Why do plants grow where they grow? Why do some plants grow with the same set of other plants? In nature, plants grow in readily identifiable communities or associations united by location (soil, topography, and microclimate).
Join us as we explore the common plant communities of the South Bay. We offer two plant ID walks for beginners: The first on January 14 in Almaden Quicksilver County Park; the second on February 18 in Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. More about the Coyote Valley walk appears later in this section.
Beginners interested in plant identification are welcome; prior knowledge of native plants or botany is not required. Bring a hat, water, a bag lunch, and your favorite trail accessories (camera/smartphone/hand lens/binoculars/field guide/none). Dress in layers, and appropriately for winter weather. Heavy rain cancels.
Space is limited. RSVP through meetup.com to reserve your spot: visit www.meetup.com/California-Native- Plant-Society-Santa-Clara-Valley-Chapter. These two walks are organized by our Chapter of CNPS and the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.
On February 18, Arvind Kumar will take us on the Arrowhead Loop Trail in Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, which goes through grassland, chaparral, and oak woodland. We expect to see serpentine outcrops and unique native plants that grow in this inhospitable medium. The distance covered will be 4 miles with 600’ of elevation gain/loss. Effort level: moderate.
Coyote Valley OSP is located at 550 Palm Ave. in Morgan Hill. See the Meetup listing for details. We’ll meet in the parking lot.
Wed Mar 20 @ 6:00PM - 07:30PM Ten Easy Steps to Creating a Bird- Friendly Garden, a talk by Brian Dirking |
Thu Mar 21 @ 7:00PM - 08:30PM Where to Find Wildflowers in the Bay Area a talk by Judy Fenerty |
Fri Mar 22 @ 9:00AM - 12:00PM Friday Edgewood Restoration |
Fri Mar 22 @ 7:00PM - 08:50PM Photography Group - Photo Sharing Meeting |
Sat Mar 23 @10:00AM - 02:00PM Rancho Cañada del Oro OSP (Morgan Hill) |
Sun Mar 24 @ 3:00PM - 05:00PM CNPS SCV Board Meeting -- Annual Budget Meeting |
Tue Mar 26 @ 6:00AM - 07:30PM Create a Pollinator Paradise in Your Garden, a talk by Brian Dirking |
Tue Mar 26 @ 7:00PM - 09:00PM Native Plant ID |
Thu Mar 28 @ 6:00PM - 07:30PM Ten Easy Steps to Creating a Bird- Friendly Garden, a talk by Vivian Neou |
Fri Mar 29 @ 9:00AM - 12:00PM Friday Edgewood Restoration |