CNPS San Diego: Field Trip

Field Trips

We try to carpool and caravan from easy-to-find urban meeting places, encouraging newcomers and
old friends to come explore our glorious wild plant places with us.

Heavy rain cancels all field trips.

Always wear sturdy shoes, bring water, wear sunscreen, etc

February 19, 2012
Sunday

Upper Reaches of Tecolote Canyon

CNPS Member's Field Trip
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Leader - Jim Roberts

This walk will look at plants in several near-coastal riparian and upland plant communities.
Over 100 native taxa, as well as an array of non-native plants, including several recently recognized as invasive species, are found in the six-plus miles of canyon contained within the Tecolote Canyon preserve/open space in the City of San Diego.
Some of the unusual species we expect to see on this walk are Hazardia berberidis, Solidago velutina, Schoenoplectus sp., Sesbania punicea, Lathyrus odorata, and Eriogonum elongatum.

The walk will be set up with a shuttle, so we can walk the three mile route at leisure and not have to hurry and backtrack.
Meet in the parking lot in Mt Etna Neighborhood Park, in the 4700 block of Mt Etna Drive just east of John Muir School.
We will leave half of the cars there, and ride-share to the canyon trailhead on the west side of Genesee Avenue at Chateau Drive. There is street parking on Chateau Drive and a traffic light for pedestrian crossing of Genesee Avenue.
Map it !
We will be mostly on good trails, with some easy stream crossings and a short section of narrow trail over a steep hill.
Wear good walking shoes, sun protection, bring water. A restroom is located at the Park (start and finish).

CNPS members may bring a guest, and non-members may join CNPS at the beginning of the walk.

Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org, and note how many people will be in your group.
Please leave your cell phone number, too, so the trip organizer can contact you at the last minute if need arises.
Rain at 8 AM cancels the trip

Bring a friend!

February 5, 2012
Sunday

Tecolote Canyon

Plant Walk
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Meet at the Tecolote Nature Center

Exit Interstate 5 east at SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road; continue past the cul de sac to the
Tecolote Nature Center at the end of the parking lot (Thomas Guide 1268 E2).
Bay Park

Map it !

Learn plant lore in Tecolote Canyon on a walk with a CNPS member/leader.
Exploring at a liesurely pace will allow lots of information about the flora of this urban canyon to be shared.
Free and open to the public.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

January 8, 2012
Sunday

Tecolote Canyon

Plant Walk
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Meet at the Tecolote Nature Center

Exit Interstate 5 east at SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road; continue past the cul de sac to the
Tecolote Nature Center at the end of the parking lot (Thomas Guide 1268 E2).
Bay Park

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

December 4, 2011
Sunday

Tecolote Canyon

Plant Walk
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Meet at the Tecolote Nature Center

Exit Interstate 5 east at SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road; continue past the cul de sac to the
Tecolote Nature Center at the end of the parking lot (Thomas Guide 1268 E2).
Bay Park

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

November 13, 2011
Sunday

Middle Tecolote Canyon

Plant Walk
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Meet at the developed parking lot and trailhead on Acworth Ave. just west of Fox Run (Thomas Guide 1268 H5).
Directions: take Genessee West road between Hwy 163 and Balboa Drive to the signal on Boyd Drive and go approx. 1/3 mile west, just past the Fox Run condominium development.
If you get to the stop at Mt. Acadia you went 1/4 mile too far.

Map it !

A relaxed opportunity to see the midsection of Tecolote Canyon, where member Jim Roberts has found 140 species, including many that are not seen in the lower part of Tecolote Canyon.
This will be the first of several walks to observe parts of this six-mile long urban canyon that can't be reached in a morning walk from the Nature Center at the mouth of the canyon.

Wear sun protection and comfortable walking shoes, bring water. No restrooms.

November 6, 2011
Sunday

Tecolote Canyon

Plant Walk
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Meet at the Tecolote Nature Center

Exit Interstate 5 east at SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road; continue past the cul de sac to the
Tecolote Nature Center at the end of the parking lot (Thomas Guide 1268 E2).
Bay Park

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

October 22, 2011
Saturday

Cedar Ridge Park

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Elizabeth Wilkinson and Paul Hormick

From 805 exit on El Cajon Blvd. and head west.
Turn left on 30th Street, heading south. Turn left on Juniper and go to the end.
Turn south on Pentuckett Ave and continue to the end of the street.
Meet at the end of Pentuckett Ave. (Thomas Guide 1289, F2) 619-297-2957.

October 8, 2011
Saturday

San Elijo Lagoon

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Adrienne Heinzelman and Michael Murphy

Interstate 5 to Lomas Santa Fe exit; go east on Lomas Santa Fe.
Turn left on Highland Drive (a 4-way stop).
Turn left on El Camino Real. Pull into the parking area on the left side before the 90-degree bend in the road
(Thomas Guide 1147 J5) 858-663-1497.

October 2, 2011
Sunday

Tecolote Canyon

Plant Walk
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Meet at the Tecolote Nature Center

Exit Interstate 5 east at SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road; continue past the cul de sac to the
Tecolote Nature Center at the end of the parking lot (Thomas Guide 1268 E2).
Bay Park

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

September 10, 2011
Saturday

Guajome Park

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Adrienne Heinzelman and Michael Murphy

Interstate 5 to Route 76 east. Turn off and head south on Guajome Lake Road.

The park will be on your right. Go past the main entrance and park near second entrance next to big field adjacent to the main park. (Thomas Guide 1067 D7).

Map it !

September 4, 2011
Sunday

Tecolote Canyon

Plant Walk
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Meet at the Tecolote Nature Center

Exit Interstate 5 east at SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road; continue past the cul de sac to the
Tecolote Nature Center at the end of the parking lot (Thomas Guide 1268 E2).
Bay Park

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

August 27, 2011
Saturday

Sweetwater Interpretive Trail/Old Steel Bridge

Hike with a Ranger from the Federal Wildlife Service
8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

This hike over mostly flat terrain will take you along the Sweetwater River and the habitat of the endangered Least Bell’s vireo.

