CBD 2026: Morning 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). 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 Jasper Ridge docent for groups of 10 people per docent.

NOTE: To minimize impact on Jasper Ridge, CBD participants will carpool from the parking lot at the intersection of Searsville Road and Campus Drive West, near the Central Energy Facility at 140 Searsville Road. Marguerite Shuttles will carpool groups to and from Jasper Ridge. Please be in the Searsville Parking lot in the area near Fremont Road close to the Central Energy Facility ready to board the shuttle to Jasper Ridge at 9:20am for the morning group for which you will register.

Please visit the Contemplation By Design website to register for the morning hike
time slot. https://med.stanford.edu/contemplation/summit.html

There also will be an afternoon hike that meets on campus at 12:20pm. If you want to register for the afternoon hike you can do that on the Contemplation By Design website.

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 Jasper Ridge trails. Please note that pets, including service/support animals, and children under 14 are not allowed on Jasper Ridge trails. (More details for Jasper Ridge information is available at http://jrbp.stanford.edu/tours.php).

Jasper Ridge 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. The afternoon group meets on campus at 9:20am will return to the parking lot at approximately 12:20pm.

This session is part of the FREE Contemplation by Design Summit, Oct. 14-25, 2026.

The full summit schedule is posted at: https://med.stanford.edu/contemplation/summit.html