In addition to searching through the forest looking for the fairy slipper orchid, Calypso bulbosa, we’ll explore the trails around the upper Rock Spring meadow, enjoy a picnic lunch, then head down the Cataract Trail as far as participants wish to hike, enjoying other early wildflowers and a diverse array of ferns. If the weather is dry and mild, artistic participants may wish to linger near and sketch; there are picnic benches on the wooded knoll above the parking area, and a stroll across the road leads to great views.
We’ll meet at the Rock Spring parking lot on Mt. Tamalpais, located at the intersection of Ridgecrest and Pantoll Roads. This is a bit over a mile uphill from the state park ranger station at Pantoll; turn uphill across the road from the ranger station. The parking area is large and you won’t miss it. For those unfamiliar with the area, the ranger station is located on Panoramic Hwy. on the way from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach. There is no charge to park at the Rock Spring paved lot. Rain cancels, call Kristin if in doubt.
This outing is offered jointly by the Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and the Northern California Society of Botanical Artists. A list of the plants found in this area may be found at http://www.marin.edu/cnps/Rock_Spring.html.
Leader: Kristin Jakob 415.388.1844 kristinjakob@att.net