Join Don Thomas to see the rare List 1B Western leatherwood (Dirca occ identalis) in the Crystal Springs Watershed, along the Sawyer Camp Trail. T his will be an easy slow-paced walk of about 5 miles round-trip, starting a t 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 y ellow hanging flowers from its bare winter branches. We will also walk to t he 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 l argest bay, a bay tree in Mendocino County holds that honor.
An addit ional small bonus trip for those interested will be to a section of the Wat ershed south of the Edgewood Triangle on Canada Road called Swiss Park. Thi s 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 particip ants. To reserve a spot, get directions or more information, contact Don Th omas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..