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California Native Plant Society

Santa Clara Valley Chapter

Field Trips

Natural Resources DataBase

What Is the Natural Resources DataBase?

The Natural Resources DataBase is a compilation of observations of flora and fauna made at open space and nature preserves and parks in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The database can be searched for available data on flora, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes seen at one or more preserves. The database was designed and implemented by Dennis H. Smith, who also entered and maintains the data. Bill Korbholz adapted the database for Internet use and designed and implemented the web interface. The system was a popular source of lists for use in the field, and provided users with a wide variety of options -- including checklists, plant lists and more.

Although many of the preserves represented in the NRDB are a part of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, MROSD is not affiliated with the NRDB nor is the District responsible for the maintenance, quality, or accuracy of data represented by the NRDB. Collection of specimens on preserves represented in the NRDB requires special permission. Contact the managing agency for more information.

As of its last update on 3/31/2020, the database contained information on 4,510 plant and animal species found on 238 preserves within the greater San Francisco Bay Area. There have been 95,155 sightings recorded to date. Plant lists from NRDB have been copied to PlantID.net and Calflora.

Accessing NRDB lists on PlantID.net

All of the plant lists from nrdb.org are available on PlantID.net under Local Plant ID Lists. Lists from nrdb.org will include "List Source: NRDB.org" under the list name.

Accessing NRDB Observations at Calflora

Tens of thousands of NRDB observations have been transferred to Calflora. The focus of the NRDB is what species are observed at named preserves. The focus of Calflora is where named species have been observed. Calflora provides a mechanism for getting a plant list for a given preserve, but there are currently some caveats. Every species in Calflora is accompanied by observation records. Because NRDB data were entered into Calflora as checklists, you must check the 'include surveys/checklists' box on the Observation or Observation Hotline page. NRDB observations will appear withObserver = Staff, and Source = Natural Resources Database - www.nrdb.org.

Botanizing in the State of Jefferson July, 2007

On June 30th, nearly 30 CNPS members made a seven hour voyage to the area of far northern California that many consider to be the heart of the State of Jefferson. What follows is a summary of where we went and what we saw.

Situated right on the wild and scenic Klamath River, Sarah Totten campground was all ours, and offered a wonderful place for us to call Home Sweet Temporary Home. On Sunday July 1st, we caravaned to Cook & Green Pass via Saeid Creek Rd., making several stops on our way up. At our first stop, sharp eyes spotted an interesting saprophytic plant growing in the forest duff: Monotropa hypopythis or pinesap, and this was a first time sighting for most in the group. As we continued uphill, we found many other interesting and showy plants, including some that were being dug up by poachers! At the top, we explored the Pacific Crest Trail as it heads east of Cook & Green, and  got a taste of the rich flora of the region and its relationship to the geology.

Monday was Calochortus day, and we traveled to three very different locations finding all three species we were seeking in nice bloom: C. persistens high up on Gunsight Ridge just west of Yreka; C. greenei just over the border into Oregon; and C. macrocarpus in a wide valley north of Mt. Shasta.

Day three saw a return to Cook & Green, this time on the PCT west of the pass towards Red Buttes. We encountered many species not seen on the other side of the pass, including a seep with Cypripedium californicum, the California lady-slipper orchid. The top of our journey to Bee Camp opened up to an area of stunning vistas and a different flora, as the local botany closely follows the local geology and microclimate.

The next day was a trip to Alex Hole, a northeast-facing cirque situated at the shoulder of Coundry Mountain. We found a stunning array of species to occur in and around this glacially-carved bowl, including choice plants from genera Lewisia, Erythonium, and Polemonium, along with several orchid species. This is also the only place we encountered melting snow. I think...

We moved camp south for the rest of the trip, to yet another paradise situated on the summit of Scott Mountain Pass, south of Etna on Hwy. 3. This campground adjacent to large meadows with seeps and fens surrounded by rich woodlands provided ample opportunity for the botanically inclined to lose themselves in the identification and appreciation of such a diversity of species.

Jefferson, we shall return.

Sonora Pass Carcamp Trip Report (Aug 1-3, 2008)

by Carolyn Dorsch

Eighteen people, including trip leaders Stella Yang and Carolyn Dorsch headed up to the Sierras the first weekend of August.  We camped off of Hwy 120, at 6,200 feet, near the Clark Fork of the Stanislaus River.  The first day we stayed in the “lowlands,” and explored along the Clark Fork meadow and the Column of the Giants. 

Day Two found us up near the top of Hwy 120, just a little west of Sonora Pass.  We spent the day hiking up to St. Mary’s Pass (10,100 feet).  The walk was steadily uphill, but with wildflowers all along the way, low 70s temperature, and nice breezes, the 1,200 foot climb from the trailhead was quite manageable.  Along the way, and at the top of the pass we found many high-elevation flora blooming, including the following:  Pursh’s wooly-pod (Astragalus purshii), Buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium), Sierra Claytonia (Claytonia nevadensis), and Arctic Willow (Salix arctica).  In fruit were two anemones: A. occidentalis and A. drummondii.  All together, it was about a three-mile round trip.  A couple people took the challenge offered by the mountains, and continued their hike up to Stanislaus Peak (11,233 feet) before rejoining the group back at the trailhead in the late afternoon.

Day Three, as a final stop before heading home, we drove down Herring Creek Road.  While it can be stunning in June (elevation around 7,000 feet), we had to work harder to find the flowers.  Following the water, we came across beautiful colonies of Alpine Lily (Lilium parvum) near Herring Creek. The trip was capped off with a short visit along the Trail of the Gargoyles, where we could admire the amazing geologic formations.  Plans are already in motion for another trip up to the Sonora Pass area. 

Late June/early July is the best time to see the flowers at the 6-7,000 feet elevation, but there is plenty to see in early August, so long as you go to the higher elevations. Look for this trip’s highlights at a Member’s Night meeting later in the year!

Completed Field Trips and Reports

Past Field Trips and Reports

Our chapter has an active field trip schedule. We've travelled all over the state and even out of state. You can see a list of some of our trips below. Where available, reports are linked to the trip listings.

Lunch at Montara Mt

Lunch at San Pedro Valley County Park Feb 21, 2016


Completed 2021 field trips

  • Jan 1, Año Nuevo State Preserve New Year Hike, San Mateo County
  • Sept 19, Beginner’s Bird and Plant ID Walk at Lake Cunningham Park, San Jose
  • Oct 3, Stevens Creek Trail From Blackberry Farm to Linda Vista Park, Cupertino
  • Oct 10,  Alum Rock Park Restoration Tour, San Jose
  • Oct 16, Martial Cottle Park Master Gardeners’ Tour, San Jose
  • Nov 7, Uvas Canyon County Park, Morgan Hill
  • Dec 18, Beginner’s Bird and Plant ID Walk at Lake Cunningham Park, San Jose

Completed 2020 field trips

  • Jan 1, Año Nuevo State Preserve New Year Hike, San Mateo County
  • Jan 8, Field Trip Planning Meeting, Palo Alto
  • Feb 15, Dirca - Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, Cupertino
  • Feb 23, Hazelnut Trail, Montara Mountain, San Pedro Valley County Park, Pacifica
  • Mar 8, Spring Hike on Stile Ranch Trail, San Jose

2019 field trips

  • Jan 1, Año Nuevo State Preserve New Year Hike, San Mateo County
  • Jan 8, Field Trip Planning Meeting, PCC
  • Jan 12, First Wildflowers, Mushrooms, and Newts in Huddart Park, Woodside
  • Jan 13, Beginner's Plant Id at Almaden Quicksilver County Park, San Jose
  • Feb 9, Fetid Adder’s Tongue, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, Redwood City
  • Feb 16, Dirca - Stevens Creek County Park, Saratoga
  • Feb 17, Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, Morgan Hill
  • Feb 28 - Mar 2, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Camping Trip, Borrego Springs
  • Mar 16, Monvero Dunes Wildflower Tour, Firebaugh
  • Mar 17, San Bruno Mountain State & County Park, Brisbane
  • Mar 23 - 24, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Sonoma County
  • Mar 24, First Day of Spring Beginner’s Bird and Plant Identification Walk @ Lake Cunningham Park, San Jose
  • Apr 3-4, North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve and Feather Falls, Butte County
  • Apr 7, Uvas Canyon County Park, Morgan Hill
  • Apr 13, Vernal Pool Wildflower Walk, Fremont
  • Apr 14, Beginners Wildflower Id Walk @ Stile Ranch Trail, San Jose
  • Apr 18, Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve, Cupertino
  • May 8, Mount Umunhum with Ken Hickman, Los Gatos
  • May 11-15, Lost Coast Backpacking Field Trip, Humboldt County
  • Jun 22, Search for Soap Plant - Evening Hike at Pulgas Ridge, Redwood City
  • Jun 23, First Day of Summer Beginner’s Bird and Plant Identification Walk at Lake Cunningham Park, San Jose
  • Jun 29, Insect & Plant Identification Walk @ Sierra Azul OSP, Los Gatos
  • Jul 4 - 7, Ebbetts Pass, Alpine Lake and Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Arnold
  • Sep 22, First Day of Fall Beginner’s Bird and Plant Identification Walk @ Lake Cunningham, San Jose
  • Sep 22, Data Collection with Calflora at Edgewood, Redwood City
  • Nov 17, Beginner’s Plant Id Walk @ Rancho Cañada del Oro, Morgan Hill
  • Dec 7, Moss Hike in Almaden Quicksilver Park, San Jose

