Palo Alto Open Space

🚩🚩🚩 US National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area/Monterey California has called a Red Flag Warning for the Santa Cruz Mountains and Palo Alto Foothills through Friday Morning with a Fire Weather Watch through Sunday Night. 🚩🚩🚩

📜 Temporary Land Use Restrictions for Foothills & Arastradero Nature Preserve are now in effect until conditions improve, see slide #2. As always portable cooking devices, fireworks, wood fires, and smoking / va**ng are prohibited.

📸: On Last Thursday Night, Palo Alto Rangers located, and worked with partner agencies Rangers Peace Officers Association Palo Alto Fire Department to extinguish a Vegetation Fire on Page Mill Road adjacent to the Foothills Nature Preserve. The fire was caused by a vehicle accident, and is a strong reminder of just how easily a fire can start under these dry conditions.

We hope you have a safe Holiday Weekend!

Friendly reminder that fireworks of any kind are not allowed in ANY of our Open Space Preserves.

All fireworks are dangerous and can result in fires and injuries that are easily preventable.

As such, all fireworks (even those labeled 'safe and sane') are illegal in most of Santa Clara County.

Please avoid injury and fire this 4th of July by visiting a professional fireworks show at one of these approved locations, and leave fireworks to the professionals.

PAMC 9.08.010
PAMC 22.04.260
PAMC 22.04.300

MINIMUM FINE $1,000

Playground closure notice:

IMPORTANT NOTICE!
Rinconada Playground will be closed on Thursday June, 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for installation of the restrooms.

***ATTENTION***

The Byxbee asphalt parking lot (in Red) will be closed to all users Monday, May 13, 2024 – Friday, May 17, 2024 for repaving.

ADDITIONAL NEARBY PARKING (in Green):
* Byxbee overflow lot (dirt lot)
* 1900 Block Embarcadero Road – north side of road
* 2500 Block Embarcadero Way
* Baylands entrance lot - across from the Airport Terminal

NOTE: Parking along roadsides signed with "No Stopping" signs is not permitted at any time. Violators are subject to citation.

For questions, please call: 650.617.3156
or Email: [email protected]

***UPDATE***

As of this morning (Wednesday, 02/21/24), ALL Palo Alto Open Space Preserves are NOW OPEN!

However, due to the wet weather, Seasonal Trails in Arastradero Nature Preserve remain closed until further notice.

Again, we thank you for your patience and cooperation during the temporary closure.

Palo Alto Open Space Rangers

Due to impending hazardous conditions, and in an effort to protect public safety and reduce call volume for our first responders, ALL Palo Alto Open Space Preserves will be closed Sunday (2/18) and Monday (2/19).

As a reminder, there is No Parking allowed along Arastradero Road. Additionally, parking is also prohibited along Page Mill Road within Palo Alto city limits.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the temporary closure. Please continue to be aware of your surroundings and stay safe out there!

Palo Alto Open Space Rangers

***UPDATE*** After inspecting each trail on foot and clearing many downed trees and tree limbs, we are pleased to report that ALL Palo Alto Open Space Preserves are now OPEN! However, due to the wet weather, seasonal trails in Arastradero Nature Preserve remain closed until further notice.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation!

Palo Alto Open Space Rangers

***Update*** (8:15am, Sunday, 02/4/24), ALL Palo Alto Open Space Nature Preserves are now CLOSED.

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As of this morning (Sunday, 02/4/24), Baylands Nature Preserve and Foothills Nature Preserve are both experiencing extreme high winds and weather.

Due to the danger of falling debris and to protect public safety, we have come to the decision to close these preserves. We will reassess throughout the day and update this page as conditions change.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the temporary closure. Please continue to be aware of your surroundings and stay safe out there!

Palo Alto Open Space Rangers

***Update*** As of this morning (Sunday, 02/4/24), Baylands Nature Preserve and Foothills Nature Preserve are both experiencing extreme high winds and weather.

Due to the danger of falling debris and to protect public safety, we have come to the decision to close these preserves. We will reassess throughout the day and update this page as conditions change.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the temporary closure. Please continue to be aware of your surroundings and stay safe out there!

