Winter is a perfect time to get up close and personal with mosses, lichens, and fungi—small but mighty organisms in the forest. Join Docent Naturalists Ann McCarty, Catherine Crawford-Swent, and Marie Faust Evitt to learn how to differentiate between the three, discover their important roles in the forest’s ecology, and come away with a renewed appreciation for the small things in nature. This preserve is perfect for this kind of exploration—small in acreage, but mighty in diversity. You’ll start this leisurely-paced hike in mixed oak woodland forest before entering the redwood forest. Come with your child-like sense of wonder, eagerness to explore, and a lunch or snack. (Note: Parking is limited; please plan on carpooling if coming with others.)
Meet at the Thornewood Parking Area on La Honda Road. From I-280, take the Highway 84/Woodside Road exit. Follow Highway 84/Woodside Road through Woodside and then to a junction with Portola Road at 3.3. miles. Bear right to stay on Highway 84, now La Honda Road. At 4.9 miles from Highway 280, turn left at a brick wall marked 895-897; look for the Midpen sign just inside this gate. The small parking area is on the right about 500 feet from the entrance gate. Please do not drive beyond this lot toward the private residences.
Alternatively, from the junction of Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and Highway 84 in Sky Londa, take Highway 84/La Honda Road north 1.9 miles and turn right at the brick wall marked 895-897.