2018 field trips

Hummer at Loma Hike

  • Jan 1, Año Nuevo State Preserve (Hwy 1 coast-southern San Mateo County)
  • Jan 8, Annual Field Trip Planning Meeting, PCC.
  • Jan 14, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Plant Communities of the South Bay: Plant Id Walks for Beginners.
  • Feb 12, Dirca walk at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, Portola Valley.
  • Feb 17,  Dirca Hike at San Francisco Peninsula Watershed, San Mateo County
  • Feb 18, 2018, Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, Morgan Hill - Plant Communities of the South Bay: Plant Id Walks for Beginners (Morgan Hill)
  • Feb 19, Dirca walk at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve (San Mateo County)
  • Feb 24, Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve, Fragrant Fritillary at Coyote Ridge (Morgan Hill)
  • Feb 25, Hazelnut Trail, Montara Mt., San Pedro Valley County Park (Pacifica)
  • Mar 1-5, Cancelled
  • Sun Mar 4 Lichen Walk at Pedro Point Headlands (Pacifica) (Changed date due to rain)
  • Sun Mar 11 Shooting Stars at Grant Ranch (San Jose)
  • Mar 18 #1:Beginner’s Bird and Plant Identification Walk Series at Lake Cunningham, San Jose
  • Mar 22 Picchetti Ranch OSP, Cupertino
  • Mar 25 Field Trip Planning and brainstorming Potluck & Edgewood Hike and leader training (San Mateo County)
  • Apr 1 Summit Loop Trail, San Bruno Mountain State and County Park
  • April 8 Sweeney Ridge (San Bruno)
  • Apr 29, Cañada de los Osos Ecological Reserve, Gilroy
  • May 5, Wilder Ranch State Park (Santa Cruz)
  • May 5 Loma Fire Hike, x-Rancho Cañada del Oro, rescheduled
  • May 19, Coastal Walk at McNee Ranch State Park (San Mateo County)
  • May 20,  Grass Walk at Los Trancos OSP (Santa Cruz Mountains)
  • May 24 - 29 (Memorial Day weekend) Lava Beds National Monument and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (NE CA)
  • Jun 3,  Redwood Walk at Portola Redwoods State Park (San Mateo County)
  • Jun 9,  Night Hike at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve (San Carlos)
  • June 10, Mount Hamilton Road Trip (San Jose)
  • Jun 16, Beginner’s Bird and Plant ID Walk Series at Lake Cunningham Park  (San Jose) Session #2: First Day of Summer
  • July 1-8: Backpacking trips to Mt. Eddy and Big Duck Lake in Russian Wilderness
  • July 20-23 Carson Pass  ̶ Sierra Wildflowers off Hwy 88 (Alpine County)
  • Aug 4-11: Backpacking trips to Little Duck Lake and Campbell Lake (Marble Mtn Wilderness)
  • Sep 23: Beginner’s Bird and Plant ID Walk at Lake Cunningham Park (San Jose)
  • Oct  13 October  Native Plant  Stroll (San Jose)  
  • Oct 14 Berries for Birds: a Beginner’s Plant Id & Habitat Walk @ Rancho Canada del Oro (Morgan Hill)
  • Nov 25 Uvas Canyon County Park (Morgan Hill) [rescheduled from Nov 17]
  • Nov 25 Trees and Shrubs of Santa Clara Valley: a Plant Id Walk @ Rancho Cañada del Oro (Morgan Hill)
  • Dec 23 Beginner’s Bird and Plant ID Walk at Lake Cunningham (San Jose)

2017 field trips

Fetid Adder's Tongue, Pulgas Ridge

  • Jan 1, Año Nuevo State Preserve (Hwy 1 coast-southern San Mateo County)
  • Jan 8 St. Joseph's Hill Preserve, Mid Pen Open Space Preserve (Los Gatos) RAIN CANCELED
  • Jan 9 Field Trip Planning Meeting, PCC
  • Jan 14, Dirca Walk, Windy Hill Open Space Preserve (Portola Valley)
  • Jan 22, Fungi Walk, Los Trancos Open Space Preserve (Page Mill Rd)  RAIN CANCELED
  • Feb 11, Fetid Adder’s Tongue, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve (San Carlos)
  • Feb 26, Summit Loop Trail, San Bruno Mountain State and County Park   
  • Mar 5  Uvas Canyon County Park (Morgan Hill) CANCELED
  • Mar 5  Stile Ranch Trail, San Jose
  • Mar 11 Lichen Walk at Pedro Point Headlands (Pacifica) CANCELED
  • Mar 19 Beginner’s Bird and Plant ID Walk at Lake Cunningham Park (San Jose)
  • Mar 19  Mount Madonna County Park (Gilroy)
  • Mar 19  Exploratory Walk on San Bruno Mountain (South San Francisco)
  • Mar 25 Pinnacles National Park (San Benito County)
  • Mar 31 Sun April 2  Spring Wildflowers at Blue Oak Ranch Reserve (Mt. Hamilton)
  • April 9 Red Hills Area - BLM (Chinese Camp)
  • Apr 16 Serpentine Loop Trail in Calero County Park (San Jose)
  • Apr 23  Spring Butterflies on Coyote Ridge (San Jose)
  • April 30 Vernal Pool Tour at Don Edwards SF National Wildlife Refuge, East Bay.
  • Apr 30  9am - 5pm  Henry Coe State Park Backcountry Walk (Morgan Hill)
  • May 6  Grass Walk at Edgewood Park (Redwood City)
  • May 7 - 13 Joshua Tree Camping
  • May 21 Bean Hollow State Beach (Hwy 1)
  • June 10, 2017 Search for Soap - Evening Hike, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve (RWC)
  • July 1 to Tuesday, July 4 Ebbetts Pass, Alpine Lake and Calaveras Big Trees State Park
  • Sep 24 Beginner’s Bird and Plant Identification Walk at Lake Cunningham Park (San Jose)
  • Oct 15 Salt Marsh Bird and Plant Walk at Eden Landing Ecological Reserve, Union City
  • Oct 29 Woody Plants of St. Joseph’s Hill Open Space Preserve (Los Gatos)
  • Nov 19 Trees and Shrubs of SCV, Rancho Cañada del Oro OSP, Morgan Hill
  • Dec 16 Beginner’s Bird and Plant ID Walk, Lake Cunningham Park, San Jose
  • Dec 31 Butano State Park, Pescadero, San Mateo County (with Costanoa NYE Extravaganza Celebration)

2016 field trips

bighorn sheep anza borrego Joerg LohsePhoto by Joerg Lohse

  • Jan 1, Año Nuevo State Preserve (Hwy 1 coast-southern San Mateo County)
  • Jan 10 Know Your Willows:  Guadalupe River Mitigation Area
  • Feb 6 Dirca - Stevens Creek County Park, Cupertino
  • Feb 21 San Pedro Valley County Park (Pacifica)
  • Feb  27 Coal Mine Ridge (Portola Valley)
  • Mar 6 San Bruno Mountain Watch Hike (South San Francisco)
  • Mar 6 – 13 Anza Borrego Desert State Park ( San Diego County)
  • Mar 13 Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park (Gilroy)
  • Mar 20, Beginner’s Bird and Plant Identification Walk, Lake Cunningham Park (San Jose)
  • Mar 20, San Bruno Mountain (Brisbane)
  • Mar 24, Walk, Talk and Shop Hike at Hidden Villa (Los Altos Hills)
  • Mar 26, Mt. Tamalpais, North Side Loop Hike
  • March 27, Coyote Ridge  (South San Jose)
  • March 29, Presidio Native Plant Nursery Field Trip Tour
  • April 2 Vernal Pools at Jepson Prairie (Solano County)
  • April 3 North Table Mountain Reserve (Butte County)
  • April 10 Rancho San Vicente (South San Jose) CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN
  • April 9 – 14 Eastern Mojave Desert
  • April 16, Calero County Park, Serpentine Loop Trail
  • April 17 Restoration project walk along Stevens Creek, Cupertino
  • May 14 Mount Hamilton Road Trip (San Jose)
  • May 14 Grass Walk at Los Trancos OSP
  • May 15 Butano State Park, Pescadero (San Mateo County)
  • May 22 Geology and Plant Walk at Alum Rock Park (San Jose)
  • May 21 Windy Hill Open Space Preserve (Portola Valley)
  • June 12 First Day of Summer Beginner’s Bird and Plant Identification Walk @ Lake Cunningham Park
  • July 16 - 23 Ericaecious Heaven - Duck Lake and Mt. Eddy Backpacking Trip
  • Oct 30, Uvas Canyon County Park, Morgan Hill
  • Dec 18, Beginners Bird and Plant ID Walk at Lake Cunningham Park (San Jose).

2015 field trips

lewisia-rediviva-bitterroot400 Photo by Dee Himes

  • Jan 1 Año Nuevo State Park (Hwy 1 coast-southern San Mateo County)
  • Feb 7 Eaton Park (San Carlos)
  • Feb 22 Montara Mt., San Pedro Valley County Park (Pacifica)
  • March 1 Pulgas Ridge Open Space (San Carlos)
  • March 5  Maguire Peaks Loop, Sunol Regional Park
  • March 8 Stile Ranch, San Jose
  • March 15 San Bruno Mountain (Brisbane)
  • March 21 Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley Hills
  • March 22 - 28 Central California Camping Trip
  • March 23 –  28 Mojave Desert Car Camp
  • March 28 Coyote Lake (Gilroy)
  • April 5 Edgewood Park, San Carlos
  • April 11 Alum Rock Park (East San Jose)
  • April 12 Calero County Park / Rancho San Vicente (south San Jose)
  • April 26, 9:30am - 2:00pm Sunol Regional Park, East Bay
  • April 26th 10AM-3PM Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve
  • May 2 Mount Hamilton Road Trip (San Jose) 10am - 4pm
  • May 9 Grass Walk at Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve (Redwood City)
  • May 10 Stile Ranch Hike #2, San Jose
  • May 17 Butano State Park (Pescadero in San Mateo County)
  • May 22 - 25 Sierra Foothills Memorial Weekend Trip
  • Jun 6 - Fountain Thistle Work Party (San Mateo)
  • July 7 - 15 Botanizing the Western and Eastern Siskiyous
  • Aug 8  Stile Ranch Trail, Hike #3
  • Aug 22 Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, Moonlight Walk
  • Nov 21 Bryophytes in Pescadero County Park (San Mateo County)

2014 field trips

Photo by Toni CorelliCoastal flowers overlooking tidepools and Pacific Ocean beyond

  • Jan 1 Año Nuevo State Park (southern San Mateo County)
  • Jan 25 Rancho Cañada del Oro (South San Jose)
  • Feb 8 Eaton Park (San Carlos)
  • Feb 16 Pulgas Ridge (San Carlos)  
  • Mar 16 San Bruno Mountain (Brisbane)
  • Mar 22 New Hagen Meadow (San Jose)
  • Mar 23  Sweeney Ridge (San Bruno)
  • Apr 4 - 6  Carrizo Plain National Monument Car Camp (San Luis Obispo County)
  • Apr 13 Sign Hill (South San Francisco)
  • April 19-20  Mt. Diablo State Park Carcamp and Day Hikes (Contra Costa County)
  • Apr 20 Coyote Lake (Gilroy)
  • May 4 Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park (Gilroy)
  • May 6 Año Nuevo-Cascade Field (San Mateo County Coast)
  • May 11 Bean Hollow Pigeon Point Light Station (San Mateo Coast)
  • May 17 Devil’s Slide Trail (San Mateo Coast)
  • May 18 San Bruno Mountain (Brisbane)
  • May 20 Pescadero (San Mateo Coast)
  • May 27 Montara and McNee Ranch
  • May 31 Fountain Thistle Work Party (San Mateo)
  • June 27-29 Mt. Eddy Carcamp (Klamath Mtns)
  • July 13th–17th  Mt. Lassen Carcamp
  • Jul 26 Crystal Springs Watershed (Mid-peninsula)
  • Aug 23 Bean Hollow SB (San Mateo County Coast)
  • Sat Oct 25 Castle Rock Fall Hike (Skyline – Santa Cruz Mountains)

2013 field trips

  • Jan 1 Año Nuevo State Park (southern San Mateo County)
  • Jan 26 UCSC Upper Campus, Santa Cruz
  • Feb 2 Water Dog Lake (Belmont)
  • Feb 10 Perennials and Woody Plants of Alum Rock Park (San Jose)
  • Feb 23 San Pedro Valley County Park (Pacifica)
  • Mar 2 Edgewoood County Park (Redwood City)
  • Mar 3 San Bruno Mountain (Brisbane)
  • Mar 20 Pinnacles National Park (San Benito County)  
  • Mar 23 Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve (Santa Cruz County)
  • April 6th Coyote Lake (Gilroy) 10am - 3:30pm   
  • Apr 8th– 10th  Lake County, Bear Valley, Palisades, Table Rock
  • Apr 13 Rockaway Headlands (Pacifica), Moss Beach and Pillar Point Bluff (San Mateo Coast)
  • Apr 14 New Hagen Meadow (San Jose)
  • May 5 Grant Ranch (San Jose)
  • May 11 Grass Walk at Edgewood County Park (Redwood City)
  • May 12 Mount Hamilton Road Trip  (San Jose)
  • May 18 Cowell Ranch Beach and Cowell-Purisima Trail (San Mateo Coast)
  • May 19 Stile Ranch/Santa Teresa County Park (San Jose)
  • May 25 Butano Ridge (east of Pescadero)
  • June 8th  Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve  (east of Half Moon Bay)
  • June 15 Mt. Diablo State Park (Contra Costa County)
  • Sep 15 Sharsmith Herbarium (San Jose State University)
  • Sep 29 Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Skyline-west of Palo Alto)
  • Nov 2 Crystal Springs Watershed

2012 field trips

  • Sun Jan 1 Año Nuevo State Park (southern San Mateo County)
  • Sun Jan 22 Sierra Azul (Los Gatos)
  • Sat Jan 28 Quail Hollow Ranch (Santa Cruz)
  • Sat Feb 4 San Pedro Valley County Park (Pacifica)
  • Sat Feb 18 Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve (Redwood City)
  • Sun Feb 19 Sierra Azul (Los Gatos)
  • Sat Feb 25 Stevens Creek County Park (Los Gatos)
  • Sat Mar 10 Stile Ranch (Santa Teresa County Park)
  • Sun Mar 18 San Bruno Mountain County Park (Brisbane)
  • Sat Mar 31 Uvas Canyon County Park (Morgan Hill)
  • Sun Apr 8 Blair Ranch (Morgan Hill)
  • Sat Apr 14 New Hagen Meadow (San Jose)
  • Wed April 18 Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve (Cupertino) 
  • Sat – Tues May 5-8 Carrizo Plain to Cuyama Valley (San Luis Obispo County)
  • Sun May 6 Coyote Lake (Gilroy)
  • Sun May 13 The Wildflowers of Cascade Field (North of Año Nuevo–Hwy 1)
  • Sat May 19 Big Basin Redwoods State Park
  • Sun May 20 Palassou Ridge OSP (Gilroy)
  • Sat Jun 2 Grass Walk at Los Trancos OSP (Los Altos)
  • Sat Jun 9 Fountain Thistle Work Party (San Mateo)
  • Sat Jun 16 Stile Ranch (San Jose)
  • Wed -Thu Jun 27 - Jul 5  Mineral King Backpack (Southern Sierra Nevada) 
  • Sat Jul 21 Crystal Springs Watershed (Mid-peninsula)
  • Sun Aug 5  Bean Hollow State Beach (Hwy 1)
  • Sun Oct 21 Uvas Canyon County Park (Morgan Hill)

