Learn how to prune California native plants with Linda Oqvist 8/4/18

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Pruning California Natives

Date: August 4, 2018

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Contact: Margaret Chu, domani@pacbell.net

Sponsor: Marin Master Gardeners

Location: Schurig Center

Event Details

The Program:  Why California natives? Recent droughts have precipitated an increased interest in gardening with California native plants. What do we mean by native plants and how do they differ from their East Coast cousins? Come join us and learn about the care and pruning of these under-utilized botanical beauties.

The Speaker: Linda Oqvist and Carroll Yandell are Marin Master Gardeners and Pruning Guild Journeymen experienced and passionate in planting and pruning California native plants.

Additional Information and Parking: We will meet inside at the Schurig Center building. There is ample free street parking and additional parking next door at College of Marin Childcare Parking Lot #13. Drive to lot #13 from College Avenue, from the South end of the lot walk across the footbridge to the Schurig Center.

Cost:  None                                                                

REGISTER ONLINE NOW

Contact:  Margaret Chu at domani@pacbell.net

Update to Natalie's info for hike on Tuesday, July 31st

Sorry to have omitted Natalie's contact information. Call her cell 415 686-1681 or email her at: gnatsimi@comcast.net if you are planning to hike.

This one-way shuttle hike may not sound familiar because we haven't done it in some time.

We'll meet at Five Brooks and carpool from there to the bottom of the McCurdy trail which begins at milepost 18.17, north of Dogtown.

We’ll hike 5.5 miles back to Five Brooks on the Olema Valley trail. It's mostly level, with less than 500’ elevation gain.

We usually find butterflies (Acmon Blues, Mylitta Crescents and Satyr Commas) on this hike.

Since this is a SHUTTLE HIKE, CALL NATALIE if you are coming!

Directions to trailhead: From north and central Marin, head out Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to Olema, where you'll turn left onto Highway 1. Drive south about 4 miles (6 minutes) and you'll see the sign on the right for Five Brooks. Turn right off the highway to reach the parking lot.

Click here for a Google Map that shows Five Brooks Ranch and click on the teardrop icon to get driving time and directions from your location. (We'll park in the lot by the Mill Pond, just before the ranch itself, as shown on the map).

Driving time is about 40 minutes from the College of Marin. Carpoolers can met at St. Rita's at 9:00 a.m.

(If you are coming from southern Marin, Five Brooks is about 55 minutes from Mill Valley and 30 minutes/18 miles north of Stinson Beach. It will be on your left as you head up Highway 1).

Pit toilets in parking lot at Five Brooks where we meet to carpool and end the hike.

More on this hike: Hike "F3 Olema Valley to Five Brooks" in the Martins' book, Hiking Marin, describes the route we'll take.

Weather forecast: As of Saturday, July 28th, the National Weather Service forecast for the hike was mostly sunny, with a high near 73. (Click here for an updated forecast.)

Update with Natalie's info --Shuttle Hike with Natalie, July 31, McCurdy Trail to Five Brooks

Sorry to have omitted Natalie's contact information. Call her cell 415 686-1681 or email her at: gnatsimi@comcast.net.

This one-way shuttle hike may not sound familiar because we haven't done it in some time.

We'll meet at Five Brooks and carpool from there to the bottom of the McCurdy trail which begins at milepost 18.17, north of Dogtown.

We’ll hike 5.5 miles back to Five Brooks on the Olema Valley trail. It's mostly level, with less than 500’ elevation gain.

We usually find butterflies (Acmon Blues, Mylitta Crescents and Satyr Commas) on this hike.

Since this is a SHUTTLE HIKE, CALL NATALIE if you are coming!

Directions to trailhead: From north and central Marin, head out Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to Olema, where you'll turn left onto Highway 1. Drive south about 4 miles (6 minutes) and you'll see the sign on the right for Five Brooks. Turn right off the highway to reach the parking lot.

Click here for a Google Map that shows Five Brooks Ranch and click on the teardrop icon to get driving time and directions from your location. (We'll park in the lot by the Mill Pond, just before the ranch itself, as shown on the map).

Driving time is about 40 minutes from the College of Marin. Carpoolers can met at St. Rita's at 9:00 a.m.

