Join Ken and Dee Himes on an early fall discovery trip through this Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preserve. St. Joseph’s Hill has exceptional woody plant diversity including one of the few places to see scrub oaks (Quercus berberidfolia) and leather oaks (Q. durata) growing in close proximity. We expect to see mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides), big berry manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca) and other shrubs commonly found on the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

We will be hiking about 4.5 miles with about 700 feet of elevation changes including a steep incline at the trailhead.

Bring snacks, a sack lunch and liquids for the day. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Hiking poles are recommended. Heavy rain cancels.

Directions: From Hwy. 17: Take the Bear Creek Rd. exit, cross over the highway, and go 0.4 mi. north on 17 to Alma Bridge Rd. Proceed across the dam to the parking area at Lexington Reservoir Park. Parking is $6 so bring exact change. The trail to St. Joseph’s Hill starts across the road from the boat launching area at the north end of the reservoir. A map of the preserve is available at www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/map_SJH.pdf.