2011 field trips

  • Sat Jan 1 Año Nuevo State Park (southern San Mateo County coast)
  • Sat Jan 15 San Francisco Peninsula Watershed Dirca Hike
  • Sat Jan 29 San Bruno Mountain (Brisbane)
  • Sat Feb 5 Edgewood County Park & Preserve (Redwood City)
  • Sat Feb 12 Coal Mine Ridge (Portola Valley)
  • Sat Mar 5 Hidden Villa (Los Altos)
  • Sun Mar 6 Sunol Regional Park (Fremont)
  • Sat Mar 12 Pulgas Ridge Open Space (Redwood City)
  • Sun Mar 13 Stile Ranch (Santa Teresa County Park)
  • Sun Mar 20 – Sun Mar 27 Death Valley Car Camp
  • Sun Mar 27 Coyote Ridge (San Jose)
  • Sat Apr 2 Coyote Ridge (San Jose)
  • Sun Apr 3 Coyote Lake (Gilroy)
  • Sat Apr 9 Joseph Grant Park (San Jose)
  • Sun Apr 10 San Bruno Mountain (Brisbane)
  • Sat Apr 16 10am San Bruno Mountain (Brisbane)
  • Sat Apr 30 South Valley Reserve (eastern Santa Clara County)
  • Sun May 1 Whitehouse Creek (Pescadero)
  • Sat May 7 Blue Oak Ranch Reserve (Mt Hamilton Range)   
  • Sun May 8 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park  (Felton)  
  • Sun May 15 Grass Walk at Edgewood County Park (Redwood City)  
  • Sun May 22 The Cedars (Sonoma County)
  • Sun May 22 Mt. Madonna County Park (Gilroy)
  • Sun Jun 5 San Bruno Mountain (Brisbane)
  • Sun Jun 19 Beginner’s Woody Plant Walk - Alum Rock Park (San Jose)
  • Sat  Jul 9 Crystal Springs Watershed (mid-peninsula)
  • Fri-Sun July 29-31 Carson Pass (Sierra)
  • Sun Aug 7 Calero Creek (South San Jose)
  • Sat Sept 10 Sun Bean Hollow State Beach (Hwy 1)
  • Sat Oct 8 Hidden Villa (Los Altos)
  • Sat Oct 29 Castle Rock Fall Hike (Skyline-Santa Cruz Mtns) 
  • Sat Oct 29 Fountain Thistle Work Party (San Mateo)
  • Sun Nov 6 Rancho Cañada del Oro (San Jose)

2010 field trips

  • Sat Jan 9 Ano Nuevo State Park
  • Sat Jan 16 Picchetti Ranch and Stevens Creek County Park
  • Sun Jan 31 Stanford Trees and Landscape History
  • Sat Feb 20 San Pedro Valley County Park
  • Sun Feb 21 Los Gatos Canyon: Plant ID-ing for Beginners
  • Sun Mar 7 Rise of the Sporophytes!
  • Sun Mar 14 San Bruno Mountain
  • Sat-Mon Mar 27-29 Golden Valley and Grass Valley Wilderness
  • Sat Apr 3 Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch
  • Sun Apr 4 Warm Springs Vernal Pools
  • Sat Apr 10 Coyote Ridge
  • Sun Apr 11 San Mateo Coast (Rain Cancelled)
  • Sat Apr 17 Rancho Cañada del Oro
  • Thu Apr 29 Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve and Stevens Creek County Park
  • Sun May 2 Blue Oak Ranch
  • Wed May 5 An Evening with the Grasses
  • Sat May 22 Fountain Thistle-San Francisco Peninsula Watershed
  • Sat-Sun May 22-23 The Cedars (Sonoma County)
  • Mon-Fri May 24-28 High Desert Trip - Southeastern Sierra
  • Sun May 30 Mt Hamilton Field Trip
  • Sat Jun 5 Grass Walk at Los Trancos OSP 
  • Sat Jun 12 Fountain Thistle Field Trip & Restoration Work Party at Crystal Springs
  • Sun Jun 13 Mt Hamilton Field Trip
  • Sun Jun 20 Feelin’ Fruity-Belmont's Water Dog Lake Open Space
  • Sat-Sun July 31-Aug 1 Butterfly Valley-Red Hill
  • Sat Aug 14 Portola Redwoods State Park
  • Sat Sep 11 Edgewood Natural Preserve
  • Sat Sept 25 Rancho Cañada del Oro
  • Sun Oct 3 Shields Grove at U.C. Davis
  • Sun Oct 10 Uvas Canyon-San Jose

2009 field trips

  • Sat Feb 28 Fire-follower Walk at Owl and Buckeye Canyons (San Mateo County) 1-4 pm
  • Saturday, March 7, 9 am, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
  • Sunday, March 8, 9:30 am, Mt. Tamalpais
  • Saturday, March 14, 10 am, Stile Ranch Hike
  • Sunday-Thursday, March 15-19, Desert Wildflower Trip
  • Friday-Sunday, March 20-22, Carrizo Plain National Monument (eastern San Luis Obispo County)
  • Saturday, March 28, 1 pm, Del Monte Forest, Monterey
  • Sunday, March 29, 1 pm, Coyote Ridge (Second trip on Saturday, April 11, 10 am)
  • Sunday, April 5, 10 am, Grant Ranch County Park
  • Sunday April 5, 10:30am-1:30pm. West Pinnacles w/ Corky Matthews
  • Saturday, April 11, 10 am, Coyote Ridge
  • Saturday April 11. Fire Followers at Big Creek Reserve w/ Dave Nelson
  • Monday April 13 through Friday April 17. CA desert
  • Saturday, April 18, 9:30 am, Woods Trail, Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
  • Wed April 29 7pm An Evening with the Grasses
  • Saturday-Sunday, May 2-3, The Cedars (Sonoma County)
  • Sat May 16 10am San Mateo Coast
  • Sun May 17 9am Mount Hamilton
  • Fri-Tues May 22-26. California Floristic Province in Oregon
  • Sat May 30 1pm Ring Mountain, Marin County
  • Sun Jun 7 10am Grass Walk at Los Trancos
  • Sun Jun 14 10am San Mateo Coast
  • Sun Sep 20 Bonny Doon Ecological Preserve
  • Sun Oct 4 Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve
  • Sun Oct 25 Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

2008 Field Trips


2007 Field Trips

CNPS Santa Clara Valley Chapter Field Trips

CNPS Santa Clara Valley Chapter Field Trips

IMG 7822 dee stella ken pinnacles 640pxChapter field trips are free and open to the public.  Field trips are oriented to conservation, protection and enjoyment of California native plants and wildlife.  A list of past field trips and reports can be found here.

Many other upcoming chapter activities are listed in the Blazing StarYou can also find many of our chapter field trips and other activities on our Meetup Group.  Signing up on Meetup allows the trip leaders to send notifications in case of changes or cancellations.

In our region it is important to be prepared for hiking on rugged and steep terrain, wide temperature ranges and rapidly changing conditions at any time of year. Our hikes are often slow with many stops and standing around for long periods. All participants should wear sturdy footwear and carry sufficient water, sun protection, food, clothing layers, personal first aid and other supplies you may need. Also bring hand lens and binoculars for viewing plants and fauna.

Cell service is mainly restricted to cities and major highways. On your way to an outing do not rely solely on your phone. If you have any questions about your ability to participate in a particular field trip, please contact the trip leader in advance.

 


 

MARCH 2023

Sat March 4, 10-4 PM San Bruno Mountain State and County Park (Brisbane)

Join Ken and Dee Himes along the summit loop trail to see early flowering plants in the coastal scrub and coastal grassland plant communities. The hike will be about 4 miles in distance with an elevation change of about 800 feet. Dress warmly in layers as it can be very windy, and wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Hiking poles are recommended. Bring snacks and a sack lunch, and liquids for the day. Heavy rain cancels. For more information call Ken, 650–9 33–6319 or email Ken or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or email dee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Directions: From Hwy. 101 northbound, take Old Bayshore/Brisbane exit and proceed north on Old Bayshore, past the town of Brisbane. Make a left turn onto Guadalupe Cyn. Pkwy., and follow it uphill (west) about a mile and a half to the park entrance. We will meet at 10AM inside the parking lot just beyond the entrance kiosk. There is a $6/day use parking fee. Bring exact change.

Link to map: https://goo.gl/maps/mxei2DG9ghM5Cqo58

Park Website: https://www.smcgov.org/parks/san-bruno-mountain-state-county-park

 

Mon - Fri March 13-17 Anza Borrego State Park Camping Trip (CNPS MEMBERS ONLY TRIP)

Join us for four nights of camping at Anza Borrego State Park. Patricia Evans and Joe Cernac will co-lead this event. We’ll meet on the first day on Monday. Hike/ botanize on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Friday will be a half day at the park or further north on our return. It is too early to predict if the rains will bring a great show, but we hope to see the usual suspects: rose sand verbenas, suncups, Ocotillo flowering red as well as Chuparosa and yellow Encelia.

The cost for camping will be between $45-55 per person for four nights, depending on the number of people. Plan on travel days ahead and behind the hiking days March 14-16. Anza Borrego is in San Diego county, ten hours away from the Bay Area. Because camping in the park is already “sold out”, you should reserve asap with Patricia Evans by calling 650-949-2801. If you email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., you are not guaranteed a spot until she calls you back, so please include a phone number.

