You're invited to join the Committee for Green Foothills and friends for a springtime hike up to some very special lands in southern Santa Clara County: Coyote Ridge. This unprotected open space offers spectacular views of the valley, and is known for its stunning spring wildflower displays.

Coyote Ridge is home to 14 rare or endangered native plants, and the last healthy population of the endangered Bay checkerspot butterfly. Our group will be led by CGF Director and avid birder Peter LaTourrette, native plant enthusiast Don Mayall from the California Native Plant Society, and ecologist Stuart Weiss, who has studied checkerspot butterflies and the effects of smog at Coyote Ridge for two decades.

In a reprise of last spring's very popular hike (photos from last year's hike are posted here), Pete, Don and Stu have generously volunteered to lead another intrepid team up the mountain where we will explore serpentine soil habitats and species.

We'll hike about a mile and a half up a steep roadway with an 800-foot elevation gain, observing changes in the vegetation as we ascend. At the top of the ridge, we'll take time to enjoy the spring wildflowers and the views of Coyote Valley below. The round trip hike is about 3 miles, and is somewhat strenuous.

Bring sunscreen, water and a sack lunch to eat on top. This hike will be a great introduction to the work of CGF to protect open space - bring a friend!

This hike is limited to 30 people, and reservations are required. RSVP no later than Thursday, April 1 with the CGF office at (650) 968-7243 or Hike@GreenFoothills.org. Reservations are first-come, first-serve -- we do expect this hike to fill up quickly.

This hike isn't appropriate for children under 12. If it's rainy or wet, the hike will be cancelled.

Directions: Meet at 9 am outside the Kirby Canyon facility office, 910 Coyote Creek Golf Drive, San Jose. Take 101 south to Coyote Creek Golf Club Drive exit, turn left under the freeway, drive through the gate and continue to the office parking lot. To carpool, meet at Page Mill/280 Park 'n' Ride at 8 am.
Note: there are no restroom facilities at Kirby Canyon.