Palo Alto Baylands (Accessible)

NEW! To help more people have a chance at getting a spot on our very popular field trips, please limit your sign-ups to 2 trips per month.

Before signing up for this trip, please take a moment to read our trip policies and view our liability waiver.

Palo Alto Baylands (Accessible)

On this trip, we will wander past brackish sloughs to look for shorebirds including year-round American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts, as well as returning migrants such as Least and Western Sandpipers, Marbled Godwits, Dowitchers, Plovers and Greater Yellowlegs. At the duck pond and on the Marsh Trail, we'll look for Black-crowned Night Heron, Forster's Terns, and American White Pelicans. We may spot Northern Harrier low across the marsh and Turkey Vultures overhead. In addition to observing diverse bird species, we will stop at several buildings and locations steeped in local history and explore the special plants that have learned to adapt, grow, and thrive in the marsh, sustaining the wonderful bird and animal life. This trip is designed for families, but all are welcome to attend.

Trip Difficulty: 2 miles; easy, flat, wide, dirt-packed trails. Some trails have crushed oyster and decomposed granite tread. Some shade, some benches. The Lucy Evans Interpretive Center has a short gravel ramp. Its slope is 5.7%. There is a wheelchair accessible wooden ramp/path on both sides of the EcoCenter building, leading up to the deck. There are handle bars/railing leading up to and along the deck.

Trip Notes: There can be lots of sun exposure. Hats and/or sun screen encouraged. There are usable public water fountains and a Portable Restroom available. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly All Ages, Wheelchair Accessible

Leaders: Diane McCoy (650) 714-3769, Unice Chang (408) 799-9457 and Charlotte Miranda (925) 960-5951

Meet: On path in front of the Lucy Evans Interpretive Center

Directions: From US-101 in Palo Alto take Embarcadero Rd east towards the bay. Pass the airport and turn left at the T-intersection. Continue for 0.5 miles passing the duck pond. Just over the bridge, the interpretive center (2775 Embarcadero Rd) will be on your left and the paved parking area will be on your right. Latitude/Longitude: 37.458949, -122.105212

Facilities: One ADA-compliant porta-potty near the sailing dock, one porta-potty at the duck pond.

Parking Type and Fees: Paved parking with ADA-compliant spots available, no fees.

Banner Photo: American Avocet by Treasa Hovorka

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.