(If you are coming from southern Marin, Five Brooks is about 55 minutes from Mill Valley and 30 minutes/18 miles north of Stinson Beach. It will be on your left as you head up Highway 1).

Pit toilets in parking lot at Five Brooks where we meet to carpool and end the hike.

More on this hike: Hike "F3 Olema Valley to Five Brooks" in the Martins' book, Hiking Marin, describes the route we'll take.

Weather forecast: As of Saturday, July 28th, the National Weather Service forecast for the hike was mostly sunny, with a high near 73. (Click here for an updated forecast.)

REMINDER - REGISTER ON MONDAY JULY 30 FOR FALL 1 AND 2, 2018

Register separately for each session.

EC | Meandering in Marin: Natural History and Hiking

If you enjoy getting exercise, socializing with a congenial group, and learning about birds, owers, butterflies, and mushrooms, come join the Meanderers. The instructor will send field trip itineraries to enrolled students before the first class. Participants should be comfortable hiking 4-6 miles with an elevation gain of up to 1000' at a pace of about 45 minutes per mile.

Monday Sessions:

3464 | Dreskin | OFF | TBA
6 Mondays 9:45am-1:45pm | Aug 27-Oct 8 $163 (FF $20) | ESCOM $140 (FF $20)

3465 | Dreskin | OFF | TBA

6 Mondays 9:45am–1:45pm | Oct 22-Dec 3 $160 (FF $17) | ESCOM $137 (FF $17)

Tuesday Sessions:
3466 | Dreskin | OFF | TBA
7 Tuesdays 9:45am–1:45pm | Aug 28-Oct 9 $196 (FF $25) | ESCOM $169 (FF $25)
3467 | Dreskin | OFF | TBA
7 Tuesdays 9:45am–1:45pm | Oct 23-Dec 4 $188 (FF $17) | ESCOM $161 (FF$17) 

Click the link to see the full schedule. 

Bolinas Ridge to S.P. Taylor Shuttle Hike (7/24/18)

Looking West from Bolinas Ridge (S. Walker photo)

This is another "pay-if-you-go" hike between now and the Fall 1 COM series. Wendy will be leading this hike unless she has jury duty, otherwise Natalie.

This hike is mostly downhill or level! Bleeding Hearts may be in bloom!

Directions to Trailhead:
Meet at Samuel P. Taylor State Park at 9:30 am.

Unless you have a State Park Pass, pay the $8.00 day use fee/parking if you leave your car there. 

We’ll carpool to the Bolinas Ridge trailhead and hike back. The hike is uphill to start and then downhill and level. We could hear meadowlarks singing and see Lorquin's admirals and western tiger swallowtails.
  
Click here for a Google Maps map showing the parking lot at Samuel P. Taylor. Click on teardrop icon on the map or on "Directions" on the left-hand side of the page for driving times and directions from your location.

Carpool leaves from St. Rita at 9:10 a.m.

Restrooms at Samuel P. Taylor, none at trailhead.

THIS IS A SHUTTLE HIKE SO CALL OR E-MAIL WENDY IF YOU'RE COMING: Home phone: 415 457-3949; cell 415 517-0488; E-mail:  bdreskin@comcast.net.

Weather forecast: As of Tuesday, May 10th, the National Weather Service forecast was mostly sunny, with a high near 83. (Click here for an updated forecast).

More on this hike: "H8 - Taylor State Park to Bolinas Ridge" in the Martin's book, Hiking Marin, is a 10.2 mile loop hike which starts and ends in the state park. We're doing this hike in the opposite direction, but only one-way, from the trailhead on the south side of the road where Sir Francis Drake Boulevard reaches a crest between the McIsaac Ranch at Tocoloma (intersection of SFD and Platform Bridge Road) and Olema, so our total distance hiked should be more like 5 miles.

Although part of the area is within the GGNRA, it is actually administered by Point Reyes National Seashore. The Point Reyes Hiking Map (South District) shows the trails that we'll be following within the GGNRA.

The Google Earth image below shows the area where will be hiking viewed from just east of Olema toward Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is the yellow line snaking through the picture. You can see the trail beginning right off to the road on the right. (Click on the image to open a larger view in your Web browser).

