The serpentine ridge of the Nicasio Highlands supports a diverse native plant community.
Saturday, June 18, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 18, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
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Photos by Vernon and Doreen Smith.
The serpentine ridge of the Nicasio Highlands supports a diverse native plant community, including several rare species, and is much less heavily impacted by invasive species and human visitation than many other West Marin sites.
Thanks to the generosity of a private landowner, we’ll have drive-in access to this section of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. We can expect to see Ceanothus decornutus, a newly described serpentine endemic known only from this region, as well as the yellow mariposa lily (Calochortus luteus), white rosinweed (Calycadenia multiglandulosa), and several clover species. We may also find some rare species still in flower, including Marin dwarf flax (Hesperolinon congestum) and Nicasio jewelflower (Streptanthus glandulosus), and will look for other plants, including woolly blue-headed gilia (Gilia capitata ssp. tomentosa), small-flowered gilia (G. clivorum), and dwarf blue phacelia (Phacelia divaricata).
Bring your lunch to eat while enjoying the spectacular views, and plan to help us spot possible lark sparrows and horned larks.
Meet at the junction of Laurel Canyon Rd. (private) and the Point Reyes-Petaluma Rd. (between Nicasio Reservoir and Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Park in the small lot on the west side of the Point Reyes-Petaluma Rd. We’ll need to limit the number of cars going through the locked Laurel Canyon gate and on up to Nicasio Ridge. No water or restroom facilities are available. Some of the walking will be on uneven ground. Please sanitize your footwear prior to the hike, to prevent spreading any pathogen to the Ceanothus or other species.
Leaders: Ellen Hamingson and Carolyn Longstreth. For more information or to sign up, contact Carolyn at cklongstreth@gmail.com. Heavy rain cancels.
