Wednesday, March 24, 10 a.m - Rock Spring Orchid Hunt, and More
Leader: Brad Kelley (415) 459-0569
In addition to searching through the forest looking for orchids, we will visit a large area of serpentinite soil near
Rock Spring with early flowers, such as an unusual large-flowered (sic) Athysanus pusillus and the rosulate form of
Claytonia exigua ssp. exigua.
We’ll meet at the Rock Spring parking lot on Mt. Tamalpais, located at the intersection of Ridgecrest and Pantoll Roads.
This is approximately one mile uphill from the state park ranger station at Pantoll; turn uphill across the road from the
ranger station. For those unfamiliar with the area, the ranger station is located on Panoramic Hwy.
on the way from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach. There is no charge to park at the Rock Spring paved lot.
Wednesday, March 31, 9:30 a.m.- Cascade Canyon to the "Well"
Leader: Ashley Ratcliffe (415) 868-0681
Join us for a stunning early wildflower hike through Cascade Canyon up to the "Well", a pool surrounded by
flower-covered banks and outcrops. On the way, we will pass through oak woodlands, serpentine grassland,
chaparral, and streamside habitats. Last year at this time the bloom was amazing.
The hike will start at 10 a.m. at the entrance of Elliot Preserve in Fairfax. Parking is limited; hikers should
meet at Cascade Park at 9:30 a.m. to carpool. To get there, turn onto Bolinas Fairfax Rd. in downtown Fairfax.
At the second stop sign, bear right onto Cascade Dr. There is a small park immediately on your right.
The hike is four miles long, with an elevation gain of 550 ft. We should be back by 4 p.m.
David Herlocker's MCOSD Naturalist Outings
Broaden your horizons with David Herlocker of the Marin County Open Space District, as his 2-3 walks each week have a
much more general focus on nature, and he can teach you all about birds, insects, trees, snakes, birds, you-name-it
and David knows something about it.
Wednesday, March 17, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.- Baltimore Canyon Open Space
This is one of the best places to see early blooming wildflowers. Within just a mile of the gate we can
find an amazing assortment of different habitats (and birds, bees, and more). Getting there: From Highway 101 in
Larkspur, take the Sir Francis Drake Blvd. exit and head west towards Kentfield. Turn left at College Ave.,
turn right at Woodland Rd., and turn left at Evergreen Dr. Continue uphill to the intersection with Ridgecrest;
50 feet uphill from this junction, go left at Crown Rd. Entrance gate is at the end of Crown Rd.
Thursday, March 25, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.- Coast Trail to Rodeo Lagoon
We’ll meet in Rodeo Valley, and then carpool up the hill to a section of the Coastal Trail flanked by one of the best
wildflower displays in the Marin Headlands. We’ll make our way back down to Rodeo Valley to scan
the hills and freshwater habitats for birds and other wildlife. Meet at the east end of Rodeo Lagoon
(just after Bunker Rd. crosses the bridge) and park near the end of the first building.
Sunday, March 28. 10am to 2pm - All About Wetlands Restoration at Bahia
The tidal wetlands of the Petaluma River are critical habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Wetland Ecologist Jude Stalker will explain how this marsh at the east end of our Rush Creek Preserve is being restored. Meet at the end of Bahia Dr in Novato.