Meandering With The Marin County Parks & Open Space Department

If you're looking for yet more outdoor opportunities in Marin, the County Parks & Open Space Department will be offering a number of outings from March through May. Some will mirror hikes we'll be doing, and others will go to places not on our hiking schedule. (Click here to view and print out their Spring 2009 newsletter with a calendar of events). (For all events: Heavy rain cancels some events; dress in layers, wear appropriate clothes, shoes and gear; bring water and snacks; use Google maps to locate meeting points. If you have questions call 415.499.6387 or visit www.marinparks.org)

Following is information on six of of their many planned outings which will be led by the Open Space District's Interpretive Naturalist, David Herlocker (dherlocker@co.marin.ca.us or 415 499-3647):

• Thursday, March 12, 10am to 2pm, Baltimore Canyon
  So many trails, so many choices: whether we head down to see the waterfall or traverse the chaparral to relax at Echo Rock, we’ll find early wildflowers and spectacular views. Meet at the Crown Road Trailhead (from Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, go south on College Avenue, right on Woodland, left on Evergreen; continue uphill to Ridgecrest; 50 feet uphill from this junction, go left onto Crown Road and follow to end).
• Friday, March 20, 9am to 3pm, Big Rock—to the Top
  We’ll take our time enjoying the gentle grades of the Big Rock Trail as we ascend the second highest peak in Marin. We’ll look for flowers and other natural highlights as
  we make the 1,200 ft climb and still have plenty of time to enjoy lunch at the top.
  Meet at the Big Rock Trailhead (about 5 miles west of Highway 101 on Lucas Valley Road).
• Saturday, April 11, 9am to 2pm, San Geronimo Ridge
  The ridge at the top of Gary Giacomini Preserve is one of the great gems in the county. Wildflowers (including some unusual serpentine endemics), a pygmy Sargent Cypress forest and incredible views are our reward for the sustained climb that will bring us out of the valley. Meet at the Willis Evans Trailhead (formerly Bates Canyon, on Redwood Canyon Drive, not Redwood Drive).
• Wednesday, April 29, 9am to 2pm, Wildflowers and Wildlife at Carson Falls
  This walk starts with the unique serpentine flora of the Pine Mountain Fire Road, and
  continues to the spectacular Carson Falls area where flowers, butterflies and frogs
  are abundant. Meet at the Pine Mountain Fire Road Trailhead (about 1 mile south of
  the Meadow Club on Fairfax-Bolinas Road).
  
• Sunday, May 17, 9am to 2pm, Birds of Mount Burdell
  By now the breeding season should be in full swing as the Bullock’s orioles, lazuli buntings and black-headed grosbeaks provide both a soundtrack and an elaborate color scheme. Meet at the Marin County Open Space District gate (end of San Andreas Drive, Novato).
• Wednesday, May 27, 10am to 2pm, Wildflowers of Ring Mountain
  The late season bloom on this ridge includes one of the rarest and most unusual plants in the world, the Tiburon Mariposa Lily. We’ll look for this and other flowers as well as butterflies, birds and other wildlife. Later in the day, we may travel to Old Saint Hilary’s Preserve to see the lovely Tiburon Jewelflower. Meet at the end of Westward Drive, Corte Madera.