Description and Accessibility: The Regional Parks Botanic Garden was founded in 1940 - devoted to the collection, growth, display and preservation of the native plants of California. The garden was built into a canyon in 1940, and much of it is on steep terrain with narrow paths. However, in recent years, the Garden staff has endeavored to create premium displays along fairly level or gently sloping paths. Docents and Ashby Village recommend hiking poles for everyone to be safe on slopes and inclines. The paths are narrow in some areas and there may be a few railroad tie steps.
We will have 2 hours in which to enjoy a one hour docent - led tour and then have time to self explore. Tours usually accommodate up to 10 visitors. If we have more than that some of us may want to self explore.
Where to Meet and Parking:: We will meet at the Visitor's Center inside the Gate, not in the parking lot.
Park in the lot across the road, where public restrooms are available. Carpooling is always recommended! If the Garden’s parking lot is full, the only other nearby parking is along Anza View Road (the road west of the Garden’s perimeter and off of Wildcat Canyon Rd). Parking is only allowed on the side of the road against the lawn. People parking on Anzo View Road can enter the Garden through the service gate (also on Anza View Road).
Both Anzo View and Wildcat Canyon Gates should be open. Meet at the Visitor Center.
What to bring: Good walking shoes, layered clothing for variable weather, water, hat for sun protection. Walking poles are always a good option for uneven paths. Brown bag lunch or snack. Cell phones might be handy too, if there is reception! Pets are not allowed.
Transportation: Members can request a volunteer ride from the Ashby Village office- 510-204-9200 who can also join us. You may know someone from your neighborhood group, with whom you might carpool. Or, have a family member or other guest bring you, and join you on the walk. Members can also see who is registered for the walk (you must be logged into the website) and may find a ride that way, or through a posting on the AV bulletin Board forum.