Join Don Thomas to see the endemic western leatherwood (Dirca occidentalis) at Foothills Nature Preserve. Dirca flowered early this season, starting in November. We will look for late-flowering dirca along the Los Trancos Trail.

The preserve, until recently only open to Palo Alto residents, is now open to the general public. The preserve entrance is off Page Mill Road. We will meet at the Orchard Glen Picnic Area at 10am. To get to the Orchard Glen parking lot, bear left at the first intersection after passing the entrance kiosk.

Bring water and snacks for an optional lunch in the picnic area following the walk. For more information, contact Don 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 register, please visit our Chapter’s Meetup page at www.meetup.com/California-Native-Plant- Society-Santa-Clara-Valley-Chapter. Driving directions are provided on the Meetup page. There’s a $6 entrance fee, exact change required.

For more information on Foothills Nature Preserve, see: www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community-Services/Open-Space-Parks/Neighborhood-Parks/Foothills-Nature-Preserve. For a trail map, see: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/community-services/parks-and-open-space/open-space-maps/foothills-map.pdf.