Keep your eyes open for newly hatched horned lizards along the way.
Bring plenty of water, hat, sunscreen and maybe binoculars!
Please call to RSVP and for more info: Lisa_Cox@fws.gov or (619) 575‐2704 X 316

August 13, 2011
Saturday

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Efforts to Improve Mixed Conifer Forest Regeneration in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

9:00am - 3:00pm

CA State Park reforestation expert Mike Wells will lead a trip to view several large sites in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park to observe and discuss the Park's efforts to improve post-fire regeneration of the mixed conifer forests within the 25,000-acre Park.
Three staff are available to drive three off-road vehicles. With that number, a maximum of nine CNPS members may attend.
However, if a CNPS member has a 4WD with high clearance, an additional four members (or however many that vehicle could carry) would be able to come.
The group will meet at 9 AM near Lake Cuyamaca.
Bring water, lunch, and sun protection, and wear long pants and good hiking boots.
You must RSVP if you want to attend, since the group will be small.
RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org
When you RSVP, you will receive a map to the meeting place.
You will also receive links to several studies that form the conceptual basis for the Park's efforts. You will get a lot more out of the field trip if you read these studies prior to going.
We need a minimum of five attendees to have the trip. If you are not a member you may join at the meeting point if you join CNPS at that time. Please bring the membership form (see www.cnpssd.org) and a check made out to CNPS at the appropriate level.
Ride-sharing will be arranged if possible. Please state if you would like to meet others at 7:45 AM at either the Poway Park'n'Ride at Sabre Springs and Poway Road, or the Park'nRide near El Cajon at the exit Severin/Fuerte I-8.
The chances are small, but heavy rain and flash flood warnings on Saturday at 8AM will cancel the trip.

August 7, 2011
Sunday

Tecolote Canyon

Plant Walk
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Meet at the Tecolote Nature Center

Exit Interstate 5 east at SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road; continue past the cul de sac to the
Tecolote Nature Center at the end of the parking lot (Thomas Guide 1268 E2).
Bay Park

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

July 3, 2011
Sunday

Tecolote Canyon

Plant Walk
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Meet at the Tecolote Nature Center

Exit Interstate 5 east at SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road; continue past the cul de sac to the
Tecolote Nature Center at the end of the parking lot (Thomas Guide 1268 E2).
Bay Park

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

May 22, 2011
Sunday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
East Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve, Julian

Each CNPS member may also bring a guest.
A non-guest who is not a member may join CNPS at the beginning of any field trip, by filling out a
membership form and providing payment by check made out to CNPS for their selected membership level.
Everyone should have sun protection, good hiking shoes, water, a bring lunch if all-day, or trail snacks if part-day.
Rain at 8 AM will cancel the field trip.

This year CNPS members (and guests) will explore the far eastern part of the Santa Ysabel Preserve near Julian (If you are not a member of CNPS or a guest, you may join at the trailhead at the appropriate membership rate.)

The eastern part of this huge county preserve is high elevation chaparral and oak woodland that was burned in 2003 and is recovering vigorously. In the part we will explore, small tributaries carve the west face of Volcan Mountain into steep gullies, with varied exposure and plants to match. The trail then ascends into the headwaters of the San Diego River, much of which was spared in the 2003 fires and is graced by some enormous Quercus engelmannii and Q. kelloggii (Engelmann and Black Oaks.)

We will walk two miles or farther into the preserve, have lunch, and return to the trailhead. We may have some help identifying plants from parabotanists who have collected specimens for the Natural History Museum in this area. Big meadows in the far westerly end may be a sea of blooming native perennials if our timing is good, proving that cattle grazing can be compatible with native plants if they are managed well.

Meet 10:00 at “Farmers” trailhead. Take Highway 78/79 into Julian, to Main Street. Going north, Main Street turns into Farmer Road. Take Farmer Road to Wynola Road and turn right, then a quick left back on to Farmer Road. Pass the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve sign on your right. Santa Ysabel Preserve will be on the left side, approximately one mile from the Volcan sign. Parking is available in the staging area.

To ride share to the trailhead from central San Diego: Meet 9 AM at the Park’n’Ride parking lot just off Sabre Springs Road and Poway Road. From I-15 take Poway Road east ¼ mile, turn left (north) on Sabre Springs Rd., then left at the first signal into the shopping center. The driveway slopes down; turn right into the lot and meet others.

Wear long sleeves so you won’t be nicked by an unruly twig; have sun protection, and bring water and lunch. Binoculars are a bonus.
Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org
Leave your cell phone number and group size, and please tell us if you intend to meet at the Poway park’n’ride or at Farmer’s trailhead.

May 14, 2011
Saturday

Tecolote Canyon

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Paul Hormick

Meet at the Tecolote Nature Center

Exit Interstate 5 east at SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road; continue past the cul de sac to the
Tecolote Nature Center at the end of the parking lot (Thomas Guide 1268 E2).
Bay Park

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

May 8, 2011
Sunday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
Botanize Crestridge Ecological Reserve

9:00 am - 12:00 noon

Leader: Cathy Chadwick

Each CNPS member may also bring a guest.
A non-guest who is not a member may join CNPS at the beginning of any field trip, by filling out a
membership form and providing payment by check made out to CNPS for their selected membership level.
Everyone should have sun protection, good hiking shoes, water, a bring lunch if all-day, or trail snacks if part-day.
Rain at 8 AM will cancel the field trip.

Second chance!
Last year CNPS members (and their guests) were welcomed to Crestridge Ecological Reserve by Cathy Chadwick, the director of the Reserve’s Earth Discovery Institute. We were introduced to some of the habitats of the approximately 3000 acre Reserve.
We're returning this year to explore several more miles of this terrific site. We'll head for the areas thought to have the widest diversity on the day of the walk. The terrain is hilly, and some of the trails are single-track with irregular footing, but the pace will be slow.
Crestridge is bordered by Interstate 8 on the north and west and the community of Crest on the south and east. Vegetation includes relict and restored grasslands, oak woodland (including Engelmann oaks), riparian woodland, coastal sage scrub, and a rich variety of chaparral species including the spectacular, scarce, CNPS-listed1B.2 Ceanothus cyaneus.
Other rare species includeAcanthomentha ilicifolia, Horkelia truncate and Selaginella cinerascens.
These plants are under the stewardship of the California Department of Fish and Game.
Meet at 9 AM at the end of Horsemill Rd. To get there: from I-8 east of El Cajon, take the Greenfield exit east, proceed 1/2 mile then turn left on La Cresta Rd. Approx 3.5 miles at top of grade, turn left on Mountain View Rd. Proceed 1 mile, turn left on Horsemill Rd and continue 1/2 mile to the preserve entrance at the end.
Have good walking shoes, sun protection, long pants and sleeves, water, and snacks or a lunch. Following the field trip you are welcome to spend all or part of the afternoon exploring other trails within the Reserve.

