August 21, 2012 > Exploring nature by moonlight Exploring nature by moonlight By Jessica Noel Flohr Summertime is great for hiking, and the Bay Area has an abundance of scenic landscapes for hikers of all skill levels to explore. Sunol Regional Wilderness is a hidden oasis in the East Bay offering meandering pathways as well as steeper inclines, all with views of rolling, golden hills and native California plants and wildlife. On Saturday, August 25, Sunol will be host to Women on Common Ground's Wilderness Moon Hike led by long-time Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness naturalist Katie Colbert. Colbert, founder of the women's hiking group, joined the Sunol team in 1985. She brings a broad perspective to the nature scene, with a bachelor's degree in English and Art History, and a nearly completed master's in Ecology, focusing on local rattlesnakes. Colbert founded Women on Common Ground as a unique hiking group specifically for women who want to enjoy the outdoors but have reservations about personal safety. Women on Common Ground holds an ongoing series of special hikes for women. The Wilderness Moon Hike is a three-mile round trip night hike by moonlight to Sunol's High Valley by way of the Indian Joe Creek Trail. Hikers will enjoy stargazing, the view of the waxing gibbous moon, and the sights and sounds of local, nocturnal wildlife. Amateur astronomists will benefit from Colbert's knowledge of the stars; she led an astronomy campfire earlier in the month at Del Valle. The moonlight hike is free to participants, but reservations are required. For more information, and to make a reservation, call (888) 327-2757 and select option 2, program 30029. Wilderness Moon Hike for Women Women on Common Ground Saturday, August 25 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunol Regional Wilderness 1895 Geary Rd., Sunol 1 (888) 327-2757 Free of charge, but reservations required