Date:
Flowers in fall—that's why we live here, right? Docent Scott Peden has been closely observing the flora of Rancho del Oso for many years and knows just what to look for at this time of year. He tells us that, assuming a bit of moisture, we can expect to see the following: Bristly Ox-tongue, California/Pacific Aster, Hairy Catsears, Morning Glory, Lizard Tail, Coast Buckwheat, Woodland aka Green Star Nightshade. And that's just the first three-quarters of a mile. Farther inland are beauties like Horseweed, Pearly Everlasting and Coffee fern, and at the creek crossing banana slugs and Wandering Jews. Guy knows his stuff! He also adds that walkers could see a variety of birds, including redtail hawks, kestrels and pygmy owls.
Peden also has some concerning news for those of us who are highly allergic to poison oak: some of the local specimens are blooming so "early" as to basically be evergreen. "The last two months I've seen the springtime blooming poison oak too, just like last November," Peden writes us by email. "We do have some that tries to be evergreen in [Rancho del Oso]. The rest of it is still the "reach out and touch someone" plant. We will most certainly see the "Ghost Pumpkins," which is what the Poison Oak berries look like to me."
This is a 4-hour walk at a leisurely pace, so bring water and a snack. Photographers welcome!
Meet at the yellow gate across from Waddell Beach, 17 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1. 10am. Free.
Bristly Ox Tongue photo b Anemone Projectors on Wikimedia Commons.
