Body armor is another option. Many types of knee and shin pads have been tried here, but the ones that work best are made for ice hockey and volleyball. You can also buy felt soles and superglue these to your own shoes. USDA Forest Service regulations say that hard-hats should be worn in the field, and there are plenty available for your use. Although branch falls can occur at any time, they are most frequent when windy conditions follow rains.
Trees seem to fall with unnerving frequency during droughts.
Mahogany was planted at El Verde along the trail to the Q. Sonadora, between the Field Station and where the trail turns uphill, and also across Rt. 186 from the base of the driveway. Be aware of the weather conditions in the watershed above you. There are several stream crossings on trails in the El Verde Research Area. If there is a hard, sustained rainfall upslope of you, you may not be able to cross the streams safely.