Leader: Doug Allshouse

The Ridge Trail offers a long and interesting menu of plant species including the endemic SBM manzanita, several paintbrushes, Franciscan wallflower, two wild cucumbers, three lupines, stonecrop, coast rock cress and more. On a very clear day the vistas extend from Pt. Reyes to the South Bay and the Bay Bridge to Mt. Diablo. The trail is an undulating fire road that follows the ridge line and has one arduous dip. Its topography begins in Franciscan Coastal Scrub, Blue Blossom Chaparral and Coastal Terrace Prairie, and then transitions to Needlegrass Grassland the further southeast we travel. The wildflower show, while varied and spectacular, is just part of the allure. If weather permits we probably will encounter the mountain’s endangered Mission Blue butterfly, along with other spectacular species such as Anise and Pipevine Swallowtails and Green Hairstreaks. This field trip will be limited to 15 persons. There is a $6 fee (cash or credit/debit card) for park admission payable at the pay station. To sign up and for meeting place details contact Doug at dougsr228@comcast.net. Waiver to be signed on site. Heavy rain cancels.