Please provide a cell phone number and the number in your group.
Rain at 8 AM will cancel the field trip. Non-members who attend and are not guests are invited to join CNPS.

Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org and give your cell phone number and the number in your group.
Non-members who are not members' guests may join CNPS at the trailhead.

May 7, 2011
Saturday

Batiquitos Lagoon

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Adrienne Heinzelman and Michael Murphy

Meet at Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane.
From I-5 take exit 45 for Poinsettia Ln toward Aviara Pkwy. Turn right at Poinsettia Ln. Take the 2nd right onto Batiquitos Dr.
Take the 1st right onto Gabbiano Ln. Park at the end of the street (Thomas Guide 1127 A7)

May 1, 2011
Sunday

Tecolote Canyon

Public Field Trip
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Kay Stewart

Urban canyons have surprises, as you will see by the plants we encounter in this pocket of wild in the city.
We take a relaxed pace.

Exit Interstate 5 east at SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road; continue past the cul de sac to the
Tecolote Nature Center at the end of the parking lot (Thomas Guide 1268 E2).
Bay Park

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Rain at 8:00am cancels.

April 30, 2011
Saturday

47th Street Canyon

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Deborah Benson and Elizabeth Wilkinson

Meet just north of the City Farms Nursery at the intersection of Euclid Ave. and Home Ave.
From the 15 Freeway take the University Ave. exit heading east. Turn right on Euclid, heading south.
The nursery and canyon will be on the right. Street parking is available. Do not park at the nursery (Thomas Guide 1269 J7) 619-993-9653.

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Come and enjoy our native flora on one of great hikes in April.
With all the spring rain, we should have some beautiful and fragrant blossoms.
Bring a friend.
He or she might be interested in joining CNPS.

April 17, 2011
Sunday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
Rattlesnake Canyon in Poway

9:00 am - 12:00 noon

Botanical Leader: Kirsten Winter, Cleveland Forest Biologist

Each CNPS member may also bring a guest.
A non-guest who is not a member may join CNPS at the beginning of any field trip, by filling out a
membership form and providing payment by check made out to CNPS for their selected membership level.
Everyone should have sun protection, good hiking shoes, water, a bring lunch if all-day, or trail snacks if part-day.
Rain at 8 AM will cancel the field trip.

Botanist Kirsten Winter will lead CNPS members (and their guests) around this scenic canyon in Poway.
This area supports coastal sage scrub, coast live oak woodland, and non-native grassland and a great array of spring wildflowers.
Much of the area burned in the Cedar Fire of 2003 and the Witch Fire of 2007, so we may still see some fire-followers such as Whispering Bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora), Phacelias, and California Poppy (Eschscholtzia californica).
Other species of interest include Stinging Lupine (Lupinus hirsutissimus), Copperleaf (Acalypha californica), Odora (Porophyllum gracilis), and Owl's Clover (Castilleja exserta).
There is a lot of birdlife in the canyon so please bring binoculars if you wish.

Rattlesnake Creek is part of the upper watershed for Penasquitos Canyon.
Part of Rattlesnake Canyon has been preserved through the Poway Multiple Species Conservation Plan.
We will be walking about 2 miles on trails and old roads.
The terrain is gentle, but the trails are rough after the recent rains and there is poison oak in some areas.
Please wear long pants and sturdy hiking shoes. Please bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.
Please meet at the Poway DMV at 13359 Poway Road.
Google and other online tools usually do not map this office correctly, follow these directions: From I-15, take Poway Road east about 4 miles to Community Road. Turn left (north) on Community Road then after about 1/2 block turn right into the Walmart parking lot. The DMV is in the small shopping complex at the northwest corner of the parking lot. We will leave some cars here and rideshare to the trailhead.

Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org and give your cell phone number and the number in your group.
Non-members who are not members' guests may join CNPS at the trailhead.

April 16, 2011
Saturday

Buchanan Canyon

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Paul Hormick

From 163 take the Washington Street exit and head east on Washington.
At the second light make a left onto Lincoln Ave. Turn right on Johnson and go 100 feet.
Park along Johnson Ave. (Thomas Guide 1269 B5) The first 100 feet of this hike has some very steep sections. Sturdy shoes are recommended. The trail also comes close to patches of poison oak. 619-297-2957.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

April 10, 2011
Sunday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
Rarely visited places in Deerhorn Valley

8:45 am - 4:00 pm

CNPS Member Leaders: Don and Jan Maxted

Each CNPS member may also bring a guest.
A non-guest who is not a member may join CNPS at the beginning of any field trip, by filling out a
membership form and providing payment by check made out to CNPS for their selected membership level.
Everyone should have sun protection, good hiking shoes, water, a bring lunch if all-day, or trail snacks if part-day.

Rain at 8 AM cancels the field trip.

CNPS Members Don and Jan Maxted will guide us to private places in the hills and valleys SE of Alpine, with member-botanists to assist in plant identification. CNPS members (and guests) will enjoy this visit to a wild and beautiful part of San Diego County. (If you are not a member of CNPS or a guest, you may join at the trailhead at the appropriate membership rate.)

Our first destination will be a leisurely three mile walk around the Deerhorn Valley drainage, where bobcats roam and plants have regenerated vigorously since the Harris Fire of 2007. This gently descending valley has habitats ranging from shady riparian areas to oak woodlands (four species of Quercus), exposed sunny slopes with many species of native shrubs including bush poppies, monkey flowers, and two species of Ceanothus. The array of perennials and annuals will challenge and delight the group.

