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.

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.

Hike 19 Baylands Birding

Wednesday November 13, 2024 from 09:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Join us for an leisurely walk along the sloughs, San Francisquito Creek and the marshlands, a major migratory flyway for birds. Our expert Audubon guide will find and teach us about birds and native plants and teach us about the California native plant habitats and the ecosystems in this park. 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: Meeting location is Saratoga CA 95070 and Palo Alto Baylands
Additional Benefits: Transportation and picnic lunch are provided.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH