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 January 14, join Steve Rosenthal on a walk up the English Camp Trail to Church Hill, and back down via the Deep Gulch Trail. We expect to see scrub, chaparral, mixed evergreen forest, and riparian plant communities. The distance covered is 4 miles with 1,000’ of elevation gain/loss. Strenuous due to elevation gain.

Contact Steve at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Directions: Almaden Quicksilver County Park is located at 21785 Almaden Road in San Jose. See the Meetup listing for details. We’ll meet at the Hacienda Entrance to the park. Parking is free.