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 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 and one day before the event date.

Hike 15 Shoreline Wildlife

Wednesday September 10, 2025 from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Our expert birder will lead us on a leisurely two-mile walk at Shoreline Lake Park to see the summer shorebirds that inhabit the salt marsh, salt ponds, sloughs and mudflats. Binoculars can be borrowed. A social lunch follows the walk. This special program is hosted in partnership with Valley Water. Image by Anne Ferguson.

Level of Difficulty: : Easy
Number of Miles: : 2.0
Location: Meeting location is Saratoga CA 95070 or Mountain View, CA 94043
Additional Benefits: Transportation and picnic lunch are included

Hike 16 Habitat and Wildlife of Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge

Wednesday September 24, 2025 from 08:30 AM to 01:30 PM

Join us for a leisurely three-mile flat walk out at Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge led by an expert on the habitat and wildlife that lives there. We will learn about the refuge and its history, the endangered species it protects including birds and native plants and identify the different habitats we see. Finally, we will discuss actions we can all take to protect these habitats through watershed protection. Afterwards, we enjoy a picnic lunch. This special program is supported by Valley Water. Image by Anne Ferguson.

Level of Difficulty: : Easy
Number of Miles: : 3.0
Location: Meeting location is Saratoga CA 95070 or San Jose, CA 95002
Additional Benefits: Transportation and picnic lunch are included

Hike 17 Bugs & Galls

Wednesday October 8, 2025 from 09:15 AM to 01:30 PM

Join us for a thoughtful stroll at McClellan Ranch Preserve while we look for, see and learn about the insects that inhabit the area with a focus on fall gall wasps. Our expert entomologist may find a diversity of colorful beetles, grasshoppers, dragonflies, ants and bugs. We will end our journey with an included picnic lunch.

Level of Difficulty: : Easy
Number of Miles: : 2.0
Location: Meeting location is San Jose CA 95120 or Cupertino CA 95104
Additional Benefits: Transportation and picnic lunch are included

Hike 18 Guadalupe River Birding and Native Plants Walk

Wednesday October 22, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Join us for an expert-led, one-way leisurely walk along Guadalupe River, a major migratory flyway for birds, from Alviso to Ulistac Nature Area, the only dedicated natural open space in the City of Santa Clara. We will learn about Guadalupe River conservation efforts. Our expert guide will find birds and native plants and teach us about the California native plant habitats and the ecosystems in this park. We will walk along the Guadalupe River and see the garden. We will end the day with a social picnic lunch. This special program is hosted in partnership with Valley Water.

Level of Difficulty: : Easy
Number of Miles: : 2.5
Location: The two bus pickups are Saratoga, CA 95070 and Santa Clara CA 95054
Additional Benefits: Transportation and lunch are provided.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH