Hidden gem for hikers in the Santa Cruz Mountains gradually reopening after wildfires
Butano State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains, often known as the little sister to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, is getting ready to reopen its visitor center in January — the park actually reopened six months ago.
Santa Clara Valley preserves 60 acres of farmland in Coyote Valley for sustainable agriculture
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority has bought 60 acres of farmland in Coyote Valley that it will preserve for sustainable agriculture as part of an effort to create what it calls "a 21st century greenbelt near urban San Jose," the agency said this week.
Optimism sprouting in Santa Cruz Mountains one year after a devastating wildfire
Flames scorched an estimated 97% of the oldest state park in California. After a slow start, and setbacks due to the coronavirus, new life appears to be emerging inside Big Basin even though it will be quite a while before visitors are allowed back in.
Endless bummers: South Bay beaches rank among most polluted in state
A handful of Bay Area beaches have been given poor water-quality ratings in an annual study by a nonprofit. Five out of the top 10 "Beach Bummers" in California, or most polluted beaches, are in the Bay Area, with three in San Mateo County and one in Santa Cruz.
What to do if you encounter coyotes while hiking around the Bay Area (and why you may be seeing them more)
It's hiking season, and in many areas around the Bay Area that can mean running into coyotes, especially if you're walking with dogs. Here's a rundown of what to do (and what not to do) if you encounter a coyote.
New fees, capacity limits, and name change for newly public Palo Alto park
After decades of being strictly accessible to only people with a Palo Alto address, the 1,440-acre park is now open to the public. Since its opening in late December, the park’s popularity has soared among hikers and sightseers across the Bay Area.
