The Cedars Conservation Area

Saturday, May 25, 2024.  Leader: Roger Raiche

Attendee limit has already been reached, but email me with your name and vehicle type to be put on the waitlist (plans change), Ann Elliott

Please sign the Waiver CNPS Marin 2024

The extraordinary property in Sonoma County known as “The Cedars” includes 11 square miles of private and public lands around the headwaters of Austin Creek that flows into the Russian River to the south. The Cedars’ steep and rocky terrain has unique geological features, forested slopes, and seeps and springs; some portions have been compared to a moonscape. With this unusual geology and location come unusual plants. Our visit will be during the transition season floristically, so there are a good number of plants and features to see.

Read more about the Cedars.

Mineral Spring, The Cedars – Woody Elliott

The terrain is rugged, rocky, and involves creek crossings (without bridges) and climbs to a ridge, so participants should be in good hiking shape and capable of dealing with irregular, rocky terrain. There are single file trails, but these are still demanding in spots. Folks cannot leave the group during the hike, and all must arrive and leave at the same time. Typically, there is a longer morning hike, lunch, and then a shorter afternoon hike.

Epipactis gigantea, the steam orchid – Woody Elliott

The logistics for this adventure are challenging. It is an hour drive from the meeting place in Cazadero to the trailhead, and the last four miles of the road are dirt and have seven stream crossings. We will need several high-clearance vehicles and therefore, ask participants to sign up ahead of time and indicate whether they have a suitable vehicle and are willing to drive others. Priority will be given to CNPS members and participants with high clearance vehicles. The exact meeting place details will be made available when participants are confirmed for this field trip. A $25/person donation is requested to help with expenses associated with maintaining access to The Cedars.

Participants will need to leave Marin County early to arrive in Cazadero by 9:30 am. We will leave The Cedars by 4 pm to arrive back in Marin by evening.  While this may sound challenging, it is a magnificent place to visit with many endemic and rarely seen species and terrain.

Detailed meeting directions will be provided to registrants.

Bring: Water, a lunch, snacks, and rain gear.

Rain cancels

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

Western Wallflower – Woody Elliott

Cypripedium californicum, the California Lady’s Slipper Orchid – Woody Elliott