Ridgeway's Rails & Marshlands: Protecting Wetlands in a Warming World
August 9, 2025 @ 9:30AM — 1:30PM Pacific Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
Ravenswood Preserve: 2100 Bay Rd East Palo Alto, CA 94303 Get Directions
Explore, Reflect, Protect: A Day of Birding, Climate Awareness, and Community at Ravenswood Preserve
Join Saved By Nature for a Day of Discovery at Ravenswood Preserve! Step into nature with us for a free, family-friendly educational program celebrating the beauty and resilience of our local wetlands. Through a guided hike, a wetlands habitat game, and an art project honoring the endangered Ridgway’s Rail, participants will explore the powerful connection between environmental stewardship and community. Enjoy a relaxing lunch, nature journaling, and hands-on experiences designed to deepen your connection with the land, the wildlife, and each other. All ages welcome. Gear and supplies are available to borrow—just bring your curiosity and a water bottle!
🔹 Length: 3.44 miles
🔹 Elevation Gain: 26 feet
🔹 Trail Type: Out & back along the SF Bay Trail
🔹 Difficulty: Easy
🔹 Surface: Flat trail with boardwalks and scenic marsh views
🔹 Estimated Time: ~1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace
🔹 Highlights: Bay views, marsh habitat, native birds including Ridgway’s Rail
📍 View Route on AllTrails
🗓️ Schedule of Events
9:30 AM – Welcome & Hike
• Guided birding nature walk
• Birdwatching with special attention to Ridgway’s Rail and marsh ecosystems 🐦
• Journaling prompts connect personal reflection with habitat resilience
11:30 AM – Wetlands Habitat Game
• Interactive roleplay simulating marshland species and environmental pressures
• Learn how climate change affects biodiversity and habitat dynamics
• Facilitated teamwork and solution brainstorming
12:00 PM – Ridgway’s Rail Art Project
• Nature-inspired drawing session featuring marsh birds and landscapes
• Creative storytelling through art to build empathy and conservation awareness
1:00 PM – Lunch & Community Connection
• Free shaded picnic lunch 🧺
• Journaling and open conversations with facilitators
• Closing gratitude circle celebrating stewardship and reflection
1:30 PM – Event Ends
📌 Recommended Ages
All ages welcome! Activities are ideal for middle school and up, with engaging entry points for younger participants supported by adults.
🚻 Facilities
🔹 Restrooms: Flush toilets available near the meeting spot
🔹 Parking & Meet Location: Ravenswood Open Space Preserve – 2100 Bay Rd, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
🔹 Trail Maps & Overview: Available via AllTrails
🧡 What to Bring
🔹 Water bottle (32 oz or more)
🔹 Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
🔹 Wide-brimmed hat and light layers
🔹 Day pack for essentials
🔹 Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses
🔹 Extra snacks for yourself and a personal journal if you have one
🔹 Optional: neck gaiter or cooling cloth
🧺 What We Provide
🔹 🥪 Lunch
🔹 💧 Water
🔹 🍫 Snack bars
🔹 📓 Journals for reflection and nature observations
🔹 🧴 Sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizer
🎒 What’s Available to Borrow
🔹 Binoculars for birdwatching
🔹 Art supplies and sketch materials
🔹 Day packs (limited quantity)
🔹 Hiking poles for trail support
🔹 Bird ID guides for spotting and learning
🤝 Brought to You By
Saved By Nature, with generous sponsorship from Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District