SWAP Presents: Walking Backwards to the Future

Walking Backwards to the Future

July 20, 9:30 a.m.

Ecologist Les Bowker wants us to experience plant succession in the Elfin Forest. We will follow him westward along the boardwalk from 15th Street until we are surrounded by plants of the Coastal Dune Scrub. Then we’ll turn around and walk eastward until we can observe that the types of plants around us have changed; we’ll see Ceanothus shrubs, Chamise and Manzanita. Now we are in Maritime Chaparral. Heading down (north) along the boardwalk from the Highest Point, we enter the area where Coast live oak trees are dominant – the climax community of the Elfin Forest. Heading into what is called the Celestial Meadow, but is no longer a meadow, Les will talk about plant succession that is happening before our eyes. Join Les for this fascinating blow-by-blow description of Elfin Forest ecology.

Walks in the Elfin Forest begin at times stated above. Park at the north end of 15th Street (16th Street for wheelchairs) off Santa Ysabel in Los Osos. Walks begin on the boardwalk at the end of the 15th Street path. Wear comfortable shoes, long sleeves and pants to avoid poison oak and mosquitoes. Please park carefully, avoiding driveways and mailboxes. Please leave pets at home. The easy paced walks last 1-1/2 to 2 hours. For more information call (805) 528-0392.