can get dirty
• Hat/sunscreen or rain gear/boots
• Plan for potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks
• Prepare for limited to no cell reception, limited bathroom access, and no available drinking water

Meeting Space: There are no bathrooms or water fountains where we’ll be meeting, but there are facilities in the main parking lot. Please use the bathroom before arriving.

Event Cancellations:

We are committed to the safety of our staff and volunteers. In the event that we must cancel a workday due to extreme weather conditions or poor air quality, a Grassroots Ecology staff person will reach out via email no later than 5:00 PM the day prior to this event.

Join Us!

Grassroots Ecology encourages people from all identities and backgrounds to participate in our programs. Many of our programs are outdoors and involve moving and working in a variety of landscapes. If you have accessibility concerns (i.e., allergies, limited mobility, learning differences), our projects are flexible and we are happy to work with you. Please reach out to the workday facilitator so we can best prepare for your participation.

Accessibility concerns? Questions? Cancellations? Email tyler@grassrootsecology.org