You're invited to join the Committee for a summer morning hike at the Palo Alto Baylands. This special preserve is the Bay's largest tract of undisturbed marshland, and was protected thanks to early efforts by CGF and other local environmental leaders. Many consider this area to be one of the best bird watching areas on the West Coast.

Hikers will be led on a mostly flat, easy hike along the tidal marsh and levees by environmental leader and longtime marsh champion Emily Renzel, who served for many years as a director of Committee for Green Foothills as well as on the Palo Alto City Council.

Together with Emily and CGF Legislative Advocate Brian Schmidt, we'll explore the baylands habitats and wildlife and discuss CGF's work to protect this area and surrounding lands. Of particular note will be the Environmental Services Center proposed for 19 acres of land dedicated as parkland. We'll also view and discuss the foothills scars created by Hanson Quarry more than 8 miles away in Cupertino.

Bring sunscreen, water and binoculars, and dress in layers. Feel free to bring a sack lunch to enjoy on the park's picnic tables after our hike.

Space on the hike is limited and reservations are required. RSVP no later than Wednesday, August 4 with the CGF office at (650) 968-7243 or Hike@GreenFoothills.org.

Directions: From Highway 101, take the Embarcadero Road East exit. Drive east on Embarcadero past the golf course and airport; when the road turns to a T at the stop sign, turn left. Then right at the first opportunity (just across from the airport) and park in the gravel lot just before the park's entrance gate.