After we have hiked this area, Don and Jan have invited us to their home on Sierra Cielo Lane where we’ll take a lunch break on the patio. Bathrooms and refills of water will be available. After lunch, we’ll ramble through a different area of the large acreage. This walk will take us up a steep trail edged by blooming Ceanothus, native bunch grasses and even some Cooper’s rein orchids.

Meet 8:45 at the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area on Honey Springs Rd (Thomas Guide 1313, E1). Directions: Take Hwy 805 south and exit Telegraph Canyon Rd. east (back under the 805). Go east (becomes Otay Lakes Rd.) past Otay Lakes. Turn left on Hsy 94 and then immediately right on Honey Springs Road, then turn left into the Hollenbeck reserve parking lot. Allow 45 minutes from downtown San Diego. The Maxteds will meet us there at 9 AM, and we will follow them to the site.

To ride share to the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area from central San Diego:
Meet 7:45 AM in Mission Valley at the Denny’s on Friar’s Road just east of 163.

Wear long sleeves & clothes that can take scratchy vegetation, have sun protection, poison oak protection, and bring water and lunch. Binoculars are a bonus. A maximum of 15 visitors can be accommodated due to the trail limitations, so be sure to send your reservation in soon. RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org Leave your cell phone number and group size, and if you intend to meet at the Denny’s or at Hollenbeck.

April 9, 2011
Saturday
Switzer Canyon
Public Field Trip
Led by Deborah Benson and Elizabeth Wilkinson
10:00 a.m. to noon

Meet at the canyon entrance on the corner of 28th and Maple from University Ave., following 28th south all the way to the end (at Maple).
From the south, take Pershing Drive or 30th Street north to Redwood, take Redwood to 28th, turn south along the east side of Balboa Park to the end. Parking is on the street (Thomas Guide 1269 D-7) 619-993-9653.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

April 3, 2011
Sunday

Tecolote Canyon

Public Field Trip
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Kay Stewart

Urban canyons have surprises, as you will see by the plants we encounter in this pocket of wild in the city.
We take a relaxed pace.

Exit Interstate 5 east at SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road; continue past the cul de sac to the
Tecolote Nature Center at the end of the parking lot (Thomas Guide 1268 E2).
Bay Park

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Rain at 8:00am cancels.

April 2, 2011
Saturday

Rueda Canyon

Public Plant Hike
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Adrienne Heinzelman and Michael Murphy

Exit I-15, east at Tierrasanta Blvd. Turn right on La Cuenta Drive.
Meet at the south field of Roadrunner Park, just after Farb Middle School (Thomas Guide 1249 H3) 858-663-1497

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

March 26, 2011
Saturday

Cedar Ridge Park

Public Plant Hike
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Deborah Benson and Elizabeth Wilkins

From 30th Street in South Park, turn east on Juniper, continue to end and turn south on Pentuckett Ave., continue to end of street.
Meet at the end of Pentuckett Ave. (Thomas Guide 1289 F2) 619-993-9653.

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

Along with the wildflowers, spring brings our public plant hikes. We have a variety of interesting hikes this year, all lead by knowledgable veteran hike leaders. Everyone is welcome to attend these hikes, CNPS members and nonmembers alike. Find a hike close to your neighborhood, bring and friend, and enjoy.

March 13, 2011
Sunday

CNPS Members only

Field Trip
9:30am - 4:00pm
Plum Canyon Wild Flower Walk in Anza Borrego
Desert State Park
Larry Hendrickson - Botanist, Field Trip Leader

The early settlers named this gorgeous canyon for its “plums” which are known today as desert apricots.
With Larry Hendrickson, botanist, as our field trip leader, CNPS members and their guests will explore several miles of Plum Canyon from sunny alluvial lowlands on upstream into a shady tributary canyon, with a side trip to a spectacular cactus garden above the alluvial plain.
If you are not a member nor a guest, you can join CNPS at the trailhead and join the outing.
Meet 9:30 AM at the intersection of State HWY 78 and County HWY S-2 (San Felipe Road) (Thomas Guide 410 A-11).
S-2 joins 78 for several hundred yards at this junction.
Larry will be parked just south of 78 on the west side of S-2.
From there we will caravan to the trailhead about ten miles farther to the trailhead.
The hike will be six to seven miles, moderately long though slow!
Bring several quarts of water and lunch, and wear long pants, good walking shoes, and have good sun protection.
Binoculars are a plus.
After the hike, we will spend a half hour or so removing the invasive Saharan mustard (Brassica tournefortii) at the trailhead.
Bring hoes, or other weeding tools and gloves if you would like to help.
If you want to caravan or ride-share from the San Diego coastal area,
meet 7:45 AM at the Park'n'Ride by Saber Springs Road and Poway Road. From I-15, take Poway Road east, turn left on Sabre Springs Road, then first left into the shopping center driveway, and turn into the right-hand parking lot
(Thomas Guide 1189 H-6) at the bottom of the short hill.
RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org.
Please let us know how many will be coming, and provide a cell phone number.
Please also say if you plan to meet at S-2 crossing in the desert OR at the Sabre Springs park'n'ride near I-15.
Rain on the coast or mountains will NOT cancel this trip; it is unlikely to rain in Plum Canyon.

March 12, 2011
Saturday

Florida Canyon

Public Plant Hike
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Paul Hormick

From Park Boulevard, turn east on Morley Field Drive; just past Florida Drive, turn right into the parking lot.
Meet at the end of the parking lot on the west side of the tennis courts by the water fountain (Thomas Guide 1269 C6) 619-297-2957.

