Nature Preserve History
The Filoli Nature Preserve was created with the purchase of 528 acres of land from Mrs. Roth on December 30, 1977 and financed by a loan from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. The Nature Education program was created six years later in 1983, its goals expressed by Sally MacBride:
 Filoli Docent-led hike.“Our approach will be apolitical, but would seek to develop a sense of responsibility in regard to our stewardship of the earth, and to provide an example of non-destructive and educational land use.”
The f irst hikes began in July of 1984 and were offered on Mondays, Thursdays and occasional Saturdays. From the start, the program goals stressed appreciation of a scientific approach and accuracy of data, the ability to relate the flora and fauna of Filoli trails to the rest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, enjoyment for both docents and program guests and an attempt for slow, solid growth.
Today Filoli offers hikes and other activities conducted by more than 100 Nature Education docents who have completed a comprehensive training program covering native flora and fauna, the trail system, geology, local history and interpretation techniques.
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