Bay Nature Summer Bug Safari Series: Windy Hill Preserve

Join Bay Nature and naturalist Russ Aguilar for a family-friendly bug safari at Windy Hill Preserve in Portola Valley on Saturday, August 1 from 10:00am–12:00pm. Designed for kids ages 5–12 and their parents or grandparents, this playful morning adventure will explore the hidden world of insects and other small creatures living among the preserve’s ponds, meadows, and oak woodlands.

Armed with bug jars, magnifiers, and curiosity, we’ll search for dragonflies, damselflies, beetles, butterflies, bees, grasshoppers, spiders, and other tiny wildlife as we make a loop through several of Windy Hill’s distinct habitats. Along the way, Russ will introduce families to bug-spotting techniques, insect behavior, and the surprising diversity of life found in the Peninsula’s open space preserves. This event is the fourth and final outing in a series of four Saturday morning Bug Safari adventures taking place around the Bay Area this summer, each featuring a different mix of habitats and discoveries.

Details

• Location: Windy Hill Preserve Parking Lot, 555 Portola Rd, Portola Valley, CA 94028 (Map)
• Distance: ~1–2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy; gentle walking on dirt trails with some uneven surfaces and modest elevation changes
• Parking: Free parking available
• Restrooms: Available near the parking lot

What to bring: Water, hats, sunscreen, layered clothing, cameras, binoculars if desired, and comfortable walking shoes. Bug jars and observation equipment will be provided.

Weather note: Summer mornings on the Peninsula can range from cool and foggy to warm and sunny. Please dress in layers and bring sun protection.

Meet your guide: Russ Aguilar is a former National Park Service interpreter, teacher, and Bay Nature contributor whose work focuses on helping people notice the overlooked lives of insects and other small creatures. His Bay Nature story “The Tussle Between A Beetle and its Shrub” explored the ecology of the coyote brush leaf beetle and its relationship with San Bruno Mountain’s native plants.

Tickets: This event is free for Bay Nature members. Registration is limited.

Note: Because Bay Nature events often fill quickly with waitlists, registrants are asked to place a $10 refundable attendance deposit. Deposits are refunded after attendance and are forfeited only in the event of a no-show or cancellation. This helps ensure that limited spaces are available to those who can attend.

Additional information

• Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the event
• Dogs are not allowed on Bay Nature events
• Please stay on designated trails and handle insects gently before releasing them back into their habitat

Photo by Donna Pomeroy via iNaturalist CC BY-NC 4.0.