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

March 6, 2011
Sunday
CNPS Members only

Flora of the Santa Margarita River Valley in Fallbrook

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Led by Gail DeLalla

A rare opportunity to access this section of the Santa Margarita River about two miles downriver from the Santa Margarita Ecological Preserve has been offered by chapter member Sue Jackson, whose property provides a trailhead.
CNPS members (and their guests) will be aided by the keen eyes of botanist Gail DeLalla as we observe the effects of the 2007 Fallbrook Fire and this winter’s flooding.
We’ll see recovering chaparral and oak trees, washed-out riparian areas where the river changed course, and the sturdy native perennials and wildflowers that survived nature’s wrath.
The moderate walk of 3-1/2 miles round trip will lead down a small canyon to the river, where we will study plants along the river for a mile or more, before returning uphill on a trail that ascends above the river.
This upland area is recovering well from the 2007 fire and may still have some fire followers in evidence.
If you are not a CNPS member or a member’s guest, you may join CNPS at the trailhead.
Meet at 9 AM at the home of Sue and Tony Jackson, 1813 Mil Sorpresas Drive, Fallbrook.
First part of directions: coming from I-15, take Fallbrook/Mission Road, exit 51. Turn left on Old Highway 395, go over interstate, then turn right onto Mission Road for 2.4 miles; then see the second part of directions below; OR, coming from Oceanside, take Hwy 76 east, turn left onto Mission Road In Bonsall, then after 4.8 miles, turn right at Fallbrook High School on South Stagecoach Lane for 3.1 miles. (name becomes North Stagecoach Lane.) Turn right on Mission Road and continue one mile.
Second part of directions: Turn north from Mission Road onto Riverview Drive for .4 mile. Turn left on Mil Sorpresas Drive for .3 mile to reach 1813, the last house on street.
If you want to ride share from south or central San Diego, meet at the Denny’s on Friars Road just east of I-163 at 7:45 AM. Since parking is limited at the Jackson’s, ride sharing is encouraged.
Wear good hiking shoes, and bring water, snack, sunscreen, hat, and hand lens if you have one.
Restrooms will be available at the beginning and end of the walk, with a rustic privacy stop en route where conditions permit.
RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org and leave your cell phone number, the number in your party, and whether you plan to meet at the Denny’s or at the Jackson’s home.

March 5, 2011
Saturday

Carmel Mountain Preserve

Public Plant hike
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Adrienne Heinzelman and Michael Murphy

Interstate 5 to Carmel Valley exit east. Turn south, or right on El Camino Real. This turns into Carmel Mountain Road.
Continue on Carmel Mountain Road and turn left on East OceanAir Drive.
The street dead ends at Fairport Way. Turn left and park.
The trailhead is at the edge of the park (Thomas Guide 1208 C2) 858-663-1497.

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

November 7, 2010
Saturday

Tecolote Canyon

Public Field Trip
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Kay Stewart

Urban canyons have surprises, as you will see by the plants we encounter in this pocket of wild in the city.
We take a relaxed pace.

Exit Interstate 5 east at SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road; continue past the cul de sac to the
Tecolote Nature Center at the end of the parking lot (Thomas Guide 1268 E2).
Bay Park

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Rain at 8:00am cancels.

Bring a friend!

September 5, 2010
Sunday

Elfin Forest Preserve

Walkabout with Rick Halsey
9:00 a.m. until about 12:00 noon

We will meet at the visitor center and then head up the hill on a good trail for a leisurely 2hr+ excursion.
Bring water, a hat, your journal, camera, good hiking shoes, and anything else you usually would bring along on a morning walk.
Details about and directions to the Elfin Forest can be found here:
Click here !

Walkabout's Theme: Evolution - in the chaparral and beyond.

The Walkabout is free, but if you intend to come along, please send us an RSVP.
Looking forward to seeing you, Rick

This event is not a CNPS Event
Rick Halsey is a longtime member and often a speaker at our Chapter meetings.

May 22, 2010
Saturday

Torrey Pines Extension

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Adrienne Heinzelman and Dave Flietner

Exit I-5 west at Del Mar Heights; left on Mar Scenic Drive. Meet at the end of Mar Scenic Dr.
(Thomas Guide 1187–H6). Del Mar

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

May 16, 2010
Sunday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
Poway Grasslands

9:00 am - 12:00 noon

Botanical Leader: Kirsten Winter, Cleveland Forest Biologist

One of the great benefits of CNPS membership is going to wildlands and learning from experts how to identify the native plants growing there.
Each CNPS member may also bring a guest.
A non-guest who is not a member may join CNPS at the beginning of any field trip, by filling out a
membership form and providing payment by check made out to CNPS for their selected membership level.
Everyone should have sun protection, good hiking shoes, water, a bring lunch if all-day, or trail snacks if part-day.

At the foot of Mount Woodson a small valley fans out toward the west withsome of the prettiest grasslands remaining on the foothills.
Most grasslands have been lost to housing tracts, but Kirsten will share one that remains with us.

The trip will feature native grassland, coastal sage scrub, spring wildflowers, and local succulents, such as coast barrel cactus (Ferocactus
viridescens) and possibly variegated live-forever (Dudleya variegata).

These grasslands sustain both perennial bunch and sod grasses and annual grasses, as well as flowering forbs and bulbs.
The temperature and rainfall in any given year dictate how long grasslands will flower before going to seed.
We hope that mid-May will be a great time to find many species in both seed and in flower.
Bring a hand lens to study the beautiful, almost microscopic, parts that distinguish one taxon of grass from another.

Meet at 9 a.m. at 12951 Metate Lane, east of Palomar Road, by the Palomar Family Counseling Center.
From I-15, go east on Poway Road to Pomerado Road; south on Pomerado Road to Metate Lane;
east on Metate Lane to the parking area.
The parking area is on the south side of Metate Lane about a mile west of its intersection with Community Road. Thos Bros p 1190, E5.

Come prepared with sun protection, comfortable shoes, and water.

If you are not yet a CNPS member you may join at the beginning of the field trip.
Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org, and please include your cell phone number.

May 15, 2010
Saturday

Tecolote Canyon

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Frank Landis and Deborah Benson

Exit Interstate 5 east at SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road; continue past the cul de sac to the
Tecolote Nature Center at the end of the parking lot (Thomas Guide 1268 E2).
Bay Park

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

May 9, 2010
Sunday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
Upper Cedar Creek Gorge

9:30 am - 4:00 pm

Trail Guide: Cindy Buxton, a San Diego Sierra Club Hike Leader
Self-guided botanical ID

Cedar Creek is a perennial stream that cascades from William Heise County Park for 9 miles and spills over spectacular Cedar Falls to join the San Diego River. We will explore the upper reaches near Sunshine Mountain, starting from the trailhead used to access Eagle Pk.

