Learn the basics about lichen on this moderately-paced outing with Docent Naturalists Kate Bauer, Mary Brunkhorst, and Nick Yatsko. You'll gain approximately 600 feet of elevation hiking a loop on the Peters Creek and Long Ridge trails while you look for these intriguing symbiotic organisms and discover how to identify some of the most common kinds. Bring a lunch to enjoy among the lichen.
Meet at Peters Creek Roadside Parking, on the west side of Skyline Boulevard, 3.6 miles north of Highway 9 or 3.3 miles south of Page Mill Road. If you are coming from the north on Skyline Blvd., the pullout is just past Portola Heights Road on the right. From the south, the pullout is near the Palo Alto city limits sign on the right. There is additional parking across Skyline Blvd. at the Grizzly Flat trailhead (Santa Clara County Park).