 

Sun Mar 19, 9am - 12 noon First Day of Spring Bird and Plant ID Walk at Lake Cunningham Park, San Jose

With the onset of Spring, join us for a beginner’s bird and plant identification walk through Lake Cunningham Park. This lake is a major destination for waterfowl and migratory birds and its native garden draws many birds due to its habitat value. On this walk, Vicki Silvas-Young will show you how to identify the common birds of our area, while Arvind Kumar will identify the native plants that they depend on for food and shelter.

The distance is 4 miles round-trip on a level path. Bring a hat, water, your bird and plant lists, and binoculars. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Directions: Meet at the Marina parking lot at 9am. The Marina parking lot is on the western shore of the lake, next to Raging Waters, at the opposite side of the park from the main entrance on White Road. Parking fee is $6. In Google Maps, search for “Lake Cunningham Marina” (37.33426 -121.81016) to be directed to the Marina. 

RSVP is required to join us for the walk. Space is limited. No drop-ins please.

To register, please visit the Meetup page at https://www.meetup.com/California-Native-Plant-Society-Santa-Clara-Valley-Chapter/  

Cosponsored by CNPS, Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.

 

Wed March 29, 9:30am - 2pm Red Hills - Tuolumne County

MEMBERS ONLY

Red Hills, is a foothill sierran serpentine region in Tuolumne County. About a two hour drive from the bay area. We will walk two sections observing what we hope will be an early peak blooming, at the shoulder season between winter and spring. Rare serpentine endemic Eriogonum tripodumChlorogalum grandiflorum and Allium tuolumnense are present. Hopefully bitteroot will be in bloom.  Join Janet Hoffmann <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.> and Joe Cernac <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.> as we observe, heads bowed to the ground, this flora rich area. We will meet at the main parking lot at 9:30 am. There is a bathroom at the parking lot. Email the leaders for directions and any other questions. https://www.blm.gov/visit/red-hills-recreation-management-area


This trip is for CNPS members only (please ensure your membership is up to date or join). Space is limited. No drop ins. To reserve your spot and for additional trip information, please contact the trip leaders.

 

APRIL 2023

 

Fri - Sun April 7 - 9 Hite Cove Trail and Mariposa Overnight Field Trip (Mariposa County)

MEMBERS ONLY

Radhika Thekkath invites you to join her for three days at her family’s vacation log house and cabin in Mariposa to explore wildflowers on the 15-acre private property. The property is a 3 hour drive from the Bay Area and located at 2800 ft. elevation. Everyone will be accommodated using a combination of beds and tents based on a first come basis.

We will also take a moderate hike of 6.5-miles round-trip on the Hite Cove trail off Highway 140. https://www.yosemite.com/what-to-do/hite-cove/ It has been five years since the Ferguson fire came through here. Plant list from last year will be sent out to participants before the trip.

This trip is for CNPS members only (please ensure your membership is up to date or join). Space is limited. No drop-ins. To reserve your spot and for additional trip information, please contact Radhika at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Detailed trip information will be emailed to registered participants closer to the trip date.

 

Sat - April 15, 10:30am - 2pm Quail Hollow Ranch (Santa Cruz County)

The Santa Cruz Sandhills are a unique community of plants and animals found only on outcrops of Zayante sand soil in the central portion of Santa Cruz County. Join Joe Cernac and Jane Gomery for an easy tour of these Sandhills as presented in Quail Hollow Ranch County Park.

We will follow the Sunset Trail to Sunset Vista Point. Along the way we expect to see ponderosa pine and several manzanitas, including Arctostaphylos crustacea ssp. crinita, Arctostaphylos sensitiva and Arctostaphylos silvicola. We will also see many annual plants.

The round trip distance covered will be about 2.5 miles with a 5% grade in places. Elevation gain is only a few hundred feet. Parts of the trail are very sandy. Bring lunch and liquids.

To learn more about the Santa Cruz Sandhills visit www.santacruzsandhills.com/overview.html.

Directions: From San Jose, take Hwy. 17 south to the Scotts Valley exit and take Scotts Valley Rd. south to Mt. Hermon Rd. in Scotts Valley. Turn right and take Mt. Hermon Rd. until it dead-ends on Graham Hill Rd. Turn left on Graham Hill toward Santa Cruz. At the first light, which is E. Zayante Rd., turn left. Go approx. 2 mi. and make a left onto Quail Hollow Rd. Travel approximately ½ mi. The park entrance is on the right.

We will meet in the main parking lot at 10:30am. For maps and further directions, visit www.scparks.com/quail_hollow_directions.html

You can find the plant list on Calflora, which contains 550 entries: https://www.calflora.org/app/ipl?sva=5029&fmt=simple&wgs=srch::t!!fmt::photo!!inbp::t!!bgid::psd16945!!y::37.0879!!x::-122.06!!z::12!!lpom::d

 


 PAST FIELD TRIPS


FEBRUARY 2023

Sat Feb 11 10am–1pm Dirca Walk at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, San Mateo County

Join Don Thomas for a 3- to 4- mile hike with 500+ in elevation change to search for the elusive the western leatherwood (Dirca occidentalis) at Pulgas Ridge OSP near Edgewood Road. Western leatherwood is a rare paleo-endemic plant native only to the San Francisco Bay Area, rated by CNPS as 1B.2. It is one of our earliest flowering native plants, blooming in mid-to-late winter before most other natives begin blooming in the spring. We will look for late-flowering dirca along the Dusky Woodrat Trail. We may be able to observe other early-blooming plants, such as manzanitas and gooseberries.

Space is limited. No drop-ins please. To complete the required RSVP, please visit our Chapter’s Meetup page at https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/.

Driving directions and parking tips are provided on the Meetup page. Before signing up, please read about Pulgas Ridge OSP at  https://www.openspace.org/preserves/pulgas-ridge

We will meet at the parking area at the corner of Edmonds Road and Crestview Drive. To get to the parking lot from Edgewood Road, turn onto Crestview near the entrance to Edgewood Park and then take an immediate left turn onto Edmonds.

Contact Don at donethomasd[at]gmail.com for more information. Trails are narrow at most parts and may be slippery and steep in some. Wear hiking shoes and bring hiking poles. Bring water and snacks for an optional lunch in the picnic area following the walk. Heavy rain cancels.

 

Saturday, February 18, 9:30 am to 2 pm, Bryophyte Walk at Almaden Quicksilver Park

Limited space - please do not sign up if you are not sure that you will be able to attend. If your plans change, please be sure to update your RSVP.

Join John T. McLaughlin, SJSU Biological Sciences Graduate Student, and Ben Carter, botany professor, for a 2 mile walk to learn about bryophytes (mosses, liverworts and hornworts) of the Bay Area. This is an entry-level walk that will emphasize seeing different bryophyte species in nature and learning about their morphology, ecology and natural history.

There may be some moderate uphill climbs, but we’ll be moving very slowly. Bring a hand lens if you have one. Bring lunch, snacks and liquids. We’ll head out in any conditions except for heavy rain.

We will meet at the Mockingbird Hill Entrance: 19535 Mockingbird Hill Ln, San Jose, CA 95120. For more about the park, including a trail map, visit https://parks.sccgov.org/santa-clara-county-parks/almaden-quicksilver-county-park. Driving directions are at https://parks.sccgov.org/node/3011.

For general bryophytes questions or specific questions regarding the guided walk, contact John McLaughlin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

RSVP is required to join us for the walk. Space is limited. No drop-ins please. To complete the required RSVP, please visit our Chapter’s Meetup page at https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/.

 

Sun Feb 19 10am - 3 pm Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve

Plant Communities of the South Bay: A Plant Identification Walk for Beginners

Why do plants grow where they grow? In nature, plants grow in readily identifiable communities or associations united by location (soil, topography, and microclimate). Join Arvind Kumar and Ashok Jethanandani as we explore the common plant communities of the South Bay such as grassland, scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland. Beginners interested in plant identification are welcome; prior knowledge of native plants or botany is not required.

We will take the Arrowhead Loop Trail in Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, which goes through grassland, scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland. We will pass serpentine outcrops with native plants adapted to grow in this inhospitable medium. The distance covered is 4 miles with 600’ of elevation gain/loss. Meet in the parking lot.

Bring a hat, water, a bag lunch, and your favorite trail accessories (camera/smartphone/hand lens/binoculars/field guide/none). Dress in layers, and appropriately for winter weather. Heavy rain cancels.

This educational walk is cosponsored by the California Native Plant Society and Open Space Authority.

To  RSVP, please visit our Chapter’s Meetup page at https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/.

