CBD 2024: Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve ‘Ootchamin ‘Ooyakma, Contemplative Hikes in Nature

Enjoy the gift of time in nature as a catalyst for the Contemplation by Design experience of PEACE: Pausing, Exhaling, Attending, Connecting and Expressing. Delight in connecting with nature and enhancing your connection with yourself and with others. Observe first-hand what Stanford researchers, including Gretchen Daily and Abby King, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, namely that walking in nature can enhance emotional health.

Feel better while learning natural history of the Santa Cruz Mountains and research discoveries conducted on the majestic trails and animal life in Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve ('Ootchamin 'Ooyakma) (JRBP(‘O’O). Studies include ones that are part of a growing body of research exploring the connection between nature and human well-being. The Natural Capital Project, led by Daily, has been at the forefront of this work. The project focuses on quantifying the value of natural resources to the public and predicting benefits from investments in nature.

During your hike, you will be offered opportunities to contemplate and savor your experience which will be led by a JRBP(‘O’O) docent for groups of 10 people per docent.

NOTE: To minimize impact on JRBP(‘O’O), CBD participants will carpool from the parking lot at the intersection of Searsville Road and Campus Drive West, near the Central Energy Facility at 506 Oak Road. Marguerite Shuttles will carpool groups to and from Jasper Ridge. Please be at the Central Energy Facility's parking lot ready to board the shuttle to Jasper Ridge at the time stated for the Group number for which you register.

Group #1    meet on campus at   9:20am 
Group #2    meet on campus at 10:20am
Group #3    meet on campus at 11:20am
Group #4    meet on campus at 12:20am
Group #5    meet on campus at  1:20pm

Registration is Required for the hike. Register here via the Contemplation by Design Summit webpage.

A tour is typically 1.5 to 2.0 hours. These hikes will be similar in the level of exertion called for when walking the Stanford DISH. Visitors to Jasper Ridge are advised to wear long pants and closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots. Please bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and 1.5-2.0 liters of water to carry with you. If the forecast calls for rain, we recommend dressing in layers and bringing a waterproof jacket or poncho. Food is not allowed on JRBP(‘O’O) trails. Please note that pets, including service/support animals, and children under 14 are not allowed on JRBP(‘O’O) trails. (More details for Jasper Ridge information is available at http://jrbp.stanford.edu/tours.php).

Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve ('Ootchamin 'Ooyakma) is about a 20-minute car ride from the main Stanford University campus. Thus, expect to return to your car on campus approximately 3 hours after your start meeting time. For example, the group who meets at 9:20am will return to the parking lot at approximately 12:20pm.