Eco News

Hilltromper is Back! Learn About the Reboot

Hilltromper's managing director, Mike Kahn, doing volunteer trail work with Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship at San Vicente Redwoods. Credit: Charlene Lee

The rebirth of our guide to the great outdoors is featured on California Local.

Flood Park: Building Anew on a Cherished History

Design for the west entry to the "Boulder Canyon" playground. Credit: San Mateo County Parks/CMG.

This historic property in Menlo Park, with its popular pump track, sports fields, heritage trees and demonstration garden, is on the brink of another transformative revitalization.

Veteran Pacifica surfers hope artificial reef can protect and preserve Sharp Park Beach

Co-sponsor of the Artificial Reef proposal, Rob Caughlan, surfing in Pacifica. Credit: Don Montgomery.

Former Surfrider president and his allies propose an offshore reef to protect the sandy beach—and create a nice wave for surf competitions.

Election Anxiety Overshadowed by Banana-Slug Gate

Clear evidence of a banana slug caught yellow-footed eating a California poppy. Credit: Mike Kahn.

Californians in shock as news spreads of state slug caught in the act of eating the state flower.

Bear Creek Redwoods Opens Four New Miles of Historic Trails

Second-growth redwood trees grow along the trail near Briggs Creek. Credit: Majken Talbot.

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District holds a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open four miles of new trails at a newly restored section of Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve in Los Gatos.

Indigenous Activists Succeed in Monument Removal, Urge End to Genocide Symbols

This statue of Portolá stood in Pacifica until it was removed in early 2024. Credit: Bob n' Renee, CC BY 2.0

As the re-creation of the 90-mile Ohlone-Portolá Heritage Trail is on its way, Indigenous activists are working to remove associated statues and plaques.

Kids2Parks: The Power of Field Trips

Kids2Parks gives students an opportunity to experience history, nature and science at local state parks and beaches. Photo: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

Title 1 schools have until August 18 to sign up for field trips, with guidance from State Parks staff and transportation funding provided.

Take Your Health to the Next Level with New Trails Rx Program

Let's get pumped on nature!!! Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Credit: Sempervirens Fund.

Sempervirens Fund launches a new Trails Prescription Program for the Santa Cruz Mountains. This program aligns with regional Parks Rx efforts and offers curated trail guides and health insights to enhance outdoor experiences and well-being in the region.

Memorial Park: The Birth, Centennial & Future of San Mateo County Parks

Ranger Katherine Wright next to "Largest Tree" old-growth redwood that was protected by Memorial Park. Photo by Mike Kahn.

Founded on the Fourth of July 1924, Memorial Park, deep in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, is the birthplace of San Mateo County Parks, where generations of families connect to nature.

Midpen Reopens Alpine Road Trail After Major Upgrades

The Alpine Road Trail is popular with road and mountain bikers. Frances Freyberg/Courtesy of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

The 2.5-mile multi-use trail improvements, funded in part by Measure AA bond money, restore watershed health, improve habitat, and create a safe route to Skyline Boulevard.

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