 

Sat Feb 25 10am – 2:00pm Stile Ranch, San Jose 

Join Dee Himes and Stella Yang for a 2.5 to 3 mile early spring wildflower hike on Stile Ranch Trail - Fortnini Trail loop on the WESTSIDE of Santa Teresa County Park. Stile Ranch Trail goes through serpentinite grasslands and chaparral. This will be a great trip for those who are interested in plants and flowers that are endemic to the serpentinite soil profile and seeps. California has had some record rains this January and we expect to see in bloom shooting stars (Primula hendersonii), California buttercups (Ranunculus californicus), Lomatiums and Sanicles, and more. We will also see big berry manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca), leather oak (Quercus durata) and black salvias (Salvia mellifera).

TRAIL CONDITIONS: The hike will be challenging in intensity due to heavy erosion exposing rocks on the trails making the trails very uneven and sometimes difficult to balance for some. The trails are steep uphill and downhill, muddy and slippery. It is highly recommended to bring hiking poles to help maneuver the trails. There’s no overhead shade until we get to the Fortini Trail.

Dress in layers, wear sturdy hiking boots, bring water, snacks, a bag lunch, a wide brim hat and hiking poles, etc. Limited to 15 people due to narrow trails.

Reservations are needed. To reserve your spot and get directions, please sign up on our chapter Meetup https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/

If you have any questions, please contact Dee Himes directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

DIRECTIONS:

We meet at 10am sharp under the oak tree located at the Junction of Stile Ranch Trail and Fortini Trail.

To get to the "Fortini Trailhead", from Hwy 85 take Almaden Expressway all the way to Harry Road and make a right. At the stop junction make a left turn onto McKean Road. Make a left turn at Fortini Road and then left turn on San Vicente Road which leads to the parking area, see link: https://goo.gl/maps/sNXS6hhWzPRqdZxn6

Arrive a bit early to get parking. It's a very popular trail. There are no bathroom facilities at Stile Ranch but there is a facility across the street on McKean Road at the Calero Park San Vicente Parking Area. You can also park here if you can't get parking at the trailhead and walk to the meeting location.

Please note, we are NOT at the main Santa Teresa County Park.

 

Sun Feb 26 13 10am - 4pm Montara Mountain San Pedro Valley Park (Pacifica)

Join co-leaders Ken and Dee Himes on an early spring outing to San Pedro Valley Park. We expect to see some early blooms: Montara manzanita (Arctostaphylos montaraensis), pink-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum), fetid adder's tongue (Scoliopus bigelovii), and possibly others.

The trip will be a moderate 4- to 5-mile loop hike on the Hazelnut Trail, through coastal scrub and chaparral plus some riparian woodland with an elevation gain and loss of about 600 feet and is expected to last until 4pm.

We’ll meet at 10am sharp in front of the park’s Visitor Center. Bring warm and wet weather layers for coastal conditions. Trails may be slippery - bring hiking poles. Bring water and a lunch or snacks, and fluids. Heavy rain cancels. For more information contact Dee Himes at dee4CNPS[at]gmail.com.

Space is limited. No drop-ins please. To complete the required RSVP, please visit our Chapter’s Meetup page.

Before registering for a spot, please go to SPVP Webpage to review park rules. There is a parking fee of $6 per vehicle.

The Park is located at 600 Oddstad Blvd. in Pacifica. Driving directions are provided on the Meetup page.

 

Sun Feb 26 13 10am - 3pm Plant Communities of the South Bay: A Plant Identification Walk for Beginners

Why do plants grow where they grow? In nature, plants grow in readily identifiable communities or associations united by location (soil, topography, and microclimate). Join Arvind Kumar and Ashok Jethanandani as we explore the common plant communities of the South Bay such as grassland, scrub, chaparral, oak woodland, mixed evergreen forest, and riparian. Beginners interested in plant identification are welcome; prior knowledge of native plants or botany is not required.

We will go up the Mayfair Ranch Trail and return via the Longwall Canyon Trail. The distance covered is 4.3 miles with 500’ of elevation gain. Expect to see oaks, bay laurel, madrone, bigberry manzanita, toyon, coffeeberry, buckeye, holly-leaved cherry, and snowberry. Beginners and enthusiasts alike are welcome; prior knowledge of native plants or botany is not required.

Meet in the preserve parking lot at 10 am. Bring a hat, water, a bag lunch, and your favorite trail accessories (camera/smartphone/hand lens/binoculars/field guide/none). Dress in layers, and appropriately for winter weather. Heavy rain cancels.

Directions: The preserve is located at 4289 Casa Loma Rd, Morgan Hill. From Hwy 101, take Bailey Ave west. After 3 miles, turn left on McKean Rd. After 2.4 miles, turn right on Casa Loma RD. In 1.7 miles, arrive at the preserve gate. If the main lot is full, continue along Casa Loma RD to the overflow lot. We’ll meet in the parking lot at 10 am.

This educational walk is cosponsored by the California Native Plant Society and Open Space Authority.

To  RSVP, please visit our Chapter’s Meetup page at https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/.

 

JANUARY 2023

Sun Jan 1 10am-2pm New Year’s walk to Franklin Point, part of Año Nuevo State Preserve (Hwy 1 coast̶southern San Mateo County)

Join other CNPS members as we celebrate a Chapter tradition of welcoming the New Year with a walk to and BYO picnic at Franklin Point, which is part of the Año Nuevo State Preserve on the San Mateo County coast.

We will be exploring our surroundings as we casually walk towards Franklin Point, which is the most botanically interesting area of the park. We will be starting from the North Whitehouse Creek Trailhead which is located south of Pescadero on Highway 1, just north of the Santa Cruz County line. We’ll enjoy ocean views, California native plants and raptors, song birds and maybe marine mammals. Coastal prairie flora we expect to see includes silver bur ragweed (Ambrosia chamissonis), California goldenbush (Ericameria ericoides), coastal sagewort (Artemisia pycnocephala) and Argentina anserina (Potentilla anserina).

Expected dune flora includes yellow sand verbena (Abronia latifolia), pink sand verbena (Abronia umbellata), sea side heliotrope (Heliotropium curassavicum) and American dunegrass (Eleymus mollis). We also expect to see sea cliff bluff lettuce (Dudleya farinosa)and fleshy jaumea (Jaumea carnosa). As this is a day to have fun sharing nature at the beach with fellow Chapter members, the end time and depth of botanical or fauna discussion may depend on participants preferences.

Bring binoculars and layers of clothing for variable coastal conditions including wind, sun, precipitation and fog. We will be walking on sand dunes. Bring a lunch or snacks and fluids. Extreme bad weather cancels.

Space is limited so please reserve your spot by going to our Chapter’s Meetup page to sign up.

Driving directions and parking tips are provided on the Meetup page.

Before signing up, please read the Año Nuevo State Park restrictions at www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523.

Note that there are no bathrooms at Franklin Point. Flush toilets are located at the main entrance of Año Nuevo State Park, which may require payment to enter. For more information, contact Dee Himes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

DECEMBER 2022

Thu Dec 15 10am-1pm Carl W. Sharsmith Herbarium at San Jose State University (San Jose)

Please join us for a winter tour at the Department of Biological Sciences, Carl W. Sharsmith Herbarium at San Jose State University. The tour will be led by Lars Rosengreen, Greenhouse Manager and Curator; and Ben Carter, Director and Associate Professor. Founded in 1945 by Dr. Carl Sharsmith, the herbarium at San Jose State University houses a collection of more than 27,000 pressed plants(18,000 vascular plants and more than 9,000 bryophytes).

Many specimens were collected over Dr. Sharsmith’s long career as a university professor and natural history ranger atYosemite National Park.The herbarium is actively curated and a member of the Consortium of California Herbaria.Most of the specimens are California natives, with a focus on plants found in the Bay Area and the Sierra Nevada.

As part of the visit, you will have a chance to view notable specimens in the collection as well as view taxa that may be of special interest to attendees. You will also have a hands-on opportunity to learn how to mount and preserve specimens, and learn about the process of imaging them and adding them to the herbarium’s collection.

This is a CNPS members-only tour. Please be sure your CNPS membership is current.

Space is limited to 20, and RSVP is required to join us for the tour; no drop-ins please. To register or for more information, please email Dee Himes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A detailed email will be sent to you a few days before the tour.

 

Sat Dec 17 9am-Noon Beginner’s Bird and Plant ID Walk at Lake Cunningham Park (San Jose)

At the onset of winter, join us for a beginner’s bird and plant identification walk through Lake Cunningham Park. The lake is a major destination for waterfowl and migratory birds, and the park’s native garden draws many birds due to its habitat value.On this walk, Vicki Silvas-Young will show you how to identify the common birds of our area, while Arvind Kumar will identify the native plants that they depend on for food and shelter.

The distance is 4miles round-trip on a level path. Bring a hat, water, your bird and plant lists, and binoculars. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Space is limited so please reserve your spot by going to our Chapter’s Meetup page to sign up.

This walk is co-sponsored by CNPS, Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.