REGISTRATION FOR FALL 1 AND 2 HIKING OPENS JULY 30, 2018

Register separately for each session.

EC | Meandering in Marin: Natural History and Hiking

If you enjoy getting exercise, socializing with a congenial group, and learning about birds, owers, butterflies, and mushrooms, come join the Meanderers. The instructor will send field trip itineraries to enrolled students before the first class. Participants should be comfortable hiking 4-6 miles with an elevation gain of up to 1000' at a pace of about 45 minutes per mile.

Monday Sessions:

3464 | Dreskin | OFF | TBA
6 Mondays 9:45am-1:45pm | Aug 27-Oct 8 $163 (FF $20) | ESCOM $140 (FF $20)

3465 | Dreskin | OFF | TBA

6 Mondays 9:45am–1:45pm | Oct 22-Dec 3 $160 (FF $17) | ESCOM $137 (FF $17)

Tuesday Sessions:
3466 | Dreskin | OFF | TBA
7 Tuesdays 9:45am–1:45pm | Aug 28-Oct 9 $196 (FF $25) | ESCOM $169 (FF $25)
3467 | Dreskin | OFF | TBA
7 Tuesdays 9:45am–1:45pm | Oct 23-Dec 4 $188 (FF $17) | ESCOM $161 (FF$17) 

Click the link to see the full schedule. 

Tamales Bay SP Shell Beach Shuttle Hike (7/17/18) with Wendy

Something old and something new!

THIS IS A SHUTTLE HIKE! CALL OR E-MAIL WENDY IF YOU'RE COMING! Home: (415) 457-3949, E-mail: bdreskin@comcast.net.  Wendy needs six people to hike.

Directions to the trailhead: Meet at 9:45 at the Shell Beach parking lot, not at the trailhead (we’ll carpool to it from the Shell Beach lot).

No restrooms at trailhead; stop at the Bear Valley Visitors Center on the way if you need to powder your nose.

After you pass Inverness, take a right on Camino del Mar (there’s an inn on your left; it’s just where the road starts going uphill.) Follow it to the parking lot. (Click here for a map for driving time and directions to this area.)

Meet at 9:00 am to carpool from St. Rita. 

Weather forecast: As of Friday, July 13th, the National Weather Service forecast was patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny with a high near 7. Click here for an updated forecast.

More on this hike: "G15 Pierce Point Road to Shell Beach" in the Martins' book, Hiking Marin, shows the area in which we'll be hiking. The trails are also shown on page 4 of the Tomales Bay State Park brochure. The Google Earth image below shows Heart's Desire and Shell Beaches as seen from the east side of Tomales Bay. (Click on the image to open a larger version in your Web browser).

Summer 2018 Interim Hikes with Wendy or Natalie

Hi Meanderers,

Natalie is available to sub if I called for jury duty on July 18, and also while I’m back East and while my sister is in town. Be sure to email so we know if there are 6 people who want to hike. 

  

Thanks,

       Wendy

TUESDAY July 17  SHUTTLE HIKE   TOMALES BAY STATE PARK with Wendy

We’ll hike from the dirt parking lot on Pierce Point Rd. that’s just before the turn to Heart’s Desire.

 Meet at the Shell Beach parking lot. After you pass Inverness, take a right on Camino del Mar (there’s an inn on your left; it’s just where the road starts going uphill.)  Follow it to the parking lot. We’ll carpool from there.  No restrooms at trailhead.  Meet at 9 to carpool from St. Rita.

Monday, July 23          FIVE BROOKS TO MCCURDY TRAIL  SHUTTLE HIKE Wendy if no jury duty, otherwise Natalie

     We usually find Acmon Blues, Mylitta Crescents and Satyr Commas on this hike. 

This mostly level trail parallels Route 1.  Be prepared for some creek crossings though water should be low.

     Meet at Five Brooks.  We'll carpool south on Rt. 1 to the McCurdy Trail, and walk back to Five Brooks.