Palo Alto Open Space Rangers

We at Palo Alto Open Space would like to extend a very big thank you to Kamya and Ellie from The Girl’s Middle School here in Palo Alto! Kamya and Ellie reached out to us and scheduled a service project for their classmates and parents yesterday, which involved picking-up trash in the Baylands Nature Preserve – and boy did they deliver!

Despite their event having been scheduled during the HEAVIEST downpour of the day, the girls and their families showed up in force, divided into teams, and went out into the storm to pick up as much trash as they could find.

In just under two hours, the girls and their families were able to collect 5 buckets and 9 trash bags FULL of trash from around the Entry lot, Main Road, Byxbee parking lot, all along E. Bayshore Rd., and even some of our trail heads! They even did a pre-event safety briefing and took the time afterwards to sort out the bottles and cans for recycling!

Volunteer groups like this are a major help to us here in the preserves. Typically, only two Rangers work on either end of the week for each preserve, and with each preserve being approximately 1,500-2,000 acres and a never-ending stream of trail work, maintenance tasks, medical calls, rule enforcement, and administrative & natural resource management duties – it can be difficult for staff to carve out the amount of time necessary to do something as simple as litter pick-up.

Kamya and Ellie, thank you both very much for your assistance in helping us keep our open spaces clean and enjoyable for everyone in our community. and their families are welcome to come visit us at Baylands Nature Preserve any time!

Great job girls!

Whelp, ‘tis the season - for Seasonal Trail closures in Arastradero Nature Preserve!

It appears it’s that time of the year again (again!), and based on weather and trail conditions, we have decided to close all Seasonal Trails in Arastradero Nature Preserve.

But don’t worry - moving forward we will be continually re-evaluating trail conditions and will let you know as soon as they are reopened!

For those who don't know, seasonal trails in Arastradero Nature Preserve are typically closed when there is at least 1/2" of rain within 24 hours, or 1" of rain within a week. Trails will remain closed until no tracks can be left in the trail tread by trail users of any kind (pedestrian, cyclists, and equestrians alike).

Please help us to protect these areas and maintain a safe surface for all users to recreate on by staying off these trails until they are dry.

We at Palo Alto Open Space would like to thank Daren Anderson for an incredible 24 years of service to the City of Palo Alto with the Community Services Department and congratulate him on his retirement!

Daren started out with us in 1999 as an Open Space Technician. Supervising Ranger Lisa Myers fondly remembers the day Daren walked in for his maintenance job interview - wearing a 3-piece suit: “That man is going places!” Sure enough, Daren worked his way up through the ranks becoming a Park Ranger, Division Manager, and eventually ended his career with us as the Community Service Department Assistant Director.

Over the last 24 years, all those who had an opportunity to interact with Daren know just how passionate he feels about serving the community and preserving the open spaces we all love so dearly.

Thank you for everything and cheers to your next adventure, Daren!

We hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving! If you need to get out and stretch your legs or feathers, like our friend here, we have a couple quick reminders and updates.

☀️ The Arastradero Preserve's seasonal trails are open!

🐕 Unfortunately for our four legged friends, the Friday after Thanksgiving is considered a Holiday as well, and dogs are not allowed at Foothills Nature Preserve on weekends and holidays. There are several nearby locations available for dog owners, including our Baylands and Arastradero Nature Preserves though! If you would like more information makes sure to call or stop by and ask a Ranger.

🌄Finally if you haven't been out to visit us in the last few weeks, please note our closing time is now 5:30 PM, 5 PM is the last entry for Foothills.

We wish you an enjoyable day out there!

📸: Supervising Ranger Mike Warner

Its that time of the year again folks! Between Friday evening and Saturday morning the Foothills Rain Gauge received approximately 0.75" of rain. Based on trail conditions we have decided to close the Arastradero Seasonal Trail, and will continually re-evaluate moving forward this week with the hope of reopening before next weekend.

For those who don't know, the seasonal trails are closed when there is 1/2" of rain within 24 hours or 1" within a week. Trails will remain closed until trail users do not leave any tracks in the trail tread.

Please help us protect these areas, by staying off these trails until they are dry.

