Oaks of Rush Creek Open Space Preserve

Leaders: Ann & Woody Elliott

Please sign up for this field trip on Meetup.

Please sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2024.

Rush Creek Open Space Preserve is an oak-studded ridge adjacent to the Petaluma River Marsh Wildlife Area. We will explore the eastern portion which abuts a salt marsh owned by Marin Audubon where thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl congregate each fall and winter. In the uplands we will find a wide variety of oaks that cover the hills: blue oak (Quercus douglasii), coast live oak (Q. agrifolia), California black oak (Q. kelloggii), valley oak, (Q. lobata), Oregon oak (Q. garryana), and a hybrid of blue oak and Oregon oak (Q. X eplingii). Some other trees and shrubs include California bay trees (Umbellularia californica), Pacific Madrones (Arbutus menziesii), and some magnificent manzanitas (Arctostaphylos manzanita).

Our walk will follow the fairly level Bahia Trail with waterfowl birding opportunities for about a half mile. To see the wide range of oaks, we will ascend the ridge on the Blue Oak Trail to the Bahia Ridge Fire Road, climbing about 250 feet in another half mile. Once on the ridge we will see the full range of oaks and then descend back along the Acorn Trail to our start. Total about 2 miles.

Resources: Oaks of Marin by Doreen and Vernon Smith, iNaturalist field guide for Rush Creek, Map of Rush Creek Open Space Preserve, Quercus search on Calflora for area

Directions: Meet at the end of Bahia Dr. near the intersection with Topaz Dr. Park along the road. No restrooms.

Bring: Water, a snack, and rain gear Optional: hiking poles, binoculars  Heavy rain cancels

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