Join Don Thomas for a 3 to 4 mile hike with 500+ feet in elevation change, to search for the elusive Western leatherwood at Pulgas Ridge OSP near Edgewood Road. Western leatherwood (Dirca occidentalis) is a rare paleoendemic plant native only to the San Francisco Bay Area, ranked by CNPS as 1B.2. (Read more about CNPS rare plant ranks at www.cnps.org/rare-plants/california-rare-plant-ranks.)
Dirca 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.
Driving directions and parking tips are provided on the Meetup page. Before signing up, please read about Pulgas Ridge OSP at www.openspace.org/preserves/pulgas-ridge.
Contact Don at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Trails are narrow at most parts and may be slippery and steep in some. Wear hiking shoes and we recommend bringing hiking poles. Bring water and snacks for an optional lunch in the picnic area following the walk. Heavy rain cancels.
Mon Jul 21 @ 8:30AM - Alum Rock Park Restoration |
Tue Jul 22 @ 7:00PM - 09:00PM Native Plant ID: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose) and Polygonaceae (Smartweed/Buckwheat) |
Wed Jul 23 @ 8:30AM - Alum Rock Park Restoration |
Thu Jul 24 @ 7:00PM - 08:30PM Get Inspired! Maintain a Native Plant Garden, A Talk by Stephanie Morris |
Fri Jul 25 @ 9:00AM - Edgewood Restoration |
Fri Jul 25 @ 7:00PM - 08:50PM Photography Group - Photo Sharing Meeting |
Sat Jul 26 @ 8:00AM - 10:00AM Lake Cunningham Native Garden |
Sat Jul 26 @ 9:00AM - 11:00AM Cataldi Park Native Garden |
Sat Jul 26 @ 9:00AM - 11:00AM Kirk Park Pollinator Garden |
Mon Jul 28 @ 8:30AM - Alum Rock Park Restoration |