Its that time of year again. Happy Halloween! 🎃

🚩🚩🚩The US National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area/Monterey California has issued a Red Flag Warning starting tomorrow at 5am through Sunday at 5pm. 🚩🚩🚩

We will be closing the charcoal barbecues at the Orchard Glen and Oak Grove Picnic Areas within Foothills Nature Preserve. The barbecues will reopen for use on Monday morning at 8am.

Photo Caption: Patrol 1 & Copter 610 at the Page Mill Fire, September 2023

City of Palo Alto - Public Agency

Attention Baylands Buddies!

On Saturday, August 26th, Baylands Nature Preserve will be hosting a Volunteer Litter Clean-Up Day!

From 9am-12noon, bring your friends, family, or coworkers and help us keep the Baylands beautiful!

For more information or to Sign Up, please contact Ranger David Aguirre at: [email protected]

Alternately, please feel free to just show up on the day of the event in the dirt parking lot next to the Ranger Station (the more the merrier!) and ask for Ranger Aguirre.

Today we celebrate !

World Ranger Day (July 31) honors Park Rangers around the world for the work they do to preserve and protect important natural resources and cultural places. It's also a day to commemorate those who’ve been injured or lost their lives in the line of duty.

Palo Alto's Park Rangers like many other local agencies are generalist Park Rangers. Not only do they care for the preserves and educate visitors, but they also respond to wildland fires, medical emergencies / rescues, and care for sick or injured animals.

From the trails around the marshes of the bay to the redwoods of the Santa Cruz mountains, our mission is to continuously protect and interpret the resources and wildlife entrusted to Palo Alto for the enjoyment of future generations.

Thank you to all the Rangers around the world for your service! Together we stand strong for nature and all its glory! 💚

***Update*** As of this morning (07/10/23), we are pleased to report that Arastradero Nature Preserve has been reopened to on-leash dogs!

Please continue to be aware of your surroundings when visiting the preserve and remember that wildlife will always be present.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the temporary closure.

For more information on coexisting with our local wildlife, please visit: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild

*** Repost from ***
Yesterday, eight domestic rabbits were rescued by Palo Alto Park Rangers and a volunteer trapper in the Palo Alto Baylands, with one or more rabbits still possibly at large. This marks the 6th mass rabbit abandonment in Palo Alto parks over the past two years.

Animal Control Officers routinely capture abandoned rabbits, often spending hours doing so, and will bring them to safety at the Animal Shelter. Abandoning a domestic animal is not humane, safe for the animal, or safe for the public at large.

We want to remind those who need to re-home an animal(s) that their local Animal Shelter is there to help, and that animal abandonment is a crime. (PC 597(s))

If you live in the cities of Palo Alto, Los Altos, or Los Altos Hills, the Palo Alto Animal Shelter operated by is where you can bring animals for surrender. Other cities have their own designated shelter, contact your local government to find yours.

Please also consider spaying and neutering your pets to control the pet population. (Your local Animal Shelter can help with that too!)

*** UPDATE 7/2/2023 ***
Due to ongoing reports of dog-coyote interactions in the vicinity of Arastradero Preserve, the dog closure will remain in effect for at least 2 more weeks. We are continuing to monitor the situation and work with local wildlife officials to determine when it will be safe to reopen to on leash dogs. We appreciate your patience and understanding. For any questions or concerns about the closure, please call 650-329-2423 / 650-617-3156 or email: [email protected]
____________

Due to ongoing reports of aggressive coyote behavior towards domestic dogs, Pearson-Arastradero Nature Preserve will be closed to all dogs until further notice. The decision to temporarily prohibit dogs in the preserve was made after consulting with Palo Alto Animal Services and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This is a necessary measure to protect dogs, coyotes, and preserve visitors. Staff will reevaluate the situation for reopening on an ongoing basis. Thank you for your cooperation.

For questions, Pease call 650.329.2423
For information on coexisting with coyotes, please visit: projectcoyote.org




Entering Pearson Arastradero Preserve with a dog during this temporary closure may result in a fine: PAMC 22.04.155(a) minimum fine $250

The Palo Alto Park Rangers and Fire Fighters will be conducting a series of 30 pile burns (10’x10’) within the Foothills Nature Preserve on May 5th, 2023. Burn activity will be near Fire Station 8 and Pony Tracks Fire Road.

