Santa Cruz CNPS Winter 2009-2010 Field Trips
In between storms (or for more excitement, during them) come out and see what's growing! While winter is often Nature's time to rest, around here it feels like spring. Zillions of optimistic sprouts are popping up all over the place, turning the golden hills of California green once again. Manzanitas are already in honey-scented bloom, a few hardy poppies are flowering, and buds are swelling on the Ceanothus. There is no need to wait for spring to enjoy the beauty of out native plants!
For more opportunities, check our website
cruzcnps.org
and those of our neighboring chapters:
Monterey Bay Chapter www.montereybaycnps.org/Newsletter.pdf
Santa Clara Valley Chapter www.cnps-scv.org/
For more information: contact Ellen Holmes, at (831) 684-2363 or ellen@centralcoastwilds.com
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FUTURE FIELD TRIP: Mark your calendars!
Santa Clara Valley Chapter invites Santa Cruz
Sat Jan 16, 9:30-2:30
Picchetti Ranch and Stevens Creek County Park
Join Stella Yang and Kevin Bryant on a hike to see western leatherwood, Dirca occidentalis, at its southern most known location. The hike is around 8 miles; the distance is greater than most chapter field trips.
Meet at 9:30 am at the parking lot of Picchetti Ranch Preserve. We expect to be back by 2:30 pm. For more info, contact Stella at yscottie@pacbell.net or (408) 255-6233; or Kevin at mtngreen17@verizon.net or (408) 348-9470.
Directions to Picchetti Ranch parking: From the intersection of I-280 and Foothill Expressway, go 3.5 miles southwest (toward the mountains) on Foothill Blvd/Stevens Canyon Road. Turn right on Montebello Road. The Preserve parking is 0.5 miles up Montebello Road on the left.
Sunday Jan 17, 1-3pm
How to make cordage from native plants
UCSC Arboretum
Join Ellen Holmes at this introductory workshop (playshop?) to learn how to make rope, twine, cord, string, or thread from an assortment of California native plants. The basic technique is easily learned in few minutes, and is surprisingly fun to do. The hard part is preparing the fibers to twist together- often removing them from the stem or leaves of the plant, and then cleaning the outer "bark" off as well. We will start with something simple like Cat-tail leaves, which can be used whole. Inspired people can then try one or more of the following: Iris (Iris), Dogbane (Apocynum), Indian Hemp (Hoita) or Milkweed (Asclepias).
If you have any cordage material, feel free to bring it. You might also want to bring a decorative piece of yarn, ribbon, beads, or other objects to combine with your earth-toned native creations. (I like to keep a piece tied around my water bottle.) Children accompanied by adults are very welcome! RSVP appreciated, so we know how much material to bring. Limit 25 people. ellen@centralcoastwilds.com or 831-684-2363
Arboretum directions: From the intersection of Bay and High Streets, continue up High St about ½ mile and look for the sign on the right. NOTE: if you simply enter "Arboretum, UCSC" into a GPS or routing software, you will probably be directed to 1156 High Street. That is the main entrance to campus at Bay and High
Saturday Jan 23, 10am-3pm
Hike to Chalk Mountain 1609' with Deanna Giuliano
Come follow Deanna Giuliano's lead, and enjoy spectacular panoramic views and amazing redwoods on the steep trail up to see flowering endemic Manzanitas at the top. Strenuous elevation gain of about 1500', 4 miles round trip.
Trip will be from 10-3, bring water, layers, sunscreen, hat and a lunch. Meet at Westside New Leaf parking lot at 9:30am. Limited to 15 people. Carpooling is encouraged, but not CNPS sponsored. Contact Deanna Giuliano for any questions at drosegiuliano@yahoo.com or call 831 278-2699. Heavy rain cancels
Santa Clara Valley Chapter invites Santa Cruz
Sat Feb 6, 11am
Los Gatos Canyon: Plant ID-ing for Beginners
Join trip leader Kevin Bryant on a hike up Los Gatos Creek Canyon to meet some of the interesting plants that call the area home. Meet big berry manzanita, Indian warrior, and maidenhair fern, just to name a few, and hear tips on easy ways to ID (identify) some of the plants that occur here (Kevin promises not to use scientific names unless asked)
This easy hike will be less than 3 miles (some slow steady climbing will be involved), and will last approx 2 to 3 hours. Trip size is limited and an RSVP s required to receive directions to the trailhead, which will be somewhere in the Town of Los Gatos. Contact Kevin at mtngreen17@verizon.net, or at (408) 348-9470 to make your reservation.
Sunday Feb 7, 10am-2pm
Ferns of Fall Creek w/ Deanna Giuliano
Come frolic in the forest of Fall Creek on a fern foray. Join Deanna Giuliano on a fern hunt: we will try and locate most of the 15 species of ferns that grow in the park. Hike will be leisurely about 2.5 miles.
Trip is from 10-2 bring water, layers, and a lunch. Meet at
the State Park parking lot on Felton Empire Rd in Felton. The 1st 10 people to show up get a key to the native ferns of Santa Cruz County!
Carpooling is encouraged, but not CNPS sponsored. Contact Deanna Giuliano for any questions at drosegiuliano@yahoo.com or call 831 278-2699. Heavy rain cancels.
Santa Clara Valley Chapter invites Santa Cruz
Sat Feb 20, 10am
Montara Mt/ San Pedro Valley County Park
Join Co-leaders Toni Corelli and Alf Fengler on an early spring outing at San Pedro Valley County Park. We will explore the Hazelnut Trail and return along the Middle Fork of San Pedro Creek on the Weiler Ranch Trail.
You can expect some early blooms: Montara Manzanita (Arctostaphylos montaraensis), Pink-flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum glutinosum), Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja affinis), and others.
The trip will be an easy 5-mile loop hike through coastal scrub and chaparral plus some riparian woodland. It will include an elevation gain and loss of about 600 feet and is expected to last until 02:00 pm.
For more information contact Alf Fengler at afengler@acm.org. or (650) 345-7045.
Directions:
The park is located at 600 Oddstad Boulevard in Pacifica.
From the South Bay, take I-280 North them merge onto Skyline Boulevard/CA-35 via exit 14 toward Pacifica.
After 3.5 miles turn left onto Sharp Park Road down towards the coast. Follow the signs for Cabrillo Hwy/CA-1 South toward Santa Cruz. Go for 2.5 miles then turn left at Linda Mar Boulevard, go for 2 more miles were the road ends at Oddstad. Turn right and then immediately left into the park.
County Park Day Use Fee is $5 per vehicle.
Meet at 10:00 am in front of the Visitor Center. Bring water and a lunch. Heavy rain cancels.
Saturday Feb 27, 10am-2pm
Treasures of Henry Cowell SP w/ Deanna Giuliano
Join Deanna Giuliano to visit one of our local treasures: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. We will see our local endemic Arctostaphylos silvicola in its special habitat of the sandhills, then meander through some of the controlled burn area to discover what is sprouting, on our way to the observation deck for a stunning view of Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay. Our loop back will take us up Eagle creek where we will see some special plants. Hike is moderately strenuous (deep sand!) and about 4.5 to 5 miles round trip.
Trip is from 10-2 bring water, layers, sunscreen, hat and a lunch. Meet at Juvenile Hall parking lot off Graham Hill Rd. Carpooling is encouraged, but not CNPS sponsored. Contact Deanna Giuliano for any questions at drosegiuliano@yahoo.com or call 831 278-2699. Heavy rain cancels.
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