California is a world hotspot of biodiversity, especially its botanical heritage. Our celebrated plant diversity can feel overwhelming to the beginner, but it need not be. By observing characteristics visible to the naked eye ̶ leaves, flowers and seeds ̶ one can easily identify common native plants of our area. Join Arvind Kumar and Ashok Jethanandani on this walk to build your botanical vocabulary and develop plant id skills. Beginners interested in plant identification are welcome; prior knowledge of native plants or botany is not required.
On this loop hike, we will walk up the New Almaden Trail and return via the Mine Hill Trail. The distance covered is 3 miles with 400’ of elevation gain/loss.
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. For more information contact Arvind at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (408) 715- 7020.
Directions: The park lies on the southwest border of San Jose. A map is here: goo.gl/maps/XuG4hafyKjy. We’ll meet at the McAbee entrance of the park (corner of McAbee Rd. and Whispering Pines Dr.). Caution: This large park has many widely separated entrances: be sure to go to the McAbee entrance. There is no parking lot; find street parking and walk to the entrance.
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 |