Pile burning (see photo for example) allows for a controlled fire setting with minimal threat to surrounding areas. This also provides training for new Fire Fighters and Park Rangers, while economically and naturally breaking down woody debris that becomes potential fire fuel later in the summer and fall.

Why:
This work was a recommendation as part of the Foothills Fire Management Plan that was approved by the City Council in 2009 and updated in 2016. A Mitigated Negative Declaration was issued for this project; CEQA SCHN: 2009022031. Some preserve visitors may also remember similar operations that were conducted at Foothills Nature Preserve prior to 2010, this project is reestablishing that past practice.

Who:
Implementation of the Foothills Fire Management Plan is a Public Works project with assistance from Palo Alto Open Space, Fire, Office of Emergency Services and Police. Additional assistance provided by CalFire, Woodside Fire, and other Santa Clara County fire agencies.

When:
May 5th, 2023, from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Contact:
For more information call Supervising Park Ranger Mike Warner at
650-329-2423.

Attention all Foothills Friends, Arastradero Aficionados, and Baylands Buddies!

In today’s post, we at Palo Alto Open Space would like to offer a reminder that Rule #3 of the “Leave No Trace” principles is not just there for aesthetic purposes. “Dispose of Waste Properly” also helps protect wildlife!

This past Saturday evening, just before closing time, Open Space Technician Nick Risner received a report that a gopher snake had become partially trapped in a soda can on the Chamise Trail.

With the assistance of Supervising Park Ranger Mike Warner, OST Risner was able to locate and free the snake of its predicament. It’s likely that our snakey friend had been pursuing a deceased fieldmouse that was also found inside the can. After being provided with water and checked for injuries, the snake was allowed to slither into the brush and carry on its way.

Many thanks to the Foothills staff for assisting our slithering friend, as well as to the observant park visitor who alerted us to the situation.

To learn more about the Leave No Trace principles (see our last slide) and how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, visit LeaveNoTrace at https://lnt.org

Have you seen me? Bob the Cat is missing!

On Saturday 3/11/2023 between the hours of 5pm and 7pm, our beloved taxidermy bobcat mount (Bob the Cat) went missing from the Foothills Nature Preserve Interpretive Center.

While there is a slight chance the thought of all the gophers in Las Trampas Valley was enough to bring Bob to life and send him on a "supper quest" - he hasn’t returned, and our staff are starting to worry about him.

If you or someone you know was in the Interpretive Center between the hours of 5pm-7pm this past Saturday, and think you may have information on Bob’s whereabouts – please e-mail us at: [email protected]

Today on International Women's Day, we at Palo Alto Open Space would like to take a moment to shine a spotlight on the incredible hard-working women of our staff.

Thank you for all that you do to help protect our Open Spaces, keeping them safe and beautiful for the public!

Attention Baylands Buddies!

On Saturday March 25th, Baylands Nature Preserve will be hosting a Volunteer Litter Clean-Up Day!

From 10am-1pm, bring your friends, family, or coworkers and help us keep the Baylands beautiful!

For more information or to Sign Up, please contact Ranger David Aguirre at: [email protected]

On Friday morning, the Santa Cruz Mountains received approximately 12” of snow in roughly 12 hours.

Staff from multiple agencies worked together on Page Mill Road to plow a path through snow, ice, and multiple downed trees.

Staff are continuing to work hard to ensure our preserves and roadways are safe for the public.

Please remember to respect closure signs and safety warnings, as staff have already responded to multiple rescues from avoidable situations.

The Foothills Rangers have been busy this morning assisting the Public Works Department with snow and ice removal on Page Mill Road. The road was closed for four hours this morning due to the hazardous conditions. Rangers also assisted multiple stranded vehicles, and a minor medical aid as well.

At this time Page Mill Road is open. Please be safe if you plan to head up and see the snow, and respect road closures. Also a gentle reminder that there is no authorized entry to Foothills Nature Preserve along Page Mill Road.

Thanks to Palo Alto Public Works Department and Midpeninsula Rangers Peace Officers Association for their assistance.