Indian Tree Preserve, Novato

Saturday, March 23, 2024 10 am to 3 pm      Leader: Ann Elliott

Meetup Registration Link. Signups open 2/29 limit 20     Please sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2024.

Ascend the nicely graded Big Trees Trail through hillsides of ferns and wildflowers, and new stands of redwoods and mature woodlands that open up to scenic views of Stafford Lake. We hope to catch some of the early flowers on the 50^th Anniversary Challenge list: shooting stars (Primula hendersonii), checker lily (Fritillaria affinis), and warrior plumes (Pedicularis densiflora).

Those making it to the top of the ridge will lunch near giant redwoods with million-dollar sweeping views of the entire North Bay. We will return down the slightly steeper Deer Camp Trail. The round-trip mileage is about 5.5 miles. Some may want to just venture up the trail a couple miles and then retrace their steps back or do the shorter loop without reaching the summit.   According to David Herlocker, this is “one of the best destinations in the County.” Check out the iNaturalist field guide.

Directions:  Meet at the Vineyard Rd trailhead in Novato. To get there, exit 101 at the San Marin exit, and go west for more than a mile. After you cross Novato Blvd., continue straight on Sutro Dr.  Make a right onto Vineyard and follow to the end of the pavement.

Bring: Water, lunch, and rain gear.   Heavy rain cancels.

Email Ann with any questions. annonfire@gmail.com      Text for day-of-trip questions or issues: 530-521-4402