Hikers in Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve / photo by Lanette Otvos

Ferns and Other Ancient Plants

Saturday, April 19, 2025
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Monte Bello Preserve
Approximate Total Miles
3.5

Learn to identify various ferns and other plants that evolved before flowers graced the Earth with Docent Naturalists Debbie Mytels, Ping Li, David Choi, and John Seyfarth. While taking a leisurely-paced walk down Stevens Creek Canyon, you’ll discover how humans have used ferns throughout several generations and how some fern species are an edible delicacy, especially in Asian cultures. You’ll stop for a lunch break on the return route via the Canyon Trail and find yet another type of ancient plant near the sag pond.

Where to Meet

Meet at the Monte Bello Parking Area on Page Mill Road (across from Los Trancos Preserve), 7 miles west of I-280 or 1.5 miles east of Skyline Boulevard. Those traveling from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. should allow approximately 35 minutes travel time.

To ensure your experience on a docent naturalist outing is enjoyable please review these activity guidelines.

For more information about trail characteristics for this event, check out the Midpen Trail Explorer app. To learn more about ADA accommodations for events, or make an inquiry with the ADA coordinator, visit our Accessibility page.

If your activity requires registration, please be sure to cancel your reservation (from your confirmation email) if you are no longer able to attend so others can participate.

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