We will view the forest recovery since the terrible 2003 Cedar fires, which were started nearby at Kessler Flat.
The group will conduct an informal plant survey as we walk at least three miles with significant elevation changes.
This route will include off-trail areas and will be a more challenging terrain.
The length of the hike will vary depending upon the interests of the group.
We might also explore the gorge from Boulder Creek Road at a place called the Dancehall.
We will use a plant list derived from the San Diego Natural History Museum Plant Atlas database as a guide for our plant identification.

Meet 9 a.m. at the I-8/SR-79 Park'n'Ride at the Japatul/SR-79/Descanso exit.
We will caravan a long way up Boulder Creek Road to arrive at the trailhead around 9:30.
Contact the field trip chair for more details.
For those who want to ride-share from coastal San Diego, meet at 8 a.m. at the I-8/Los Coches Road Park'n'Ride, near the WalMart.
Wear hiking boots, long sleeves & trousers, sun protection; bring lunch and water.

If you are not yet a CNPS member you may join at the beginning of the field trip.
Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org, and please include your cell phone number.

May 8, 2010
Saturday

Cedar Ridge

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Betsy Cory and Elizabeth Wilkinson

Meet at end of Pentuckett Ave. From 30th Street in South Park, turn east on Juniper,
continue to end and turn south on Pentuckett Ave., continue to end of street (Thomas Guide 1289, F2).
South Park

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

May 2, 2010
Sunday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
Crestridge Ecological Preserve
Lakeside Ceanothus (Ceanothus cyaneus)
&
Grassland Restoration

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Leaders: Botanist Patricia Gordon-Reedy and Preserve Director Cathy Chadwick

CNPS members and guests will be delighted to explore this 2600+-acre California state fish and game preserve
in the rocky foothills east of El Cajon.
The preserve protects a magnificent stand of Ceanothus cyaneus and Anthamintha ilicifolia.
Botanist Patricia Gordon-Reedy will guide our group to several sites, and Cathy Chadwick, director of the preserve's caretaker group, the Earth Discovery Institute, will be host for the afternoon.

We will walk the lower portions of the preserve to observe a five-acre native grassland restoration and then study a nearby mature Engelmann Oak grove, as well as other native plant associations nearby. Then we will caravan/drive to a trailhead to access a different part of the preserve on footpaths for the remainder of the day.

Meet at 1 PM at the entrance on Horsemill Rd. To get there: from I-8 east of El Cajon, exit on Greenfield Rd, proceed 1/2 mile then turn left on La Cresta Rd. Approx 3.5 miles turn left on Mountain View and proceed 1 mile, then left on Horsemill Rd and 1/2 mile to the preserve entrance at the end.

Map it !

Come prepared with sun protection, good hiking shoes shoes, water, snacks or lunch.

If you are not yet a CNPS member you may join at the beginning of the field trip.
Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org, and please include your cell phone number.

May 1, 2010
Saturday

47th Street Canyon

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Deborah Benson and Paul Hormick

From the 94 Freeway head north on Euclid. In about three miles Euclid bears to the left.
We meet just north of the intersection of Euclid and Home Avenues, just past the City Farmer’s Nursery (Thomas Guide 1269, J7).
City Heights

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

April 25, 2010
Sunday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
Old-growth Chaparral at Indian Flats, north of Warner Springs

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Leader: Director of California Chaparral Institute Rick Halsey

CNPS Members (and guests) will explore one of the best remaining old-growth stands of chaparral in San Diego County.
We will study the remarkable area around Indian Flats Campground, an infrequently visited gem within the Cleveland National Forest.
Although the campground is closed to camping this time of year, we can still enjoy the natural environment there during our visit.

We will botanize not only the red shanks/manzanita chaparral ecosystem, but also have an opportunity to discover grassland and riparian species. The East Fork of the San Luis Rey River runs nearby.
The route will cover a few miles of walking, starting along a small dirt road, taking several off-trail adventures over moderate terrain, and paying a visit to the small, boulder strewn river which should be filled with tadpoles and frogs.

Meet at Indian Flats Campground entrance at 10 AM. From I-15, take the most direct route to Santa Ysabel at the Hwy 78/79 intersection, then north on Hwy 79 past Warner Springs about 1.7 miles and turn right on Lost Creek Rd(Forest Road 9S05).
Take this good dirt road about 6.5 miles to Indian Flats campground.
An adventure pass is not required for parking in the campground, though is required elsewhere.

To ride-share from coastal San Diego, meet at 8:30 AM at the park'n'ride on Sabre Springs Road,
just north of Poway Road (Thomas Guide 1189 H6).
Make the first left into the shopping center driveway, and turn right into the north end of the shopping center lot.

Come prepared with sun protection, comfortable shoes, and water.

If you are not yet a CNPS member you may join at the beginning of the field trip.
Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org, and please include your cell phone number.

April 24, 2010
Saturday

Marion Bear Natural Memorial Park

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Frank Landis and Michael Murphy

From Highway 52, exit at Regents Road. Turn south, go 200 yards, turn right, drive to parking lot (Thomas Guide 1228, C7).

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

April 22, 2010
Thursday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
Miramar Vernal Pools and Mima Mounds

8:50 am - 12:00 noon

Leader: Marine Base Botanist JoEllen Kassebaum

CNPS members (and their guests) are invited for a rare close-up look at theplants of Miramar Mounds National Natural Landmark.
MCAS Miramar Botanist JoEllen Kassebaum, who has spent more than ten years working with the plant life of the Station, will interpret.

Located in the southern edge of MCAS Miramar, the Landmark sets aside approximately 400 acres of threatened vernal pool and mima mound topography that is home to the endangered San Diego mesa mint (Pogogyne abramsii) and
San Diego button celery (Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii).
We will compare adjacent pools and observe different species mixes. Between the pools, higher mima mounds support coastal sage scrub. Weather preceding will determine what will be in bloom.

