Hopland Research & Extension Center

We'll meet at 9am with Hannah of the the Hopland Research and Extension. formerly known as the Hopland Field Station. Meet at her main office, not in the parking lot, not at the Rod Shippey Hall. I assume the office will be marked.

Hannah will give us instructions. We will sign liability wavers as required to be on this campus. No dogs or other pets are allowed.
Hannah has a suggested 4 1/2 mile loop for us to walk. We can decided as a group which trails to take. We can choose a route that goes by the rock with the petroglyphs.

I suggest that we all bring water, snack/lunch, dress for the weather, backpack, binoculars, hiking poles plant id and bird idea. Download a map of the area onto your smart devices so that you always know where you are. Last time I was there cell phone service was spotty. Observe the basics of hiking - the TEN ESSENTIALS. Please know how to use a map and compass and be able to find you way back to your car. *

The route Hannah suggested goes straight up at first. Many of us have already hiked here and it'll be fun to return on our own without the crowds of a special event.

Pic is David Nelson''s Lake Mendocino Balds
Raymond is a professional natural scientist and it'll be a gift to walk with him and our friend David.

Here is the website for HREC Hopland REC

Here is David's video about this meetup. I hope you join us.
Mendocino County Outdoor Recreation Group

Google maps indicates that it is a half hour drive from Ukiah. If you've never been here before plan an extra half hour to find the place, or better, scout the trip ahead of time. Go to the main office after arriving. As a habit, we've usually waited until the hour indicated and then started hiking. By rsvp'ing directly on meetup, we know to wait for you. Texting is not assured because of cell phone service. The average pace of the group is about 2 1/2 mph. I go about 2mph.

Story:

Last week, someone entered “Lake Mendocino Recreation Area” into their iPhone navigation to come to one of our meetups. It directed them to the Pomo Picnic Area while the group was meeting at a location about 5 miles away — or roughly a 2-hour walk. Please double-check your maps ahead of time!

Elizabeth 5/26/2026