PARK TOURS
Explore Santa Clara County's open spaces and enjoy lakes, mineral springs, migrating birds, wildflowers and more while learning about Silicon Valley's rich culture, history and wildlife.
If you missed any of BAO's virtual park tours, you can watch them by clicking this link BAO Videos
BAO members receive a discount on the events. BAO Premium Members ($50 annual fee) receive up to 50% discount and Basic Members (free) receive up to a 25% discount on BAO events. If you are not already a BAO member, and want to join to receive discounts, please Click Here before registering for the events.
**REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED** and space is limited, so please sign up as soon as possible using the registration button below. Detailed information, such as directions, will be sent one week before the event date.
Waitlist Only Hike 14 The Waterfalls of Morgan Hill
Wednesday September 11, 2024 from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Join us for a hike on shaded trails surrounded by lush green foliage past three waterfalls. Along the way, we cross bridges and pass by ferns and moss-covered rock formations as we walk along a stretch of Uvas and Swanson Creeks. We will look for California Nutmeg, Canyon Live Oak, California Buckeye, and other foliage along the side of the trail. We end the afternoon with a social picnic in our especially reserved group area. This special program is hosted in partnership with Valley Water.
Level of Difficulty: : Moderate
Number of Miles: : 2.0
Location: Meeting location is San Jose, CA 95120
Additional Benefits: Transportation, parking fee and lunch are included.
Hike 15 Stroll to Deer Hollow Farm
Wednesday September 25, 2024 from 09:00 AM to 2:30 PM
On this easy walk, we will pass through large grassy meadows and the State's tallest California Bay Laurel tree estimated to be over 200 years old on our way to Deer Hollow Farm. Along the way, we learn about the Permanente Creek flood protection plan that protects our community. After lunch, we visit the 160-year old ranch-farm, gardens, farm animals and blacksmith shed before our leisurely return. This special program is hosted in partnership with Valley Water. Photo by Oksana Baumer.
Level of Difficulty: : Easy
Number of Miles: : 2.5
Location: Meeting locations are San Jose 95120 and Saratoga CA 95070
Additional Benefits: Transportation and lunch are included.
Hike 16 The Fauna and Flora of Anderson Lake
Wednesday October 9, 2024 from 09:30 AM to 01:30 PM
During the 2017 California floods, Anderson reservoir reached 104% of its capacity and flowed over the spillway into Coyote Creek, which overflowed and flooded five San Jose neighborhoods. The reservior is currently at 3% capacity and dam is undergoing a $1.2B seismic retrofit expected to be completed by 2032. We will learn about how this affects the wildlife on this expert-led walk. Afterwards we enjoy a hearty and social picnic lunch. This special program is hosted in partnership with Valley Water. Image by Anne Ferguson.
Level of Difficulty: : Easy
Number of Miles: : 2.5
Location: Meeting location is San Jose CA 95118 or Anderson Lake County Park, Morgan Hill
Additional Benefits: Transportation and a hearty picnic lunch are provided.
Hike 17 Walk with the Lakes and Guided Tour of the Ranch at JD Grant Park
Friday October 18, 2024 from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Travel along trails past two lakes to observe and learn about shorebirds and the history of Santa Clara County's largest regional park. Along the way, our expert guide will teach us about the history of this area. BONUS: After lunch, we will take a guided tour of the historic ranch house. Image by Anne Ferguson.
Level of Difficulty: : Easy-to-moderate
Number of Miles: : 3.0
Location: Meeting location is Cupertino CA 95014
Additional Benefits: Transportation to and from the park and picnic lunch are included.
Hike 18 Fall Colors & Birds Along Stevens Creek
Wednesday October 23, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
As we walk along Stevens Creek our expert Audubon Society guide will help us identify wildlife supported by this watershed. We will stop halfway to have a picnic lunch near Stevens Creek before heading back. This special program is hosted in partnership with Valley Water.
Level of Difficulty: : Easy
Number of Miles: : 2.0
Location: McClelland Ranch, Cupertino
Additional Benefits: A large hearty sandwich is provided.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