Directions: Meet at the Marina parking lot at 9am. The Marina parking lot is on the western shore of the lake, next to Raging Waters, at the opposite side of the park from the main entrance on 2305 S. White Road. The parking fee is $6. In Google Maps, search for “Lake Cunningham Marina” (37.3353176-121.8120059) to be directed to the Marina.

 

NOVEMBER 2022

Sun Nov 20 10am-3pm Woody Plants of Castle Rock State Park (Skyline–Santa Cruz Mountains)

Join Ken and Dee Himes on this fall hike along Skyline Ridge. Several woody plant communities, including Broadleaf-Evergreen and Chaparral will be observed along this 3.5 to 4 mile moderately-paced walk with +/-350 feet in elevation change. We’ll look for late fall colors from black oak and big leaf maple trees, and we’ll see if we can find late season blooms of California fuchsia (Epilobium canum). We’ll also look for redwood penstemon (Keckiella corymbosa) if still in bloom.

Bring a lunch or snacks and fluids. Wear sturdy shoes and we recommend bringing hiking poles, as part of the path crosses over sandstone outcroppings.

Space is limited so please reserve your spot by going to our Chapter’s Meetup page to sign up.There is a $10 vehicle day-use fee, so please bring exact change in cash or use your CA State Park Pass.

Before you sign up, please read rules and regulations of the park, visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=538.

For the park brochure, visit, www.parks.ca.gov/pages/538/files/CastleRockSPFinalWebLayout082117.pdf.

 

OCTOBER - NONE

 

SEPTEMBER

Thu Sep 8, 7-9pm Field Trip Planning Meeting over Zoom

Field trip enthusiasts and leaders, please join us to help schedule our Chapter’s field trips for the remainder of the year, plus brainstorm ideas for 2023’s trips.

All are welcome to join in the discussion. For further information email Dee Himes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please RSVP in Meetup and the Zoom link will be emailed to you 2 days before the meeting.

 

Sat Sep 24, 9am-1pm Oaks of Edgewood (San Mateo County)

Join Paul Heiple and Ken Himes to learn about the five species of Quercus, the true oaks, that occur in EdgewoodCounty Park and Natural Preserve.

Our oak hike will be along a partial loop of about 4 miles on the Clarkia Trail, Serpentine Trail, Sylvan Trail, and Live Oak Trail to see the scrub oaks.

In addition, we’ll see at least two hybrid oaks. Hopefully, we will have a good crop of acorns to help with oak ID. We’ll also feature oak galls, which are another aid to identify oaks. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and snacks. Wear sturdy footwear. Bring a hand lens or loupe if you have one.

We’ll meet at the Clarkia trailhead across the parking area on Cañada Road at 9am sharp. Careful when crossing road. Parking is across the street, see parking map.

This hike is open, no need to register but go to our meetup for further hike details and directions, here.

NO PETS OR DOGS PERMITTED IN EDGEWOOD PARK. 

This hike is also very slow paced looking at various plant life and enjoying nature.

For more information contact Paul Heiple at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (650)854-7125, or Ken Himes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or(650)933-6319.

 

Sun Sep 25 9 am-Noon Beginner’s Bird and Plant ID Walk at Lake Cunningham Park (San Jose)

Join Arvind Kumar, Ashok Jethanandani, and Vicki Silvas-Young for this first of Fall beginner’s bird and plant identification walk through Lake Cunningham Park. The lake is a major destination for waterfowl and migratory birds park’s native garden draws many birds for its habitat value. On this walk, Vicki will show you how to identify the common birds of our area.Arvind and Ashok will discuss the native plants they depend on for food, shelter and nesting places. The distance is 4 miles round-trip on a level path.

Bring a hat, water, your bird and plant lists, and binoculars. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

RSVP at our Meetup is required to join us for the walk; no drop-ins please. Space is limited. You will receive an email in a few days before the trip regarding parking.

This walk is cosponsored by CNPS, Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.

Directions: The park is located at 2305 S. White Road, San Jose.

Meet at the Marina building at 9am. The Marina is on the western shore of the lake, next to Raging Waters, at the opposite end of the park from the main entrance on White Road. In Google Maps, search for “Lake Cunningham Marina” to be directed to the Marina. Parking fee is $6

 

 

 

 


JULY - AUGUST

NONE


JUNE 2022

Thu-Sun Jun 16 - 19 Grouse Ridge Lake Basin Backpack (Nevada County) (CNPS MEMBERS ONLY TRIP)

Join Joe Cernac and Ken Himes on this backpacking trip to this lake basin area in the northern Sierra plateau just north of I-80 at State Hwy 20. Bounded on the west and far east by volcanics, the central area is glacial-scoured granite with abundant larger and smaller lakes. We hope this date will coincide with early Sierran blooming flora, with possible purple fawn lily (Erythronium purpurascens) at Grouse Ridge Lookout peak. We will have two full days of exploration, which means three nights camping. We’ll park our cars at a nearby trailhead then backpack less than 2 miles, with a 300-foot climb, to our campsite.

This trip is for CNPS members only (please ensure your membership is up to date or join). Space is limited and registration is required.

For more information and to sign up please contact trip leader Joe Cernac at (408) 499-2515 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Trip details will be sent to registered participants closer to the date.

 

Sun Jun 26 9am - 12noon Bird and Plant ID Walk at Lake Cunningham Park (San Jose)

At the onset of summer, join Arvind Kumar, Ashok Jethanandani, and Vicki Silvas-Young for a beginner’s bird and plant identification walk through Lake Cunningham Park. This park provides food, water and shelter for our local breeding birds and its native garden is utilized by these breeding birds due to its habitat value. On this walk, you will learn how to identify the common birds of our area, as well as the native plants they depend on for food and shelter.

The distance is 2 miles round-trip on a level path. Bring a hat, water, your bird and plant list, and binoculars. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Directions: The park is located at 2305 S. White Road, San Jose. Meet at the Marina building at 9am. The Marina is on the western shore of the lake, next to Raging Waters, at the opposite end of the park from the main entrance on White Road. In Google Maps, search for “Lake Cunningham Marina” to be directed to the Marina. Parking fee is $6.

RSVP is required to join us for the walk. Space is limited. No drop-ins please.

To register, please visit the walk’s Meetup page at www.meetup.com/California-Native-PlantSociety-Santa-Clara-Valley-Chapter/events/261044048/. Organized jointly by CNPS, Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.

 


MAY 2022

Fri - Mon, May 13 - 16 Eastern Sierra Nevada, Owens Valley (Inyo County) (CNPS MEMBERS ONLY)

THERE IS STILL SPACE TO REGISTER!

Join Joe Cernac and Ken Himes on our away trip to the east side of the Sierra Nevada and Owens Valley Desert. We hope to catch the wild flowers as we go up to higher elevations. Owens Valley starts at 3,000 feet in elevation so the spring starts late here. We will be car-camping throughout the trip, but local lodging can be found as well.

This trip is for CNPS members only (please ensure your membership is up to date or join). Space is limited. No drop-ins please.

For further trip information and email registration contact Joe Cernac at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Detailed trip information will be emailed to registered participants closer to the time.

 

Mon May 23 10am - 2pm: Search for the Tiburon Mariposa Lily and Tiburon Jewelflower (Marin County)

Join Ring Mountain Stewardship Coordinator Amanda Magallanes, Vivian Neou and Ramón Curiel to see the Tiburon mariposa lily (Calochortus tiburonensis) on Ring Mountain Preserve and the Tiburon jewelflower (Streptanthus glandulosus var. niger) at St. Hilary’s Preserve. Both species are rare and endangered, 1B.1 listed on the CNPS Rare Plant Inventory, here: www.cnps.org/rare-plants/cnps-inventory-of-rare-plants. 

The Ring Mountain hike will be about 2 miles round trip; the trail is steep and rocky in areas. We will caravan from Ring Mountain to Old St. Hilary’s Preserve to see the Tiburon jewelflower before heading home. It can be very windy and foggy, or hot and sunny, so dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Bring hiking poles (recommended), sunscreen, hat, water, snacks and lunch. 

There’s more about the Ring Mountain Preserve, including a trail map, at Ring Mountain Preserve. For more information contact trip co-leader Vivian Neou at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This trip is for CNPS members only (please ensure your membership is up to date or join). Space is limited and registration is required. To register, please visit our Eventbrite registration page at www.cnps-scv.org/field-trip-20220523. Hike details and driving directions will be provided to confirmed registrants. 

 

Wed May 25 10am - 2pm Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve (Santa Cruz County) (NO REGISTRATION NEEDED)

Join Joe Cernac in exploring Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve. This area is a unique ecological islet in the highlands of Santa Cruz Mountains, made possible by an abundance of erosion-resistant sandstone. This sandstone results in landscapes ranging from slopes with little soil, where beargrass makes its appearance, to deep loose sandy soils, where shrubs found in drier regions abound. Finally, at the area’s margins, redwoods and ferns make their presence.

