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Long Ridge Open Space Preserve |
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A little bit of this 1,946-acre parkland, managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, lies within Santa Cruz County; the rest is in San Mateo County. Located north of Castle Rock State Park, the preserve has extensive montane grasslands at elevations to nearly 2,700 feet. There are spring wildflower displays and breathtaking views from the skyline to the sea, as well as canyon live oak and mixed evergreen forest and a small pond. Long Ridge has received surprisingly little birding coverage, but surely there are rewards in store here. Nesting species include Chipping Sparrow and Lazuli Bunting at grassland margins, and Cassin’s Vireo, Yellow-rumped and Black-throated Gray warblers, and Western Tanager in the forest. White-breasted nuthatch, rare in Santa Cruz County, has been observed here. Access to Santa Cruz County’s portion is along Skyline Blvd (Hwy 35) at the Hickory Oaks Trail head, 1.4 mile northwest of Hwy 9. Look for the trailhead and a small sign. A trail map is posted a short ways into the preserve.
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