Photos | Wilderness walk at the Glenwood Open Space Preserve

Two people walk along the 1.2-mile Red Loop trail at the Glenwood Open Space Preserve in Scotts Valley. Managed by the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, the preserve features 7.2 miles of multi-use trails through riparian woodland, grassland prairie, freshwater marsh, mixed evergreen forest, chaparral, oak savannah and redwood forest. It was established through grassroots conservation efforts by Scotts Valley residents concerned about encroaching development and is a stunning example of preserving nature alongside housing. With funding from the California Wildlife Conservation Board, the city of Scotts Valley protected this land in 2003, and is home to three rare species that are classified as endangered. These include the colorful, predatory Ohlone tiger beetle and two flowers: the Scotts Valley polygonum and the Scotts Valley spineflower. The land is currently owned by the city of Scotts Valley.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.