The City of Palo Alto has maintained and managed open space for recreation and wildlife habitat preservation since the 1920s. Today the Baylands Nature Preserve, Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, and Foothills Park include almost 4,000 acres supporting most of the peninsula's major plant and animal communities and a number of threatened and endangered species. Palo Alto's naturalists and open space rangers are dedicated to preserving the environmental benefits of these unique preserves, and to helping visitors enjoy and appreciate them. For information, call 650 329-2506.
Bounded by Mountain View and East Palo Alto, the 1,940-acre Baylands Nature Preserve is the largest tract of undisturbed marshland remaining in the San Francisco Bay. Fifteen miles of multi-use trails provide access to a unique mixture of tidal and freshwater habitats. Many consider this area to be one of the best bird watching areas on the west coast. The preserve has a substantial resident population of birds as well as being a major migratory stopover on the Pacific Flyway.
Bayland's Facilities include the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center, Byxbee Park Hills (Art Park), wildlife observation platforms and benches, Emily Renzel Wetlands, Baylands Athletic Center (baseball and softball), and picnic / barbecue facilities (adjacent to the Ranger Station), some of which can be rented and reserved.
Programs and activities include walking, running or biking on the trails, bird watching, boating and sailboarding on non-motorized, canoes, kayaks or small, hand-launched boats and sailboards.
There are also nature walks and programs on ecology and natural history.
