South Slopes of Mt. Burdell – early wildflowers of serpentine and grasslands
Saturday, February 25, 10 am to 2 pm
Field trip leader – Susan Schlosser
San Marin Fire Road and Michako Trail Starting at the San Carlos Gate of Mt. Burdell Open Space, the group will enjoy wildflowers on serpentine exposures near the gate, then walk uphill on the San Marin Fire Road to another serpentine area that intersects with the Michako Trail which will take us back to the San Carlos Fire Road and back to the start. The last part of the field trip passes through grasslands and clumps of oak, bay, and buckeye trees.
Most years there are many early-blooming wildflowers such as little stick-seed (Blennosperma nanum var. nanum), star-lily (Toxicoscordion fremontii), fragrant fritillary (Fritillaria liliacea), butter-and-eggs (Triphysaria versicolor), suncups (Taraxia ovata), bluedicks (Dichelostemma capitatum), purple mouse-ears (Mimulus douglasii) and likely many more.
The San Marin Fire Road is easy to moderate. There is, however, a steep downhill slope of about 400 feet which is rocky and with deep ruts. Additionally there is a ½ mile stretch which rises 200 feet. This rise is rather steep, rocky in places and eroded from the recent rain. The Michako Trail is a single track that is nearly level with a gradual descent on the San Carlos Fire Road to the San Carlos Gate. If there is a lot of rain in February, the fire road and trail could be quite wet with standing water and mud.
The total distance of this field trip is 2.5 miles. Bring a lunch and water.
Directions: The San Carlos Gate is located at the upper end of San Carlos Way. From Highway 101, take the San Marin Drive/Atherton Ave exit and go west on San Marin Drive for about 2 miles. Turn right onto San Carlos Way and park at the end of the street. Rain cancels.
Please sign up for this field trip by emailing Susan Schlosser. Susan will send you a link to the waiver.
Download the Early Wildflowers of Mt.Burdell Flower Sheet.
Download the MT BURDELL EARLY Plant List.
