The Dish is more than just a satellite dish (actually a radiotelescope) situated above the rolling foothills near Stanford University. The Dish is a beautiful and scenic 3.5 mile walk and recreational area favored by hikers, runners, joggers, walkers, parents with strollers, and just about anyone in the area who can manage the uphill climb. The area is open to the public between sunrise and sunset. At dawn and dusk, mountain lions have been spotted in the area surrounding the Dish. And on our walks we've come across snakes, lizards and gophers. What a great place to view the Spanish tiled red rooftops of Stanford's sprawling campus. The Bay can also be seen from this vantage point.

Stanford's Conservation Biology program directs environmental restoration in the area, which includes the use of native grasses and other plants. Portions of the dish area will be devoted to special efforts to enhance habitat for the California tiger salamander, including development of new breeding ponds. Visitors to the area must be sure to walk the Dish at least once.