Tuesday, July 24           BOLINAS RIDGE  TO SAMUEL P. TAYLOR SHUTTLE HIKE        Wendy if no jury duty, otherwise Natalie

     Uphill to start, but then downhill and level!  Meet at Samuel P. Taylor AT 9:30.  We’ll carpool to the Bolinas Ridge trailhead and hike back down.  We could hear meadowlarks singing, and see Lorquin’s admirals and western tiger swallowtails.     Restrooms at Samuel P. Taylor, none at trailhead. Carpool from St. Rita at 9:10.

Monday, July 30            BEAR VALLEY TO FIVE BROOKS       SHUTTLE HIKE

Natalie 

PER REQUEST, LATE START AT 10:30 TO ALLOW PEOPLE TIME TO REGISTER FOR FALL. Class will end at 2:30. 

     Meet at Five Brooks.  We’ll start by checking out birds and dragonflies around the pond at Five Brooks, then carpool to Bear Valley. Past years we’ve Seen Satyr Commas, Acmon Blues, Field Crescents, California Tortoiseshells, Pale Swallowtails, Western Tiger Swallowtails, and dragonflies including Cardinal Meadowhawks, Western Pondhawks, and  Eight Spotted Skimmers. This level hike takes us through Vedanta Retreat and Stewart Ranch back to Five Brooks.

     Outhouse at Five Brooks and restrooms at Bear Valley.  Carpool from St. Rita at 8:55

Tuesday, July 31            FIVE BROOKS TO MCCURDY TRAIL  SHUTTLE HIKE Natalie

     We usually find Acmon Blues, Mylitta Crescents and Satyr Commas on this hike. 

This mostly level trail parallels Route 1.  Be prepared for some creek crossings though water should be low.

     Meet at Five Brooks.  We'll carpool south on Rt. 1 to the McCurdy Trail, and walk back to Five Brooks.

Monday, August 6        No hike

Tuesday, August 7        No hike

Monday, August 13        SKY TRAIL TO BEAR VALLEY   SHUTTLE HIKE  Natalie

We’ll meet at Bear Valley and carpool to Sky Trail.  When we get to Mt. Wittenberg instead of taking Z Ranch and Horse Trail as we did in the fall, we’ll go down to the Bear Valley Trail. Maybe this time the mushrooms will be up!  We’ll need some people who are not in a rush to drive people back to Sky Trail.

Tuesday, August 14       SHUTTLE HIKE   TOMALES BAY STATE PARK with Natalie

We’ll hike from the dirt parking lot on Pierce Point Rd. that’s just before the turn to Heart’s Desire.

 Meet at the Shell Beach parking lot. After you pass Inverness, take a right on Camino del Mar (there’s an inn on your left; it’s just where the road starts going uphill.)  Follow it to the parking lot. We’ll carpool from there.  No restrooms at trailhead.  Meet at 9 to carpool from St. Rita.

Monday, August 20        BOLINAS RIDGE  TO SAMUEL P. TAYLOR SHUTTLE HIKE        Wendy

     Uphill to start, but then downhill and level!  Meet at Samuel P. Taylor AT 9:30.  We’ll carpool to the Bolinas Ridge trailhead and hike back down.  We could hear meadowlarks singing, and see Lorquin’s admirals and western tiger swallowtails.     Restrooms at Samuel P. Taylor, none at trailhead. Carpool from St. Rita at 9:10.

Tuesday, August 21            SKY TRAIL TO BEAR VALLEY   SHUTTLE HIKE  Wendy

We’ll meet at Bear Valley and carpool to Sky Trail.  When we get to Mt. Wittenberg instead of taking Z Ranch and Horse Trail as we did in the fall, we’ll go down to the Bear Valley Trail. Maybe this time the mushrooms will be up!  We’ll need some people who are not in a rush to drive people back to Sky Trail.

COM begins August 27. 

Registration for Fall 2018 begins Monday, July 30th and Fall Hiking Schedule

REGISTRATION IS MONDAY, JULY 30.  FIRST DAY OF CLASS IS AUGUST 28.  


Tuesday Meandering in Marin      Fall 2018

Time: 9:45 – 1:45

Instructor: Wendy Dreskin

WHAT TO BRING: Water, lunch, warm layer, hat, sunscreen. Optional equipment: hiking poles, binoculars, camera. Walks go rain or shine, so wear raingear when appropriate.

