Join Don Thomas to see the rare List 1B Western leatherwood (Dirca occidentalis) in the Crystal Springs Watershed, along the Sawyer Camp Trail. This will be an easy slow-paced walk of about 5 miles round-trip, starting at the trailhead on Hillcrest and Highway 280, with a stop for lunch.

Dirca is one of the first plants to bloom each year, revealing its bright yellow hanging flowers from its bare winter branches. We will also walk to the Jepson Laurel which, at one time, was the largest bay tree in California. This tree has been declining for many years and many large branches have died and broken off. Now that the Jepson Laurel has been dethroned as the largest bay, a bay tree in Mendocino County holds that honor.

An additional small bonus trip for those interested will be to a section of the Watershed south of the Edgewood Triangle on Canada Road called Swiss Park. This tiny valley has Dirca on its north-facing slope and may connect with the Dirca population in Edgewood Park.

The trip is limited to 20 participants. To reserve a spot, get directions or more information, contact Don Thomas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..