Arrive no later than 8:50 AM.
From Highway 52 take Convoy Street north toward the landfill, and park in the lot right past the recycling center.
The group will ride-share in no more than 5 vehicles onto the base, and will leave the other vehicles in the lot.
The tour will cover a mile or so of cross-countrying on uneven footing, with very little elevation gain.
Though we will be welcome to photograph pools and plants.
Photography of aircraft, structures or military personnel is forbidden.

The field trip is limited to 20 participants.
Please RSVP by Monday, April 19th.
Please say if you have a high clearance vehicles and will be willing to drive.

If the Landmark route is not passable due to recent rains, a pool and mound complex that is not formally part of the Landmark but that has much of the features of the Landmark will be our destination.

Come prepared with sun protection, comfortable shoes, and water.

If you are not yet a CNPS member you may join at the beginning of the field trip.
Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org, and please include your cell phone number.

April 18, 2010
Sunday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
Gaskill Mountain and Deerhorn Valley Powerline Sites

8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Guides: Local Trail expert Cindy Buxton; Field Botanist Chezzie Brungraber

A string of south-eastern San Diego County mountains & canyons are natural treasures that
SDG&E's sunrise powerlink is planned to run right over.
Sierra Club's Cindy Buxton will be trail guide and Chezzie Brungraber, consulting botanist,
will help identify species for CNPS members (and guests).
We'll study powerline plans to see where pads and lines would be sited, to focus on plant conservation issues raised by SDG&E's plans.

First stop, a mile on lower Gaskill Peak, partly cross country on steep, uneven ground with a couple of boulder hops, to observe mature manzanita and a riparian area with very old mossy trees.
We'll then caravan to Deerhorn Valley to a "well-kept local secret" trail-head to walk along three-plus miles below Barber Mountain, graced with Mountain Misery, the pungent signature fragrance of the chaparral that Cindy calls "the smell of drought tolerance."
We'll cover 400 feet of elevation gain/loss to view Cottonwood Canyon, white granite boulders and plants along a gorgeous stream.
This is a trail the ancients took to their beloved Tecate Mountain, or Kuchama, as they called it.

We will meet at 8:30 AM at the heliport parking lot on Lyons Valley Road.
To get there. take Interstate -8 at Alpine exit, right on Tavern Road.
After three miles Tavern becomes Japatul Valley Road.
Continue nine miles (and a few jogs) and turn right on Lyons Valley Road.
After 1.7 miles the turnout for the heliport is near the fire station.

Map it !

Option: meet at the Tavern Road offramp just south of I-8 at 8:00 am.
Wear long sleeves & clothes that can take scratchy vegetation.

Map it !

Come prepared with sun protection, comfortable shoes, and water.

If you are not yet a CNPS member you may join at the beginning of the field trip.
Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org, and please include your cell phone number.

April 17, 2010
Saturday

Miramar Lake

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Adrienne Heinzelman and Dave Flietner

This plant walk is wheelchair accessible.
Exit I-15, go east at Mira Mesa Blvd; right on Scripps Ranch Blvd; left on Scripps Lake Drive.
Look for the Lake Miramar sign on the left.
Meet at eastern edge of Lake Miramar parking lot (Thomas Guide 1209-H3).

Map it !

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

April 11, 2010
Sunday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
Warner Springs Grasslands
9:00 am - 12:00 noon

and/or

Lower Santa Ysabel Preserve
12:00 noon to 3:00 pm

Leader - USFS Forest Biologist Kirsten Winter

This field trip will feature spring wildflowers and high-elevation grassland in north San Diego County. We will explore meadows along two to three miles of an easy section of the Pacific Crest trail and off trail sites. Species may include common meadow plants like Owl's Clover and Tidy Tips as well as the endemic Ranchita Lessingia (Lessingia glandulifera var. tomentosa) and some desert-type grasses such as Six Weeks Grama (Bouteloua barbata var. barbata) and Desert Needlegrass (Achnatherum speciosum).
Kirsten Winter, Forest Biologist for the Cleveland National Forest, will assist as we enjoy common and uncommon species likely to be seen.

We will meet at the Warner Springs California Department of Forestry Warner Community Resource parking lot
(Thomas Guide 409 K8)
at 9:00 AM.
Take State Route Hwy 79 north of Lake Henshaw and look for the parking lot on the west side of 79.
From there we will caravan to the trail head.
No passes are required.

To ride share from coastal San Diego, meet 8 AM at the park'n'ride on Saber Springs Road just north of Poway Road.
Turn left into the shopping center driveway, and turn right into the north end of the shopping center parking lot.

(After the grassland tour and brownbag lunch, some will head south ten miles
to spend time in the lower Santa Ysabel Preserve. The entry is on the east
side of State 79, 1/2 mile north of the 78/79 junction.)

If you are not yet a CNPS member you may join at the beginning of the field trip.
Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org, and please include your cell phone number.

April 10, 2010
Saturday

Bonita Long Canyon

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Betsy Cory and Elizabeth Wilkinson

From 805 take H street East for 4.3 miles.
Left turn on Corral Canyon Rd.
In 0.7 miles turn left onto Coltridge Lane.
The park is immediately on your right.
Over flow parking is on the street. (Thomas Guide 1311 C3).

Map it !

This hike will feature common native plants.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

March 27, 2010
Saturday

Penaquitos Canyon

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Frank Landis and Michael Murphy

Frank Landis and Michael Murphy will be your guides for a public field trip at Penasquitos Canyon
This hike will feature common native plants.

Meet at the western parking lot past the ball fields, next to the official bulletin board at the canyon preserve along Black Mountain Road. (Thomas Guide 1189 D7)

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

Bring a friend!

March 21, 2010
Sunday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
San Elijo Ecological Reserve

9:00 am - 12:00 noon

CNPS members and their guests will enjoy studying the coastal flora that is richly represented in the San Elijo Ecological Reserve, on the central San Diego County coastline. The 1,000+ acre preserve stretches from the cliffs bounding Solana Beach on its north boundary, and includes the saline estuary on the east side of I-5, and the brackish estuary that skirts Mira Costa College in east Cardiff.
Margaret Fillius, author of "Native Plants, Torrey Pines State Reserve and Nearby San Diego County Locations, 2nd Edition"
will help attendees identify plants.
Copies of her book will be available for purchase at the field trip.