August 28  SAMUEL P TAYLOR STATE PARK
     Today we explore the redwood habitat, visit the Pioneer Tree that is over 500 years old, and learn some history of the area at the mill site.  We’re doing two separate loops, so you can leave your lunch in the car.  We'll have a civilized lunch today with picnic tables and rest rooms!
            Take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. all the way to the entrance of the park. 
           Time: 35 minutes from College of Marin. Restrooms at trailhead.

September 4  TOMALES POINT, POINT REYES
     On this hike we'll look for the tule elk, once at the brink of extinction and now making a heartening comeback.  You'll also learn about the history of the Pierce family that owned this ranch. Tomales Point is also special for its views. 
     Take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Turn right at Olema and make an immediate left onto Bear Valley Rd.  Continue until you pick up SF Drake again. Go through Inverness.  Where the road veers left to Drake's Beach and the lighthouse, go straight.  This puts you on Pierce Point Rd.  Follow it to the parking lot at the end of the road.  Do not turn down to McClure's Beach (unless you want to use the rest rooms there before the hike knowing there are none en route).
     Time:  1 hour 20 minutes from College of Marin.

September 11  BOOTJACK, MOUNT TAMALPAIS STATE PARK
     A mostly shady trail takes us up to the Mountain Theater where you’ll learn the history of its construction and the tradition of drama on the Mountain. Lunch at the historic West Point Inn.  
Take the Stinson Beach/Hway 1 exit off Hway 101. Go west through Tam Valley and up onto the ridge. Turn right onto Panoramic Hway and follow signs to Mt. Tamalpais.  Park in Bootjack lot. Restrooms at trailhead and lunch stop. 

September 18  CHINA CAMP STATE PARK
Learn about wetland habitats and some of the endangered animals that live there.  This area is also of historical interest as the site of a once thriving Chinese shrimp fishing village.  
From 101 take the San Pedro Road exit and go east for three miles. Just after you pass the sign that says China Camp State Park the road will fork.  Straight ahead is the entrance toll booth. Drive in and park at the lot. Restrooms at trailhead and en route.
Time: 30 minutes from College of Marin.

September 25  ROCK SPRING, MOUNT TAMALPAIS
     Classic sites on Mt. Tamalpais popular in the heyday of hiking – Potrero Meadow, Barth’s Retreat, Rifle Camp. Learn about the Down and Outers Club, and who Barth was!
     Take the Stinson Beach/Hway 1 exit off Hway 101. Go west through Tam Valley and up onto the ridge. Turn right onto Panoramic Hway and follow signs to Mt. Tamalpais.  Keep going up the Mountain until the Rock Spring Parking lot is right in front of you.

October 2  MOUNTAIN HOME INN, MT TAMALPAIS
     Today we’ll hike down to Muir Woods and learn how it became a National Monument. Lunch at Camp Eastwood where you’ll hear the fascinating life story of intrepid botanist Alice Eastwood.     
     Take the Stinson Beach/Hway 1 exit off Hway 101. Go west through Tam Valley and up onto the ridge. Turn right onto Panoramic Hway and follow signs to Mt. Tamalpais. Drive about 4 miles. When you reach Mountain Home Inn on your right, park on your left in the parking lot across the road.
     Driving time from College of Marin: 50 minutes   Outhouse at trailhead.

October 9   TENNESSEE VALLEY.  FINAL EXAM! 
     This loop features panoramic views of the Bay.  We often see raptors here including Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, White-Tailed Kites, Red-Shouldered Hawks and Red-Tailed Hawks. When we're lucky we've seen bobcats! Remember to bring your contribution to our gourmet "Final Exam" feast, plate, utensils, and cup. 
      Take the Stinson Beach exit from 101.  Follow signs to Stinson Beach and Muir Woods, then turn left on Tennessee Valley Road and take it to the parking lot at the end. Time: 40 minutes from College of Marin.  Outhouses in parking lot and on the trail back.

Reminder - no hike on July 10, 2018

Just a quick reminder that there will be no hike this coming Tuesday, July 10, 2018.

Enjoy the summertime.