South San Francisco, CA April 7, 2017 by Del Schemari
Hey Neighbors!
This is a great time to hike! I saw 5 or so Mission Blue Butterflies in Buckeye Canyon last Friday (they should be making their way to Sign Hill by now). Join me on this April 8th field trip – Doug gives enjoyable, informative hikes.
California Native Plant Society field trip
APRIL 8, SATURDAY 10am- 1pm
San Bruno Mountain: Saddle, Old Guadalupe and Bog Trails
Leader: Doug Allshouse
Lets start the spring with an easy walk around the saddle and bog, a 2.6-mile sojourn with bay, San Francisco and ocean views. It features grasslands, mono-cultures of gorse, a eucalyptus plantation, the headwaters of Colma Creek, and a rare upland wetland. The area is rich in plant species and its eastern grasslands share plant species common to the southeast portion of the mountain such as coast iris and purple needlegrass. We should see golden violet and silver lupine, the host plants for the endangered Callippe Silverspot and Mission Blue butterflies. There is also the rare Franciscan paintbrush and johnny-tuck, an owls clover similar to butter-and-eggs in the genus Triphysaria. As the name implies, the bog is a wetland with sky lupine, sedges, rushes, cow parsnip, willows, and creek dogwood. It
may still be a bit wet after winter and spring rains so wear appropriate shoes. Bring layers because the saddle may be windy, but the bog is
generally sheltered.
There is a $6 fee for park admission payable at the ranger kiosk. Meet in the main lot just past the kiosk. Heavy rain postpones until April 15. For questions, call or text 415-269-9967 or email [email protected]..
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South San Francisco resident Del Schembari is a founding member of the San Bruno Mountain Watch Conservancy, Friends of Sign Hill and the San Francisco Peninsula Open Space Coalition and spends his time between advocacy work and outdoor excursions.