Meet at 9 AM at the trailhead at the north end of N. Rios Avenue in Solana Beach.
Map it!
We will walk from one end of the preserve to the other, and back again, about four miles round trip.
Come prepared with sun protection, comfortable shoes, and water.

If you are not yet a CNPS member you may join at the beginning of the field trip.
Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org, and please include your cell phone number.

March 20, 2010
Saturday

Buchanan Canyon

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Deborah Benson and Paul Hormick

Deborah Benson and Paul Hormick will be your guides for a public field trip at Buchanan Canyon.
This hike will feature common native plants.

Meet along the canyon rim along Johnson Ave, Just past the intersection with Lincoln Ave. From 163 take the Washington Street exit and head east on Washington. At the second light make a left onto Lincoln Ave. Turn right on Johnson and go 100 feet. Park along Johnson Ave. (Thomas Guide 1269 B5).

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

March 14, 2010
Sunday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
Indian Gorge and Elephant Trees, Anza Borrego Desert State Park

10:00 am - 4:00 pm
San Diego CNPS members (and their guests) will explore Mountain Palm Springs and Torote Canyon
in the foothills of the Laguna Mountains in Anza Borrego Desert State Park.

Larry Hendrickson, botanist and Park Aide, will lead us to see stands of very rare
Bursera microphylla (Torote, or Elephant Tree) and palm oases.
We expect flowering shrubs, perennials and annuals to be in full bloom.

Meet at 10 AM at Indian Gorge Road turnoff from state highway S-2. This is approximately 30 miles south of the Hwy 78/ S-2 junction for those coming from the north through Julian or Warner Springs; or 18 miles north on S-2 from the I-8 exit at Ocotillo, for those coming from the south.
Map it !

From the S-2/Indian Gorge junction we will drive to the trailheads Larry chooses.
If we have enough high-clearance vehicles we can ride-share to drive farther. The walking will be moderate, with some inclines and rocky areas. Come prepared with sun protection, hiking boots, several quarts of water, and lunch.
Please also bring your favorite weeding tool, as Larry has mobilized people on prior trips to dig out any Saharan Mustard that we find.
The drive time from coastal San Diego is around 2 hours.

If you want to ride share from the coastal area meet at 8 AM at the Park&Ride at the I-8 Fuerte exit.
This is just past the 125 overpass, watch signs closely. Make a right turn at the signal at the top of the offramp to get to the Park&Ride lot.

If you are not yet a CNPS member you may join at the beginning of the field trip.
Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org, and please leave your cell phone number, and say if you plan to meet at the park&ride.

If north county members want to ride-share from a north rendezvous point, please say so and I'll help you coordinate with others.
**If it rains on the coast, we'll go anyway - but we will meet at 7:30 at the Park&Ride.
If you drive solo, leave 1/2 hour early and take it nice and easy.**

March 13, 2010
Saturday
Rueda Canyon

Public Field Trip
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Led by Adrienne Heinzelman and Dave Flietner

Adrienne Heinzelman and Dave Flietner will be your guides for a public field trip at Rueda Canyon.
This moderate hike will feature common native plants.

Meet at the end of Promesa Dr. Exit I-15 east at Clairemont Mesa Blvd; right at Promesa Ct., right on Promesa Dr. (Thomas Guide 1249-J1).

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

March 6, 2010
Saturday
Switzer Canyon
Public Field Trip
Led by Betsy Cory and Elizabeth Wilkinson
10:00 a.m. to noon

Betsy Cory and Elizabeth Wilkinson will be your guides for a public field trip at Switzer Canyon.
This moderate hike will feature common native plants.

Meet at the canyon entrance on the corner of 28th and Maple From University Ave., following 28th south all the way to the end (at Maple). From the south, take Pershing Drive or 30th Street north to Redwood, take Redwood to 28th, turn south along the east side of Balboa Park to the end. Parking is on the street (Thomas Guide 1269 D-7).

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Heavy rain cancels the event.

February 28, 2010
Sunday
Field Trip

CNPS Members only
Plants of the Northern Cleveland National Forest
Lower San Juan Trail, Orange County
Rain will cancel

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
San Diego CNPS members (and their guests) finally get to explore a bit of the alluring mountains
of Orange County east of the Tree of Life Nursery.
We will botanize along two miles or so of the lower San Juan Trail in the Cleveland National Forest, with the able leadership of botanist Fred Roberts. Fred is the author of Vascular Plants of Orange County, an Annotated Checklist(2008) and Illustrated Guide to the Oaks of the Southern Californian Floristic Province (1995), which will be available for purchase at the field trip.

Meet at 9 AM at the Park'n'ride in Oceanside on the west side of I-5.
Map it !
Take the Vista Way exit, turn right & cross the I-5, and the Park'n'ride is on the right (1928 South Morena St.)
From the east, SR78 becomes Vista Way where it crosses I-5.
From there we can ride-share or caravan.

About 13 miles east of San Juan Capistrano on the Ortega Highway, just before the San Juan Ranger Station, turn onto Hot Springs Canyon Road. The parking lot for the San Juan Trail is about a mile up this road.
A Forest Service Adventure Pass is needed to park at the trail-head.

We'll start walking by 10:15.
The trail, which is very popular with mountain bikers, starts in oak woodland but is mostly within sunny chaparral on the slopes with beautiful views and interesting plants in openings. Many species are likely to be flowering due to the coastal influence. After a gain of 800 feet elevation the trail reaches a ridgeline, where unusual soils support Orange Co.'s southernmost population of Nolina cismontana. We will eat lunch along the trail, and plan to return to the trail-head around 3 PM, and reach Oceanside between 4 and 4:30 PM.

Bring lunch, water, sun protection, and wear footwear suitable for rugged trails.

Please RSVP to fieldtrips@cnpssd.org by February 27 and please leave #1. your cell phone number with your message, and #2. if you intend to meet at the Park'n'ride or at the trail-head.
CNPS members may bring a guest. If you are not yet a member, you may join CNPS at the beginning of the trip.

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California Native Plant Society, San Diego Chapter
c/o San Diego Natural History Museum - P.O. Box 121390, San Diego, CA 92112-1390 - info@cnpssd.org