Several species of manzanita will hold our interest. Bring lunch, snacks, and recommended 2+ liters of water. This hike is open to all comers, with no registration needed.

Directions: Parking is limited, so please carpool with others you know. The Preserve is located northeast of Davenport off Hwy 1. Exit Hwy 1 at Bonny Doon Rd. and head northeast. After 3.9 mi. turn right onto Martin Rd. (Bonny Doon Rd. becomes Pine Flat Rd. just before the intersection). In a mile the Preserve entrance will be on your left. Park near the fire station.

For more information contact Joe Cernac at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (408) 499 2515.

 


APRIL 2022

Fri April 1  10am - 2pm Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park  (Gilroy)

Join Judy Fenerty and sweep Stella Yang for a moderately paced hike on the Mendoza, Mummy Mountain and Coyote Ridge trails in the Mendoza Ranch section of Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park.

This 4-mile, 400+ foot elevation gain hike will take us through valley grasslands and up an oak-studded ridge line with spectacular views of the south Santa Clara Valley, Coyote Lake and Palassou Ridge.  This varied habitat supports a wide range of native plants including several stands of big-scale balsamroot, Balsamorhiza macrolepis var. macrolepis, a CNPS 1B.2 rare plant.  If there’s time and interest, we can add an optional foray to check out the serpentine area on the Calaveras Trail.

RSVP is required to join us for the walk.  Space is limited.  No drop-ins please.  To register, please visit the hike’s Meetup page.  Driving directions are provided on Meetup.

For more information contact Judy Fenerty at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Mon - Wed  April 4 - 6  Hite Cove Trail and Mariposa Overnight Field Trip (Mariposa County)

Radhika Thekkath, our new Chapter president, invites you to join her for three days at her family’s vacation log house and cabin in Mariposa to explore wildflowers on the 15-acre private property.  The property is near a 3000-acre protected preserve as a conservation easement managed by the Sierra Foothill Conservancy.

We will also take a moderate hike of 6.5-miles round trip on the longer Hite Cove trail.  It has been four years since the Ferguson fire came through here.  Botanical leaders will include Ken Himes, Joe Cernac and Doug Krajnovich, Past-President of the Sierra Foothills Chapter of CNPS.

This trip is for CNPS members only (please ensure your membership is up to date or join).  Space is limited.  To reserve your spot and for additional trip information, please contact Radhika directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Detailed trip information will be emailed to registered participants closer to the trip date.

 

Sat Apr 16  9am - 12noon  Little Uvas Open Space Preserve  (Morgan Hill)

Join us at Little Uvas Open Space Preserve (LUOSP) for a couple of hours of botanical exploration in a preserve normally closed to the public.  Special access for this hike has been granted by the Open Space Authority.  Located in the Southern Santa Cruz Mountains, LUOSP consists primarily of serpentine hardwoods and grasslands.  It includes grey pine and oak woodlands among five small spring-fed ponds.  We expect to find chia (Salvia columbariae), broomrape (Aphyllon sp.), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), serpentine leptosiphon (Leptosiphon ambiguus), owl’s clover (Castilleja sp.), Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla) and many more spring wildflowers.

Bring binoculars, hand lens, snacks, lunch, and water.  Wear sturdy boots and sun protection as we will be on open rocky fire roads of very gradual ascents in intermittent shade.

RSVP is required to join us for the walk.  Space is limited.  Restricted access, no drop-ins please.  To register, please visit our Chapter’s Meetup page.  Driving directions are provided on the Meetup page.

 

Tues Apr 19  9am - 1pm  Serpentine Chaparral & Grasslands at Edgewood Park  Walk #2  (San Mateo County)

Join Paul Heiple and Ken Himes on a mid-spring walk along the Clarkia Trail in Edgewood County Park and Preserve.  This will be the second chance to explore this trail.  To learn more, see the March 8 walk #1’s description above.  To register, please visit walk #2’s Meetup signup. Walk details and driving directions are provided on Meetup.

 

Wed Apr 27  9am - 4pm  McLaughlin Natural Reserve  (Napa and Lake Counties)

Join Reserve staff for a tour of the Donald and Sylvia McLaughlin Natural Reserve, a unit in the UC Natural Reserve System located near Lower Lake in Napa and Lake Counties.  The reserve protects about 7,000 acres of unusual habitats, including serpentine soils as well as riparian woodland, blue oak woodland and savannah, grassland, and chaparral.

Late April is prime wildflower season and there should be a variety of flowers to see and enjoy.  The iNaturalist list for the reserve includes 468 plant taxa.  We will explore different areas of the reserve on foot and by vehicle.  The visit will be led by reserve staff and will last most of the day.  The group will need to arrive punctually and leave all at the same time.

The McLaughlin Reserve is managed by UC Davis and is not generally open to the public.  It is located about a 3-hour drive from our CNPS SCV Chapter office in Palo Alto.

This trip is for CNPS members only (please ensure your membership is up to date or join).  Space is limited.  Restricted access, no drop-ins please.  To register and for more information please contact trip organizer Sue Kelso directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Detailed trip information will be emailed to registered participants closer to the trip date.

 

Fri - Mon  Apr 29 - May 1  Blue Oak Ranch Reserve  (Mt. Hamilton)

Join us at Blue Oak Ranch Reserve where we will explore the SCU Lightning Complex burn area and look for rare plants.  Blue Oak Ranch Reserve sprawls across the steep slopes of Mount Hamilton just east of urban San Jose.

Plant communities include blue oak woodland, valley oak woodland, black oak woodland, coast live oak woodland, riparian forest, chamise chaparral, Diablan sage scrub, nonnative annual grassland, wildflower field and native perennial grassland.  Blue and valley oak woodlands have become quite rare in California, and few are as protected from overgrazing and the encroachment of suburban development as those at Blue Oak Ranch.

We will explore the burn area and look for rare plants such as Santa Clara red ribbons, serpentine leptosiphon, and the fire follower Brewer’s calandrinia.  We will also make natural history observations in iNaturalist for the 2022 City Nature Challenge, so we’ll be on the hunt for insects, reptiles, and other cool creatures as well.

This trip is for CNPS members only (please ensure your membership is up to date or join).  Space is limited.  No drop-ins please.  RSVP is required to join us for the trip.  To register, please visit Eventbrite to get your ticket..  Detailed trip information will be emailed to registered participants closer to the trip date.

 


Anza Borrego State Park - March 6 - 13, 2016

By Dee Wong, Field Trip Chair

bighorn sheep anza borrego lohseCo-leaders Patricia Evans and Joe Cernac took 17 hearty souls (including CNPS fellow Sally Casey, age 94) on a trip to the desert, despite forecasts of rain. After arriving in Anza Borrego on Sunday March 6, the trip started in the rain Monday with a stop at the visitor center. Two days of sunny hiking followed in Palm Canyon and Culp Valley. Many of the highlights were seeing the desert peach, desert apricot, and desert almond all on the same day. We also saw five bighorn sheep which the state park is partially named after, Borrego, and hundreds if not thousands of sphinx moth caterpillars of various instars (molting phases) devouring the brown-eyed primrose and sand verbenas. Dee Wong even saw one that was digging a hole in preparation for pupating.

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Stile Ranch Hike #2, May 10, 2015

By Dee Wong, Field Trip Chair

asclepias-fascicularis-narrow-leaved-milkweed-closeHike #2 was to see the progression of drought effecting Stile Ranch. There were 11 attendees including the co-leaders Stella Yang and Dee Wong, and Ken Himes as sweep. As the weather heated up without much winter rains, the grasslands along the trail had already started drying out and turning gold and silvery in color. The native grasses such as Elymus glauca, Melica californica and Melica torreyana had begun to set seeds. With most spring wildflowers finished flowering, the summer flowering plants that were in bud (during hike #1) were now flowering, such as the Monardella douglasii, Streptanthus glandulosus var. glandulosus.

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Stile Ranch Hike #1, Mar 8, 2015

By Dee Wong, Field Trip Chair

lewisia-rediviva-bitterroot400The intention of having a three-part series of hikes to the same location over the course of the year was to see the changes of diversity of one particular area.
Hike #1 started at 9am and ended about 1pm.  Thirty people attended, including the trip leaders and sweeps.  We split into two groups, with Dee Wong and Woody Collins as co-leaders and Huey Shin Yuan as the sweep in one group, and Ken Himes and Stella Yang as co-leaders and Carolyn Dorsch and Michael Yantos as the sweeps for the other group. Thanks to all participants for sharing their knowledge and their time to help make this a very successful trip.

We saw these flowers in bloom:

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