Exploring Flicker Ridge
Details
Exploring Flicker Ridge: An unusual knobcone pine forest, redwoods, and chaparral abloom in the Oakland Hills
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 10 am to 2 pm
Leader: Kurt Rademacher
Straddling a ridge in the Oakland Hills are some isolated stands of knobcone pines, beneath which bright yellow bush poppy and magenta chaparral pea blossoms accent the brittle-leaf manzanita-covered slopes in late spring. As a classic, short-lived “fire pine,” these knobcones arose following a fire well over a century ago, and hardly warrant the word “stand” now. Come discover how a new, vigorous forest of mixed-age pines is arising among these leaning matriarchs in the absence of fire.
For several years in the 1960s, Kurt monitored a transect of 34 weather stations across three parallel ridges and valleys here, comparing north- and south-facing slopes, different geology and soil types, and various vegetation types—from pine and redwood forests to grasslands, chaparral, and oak-madrone woodlands. These micro-climatic data provided insight for U.C. forest ecology field classes to understand why various plants grow where they do.
On our hike along part of this transect, we’ll experience these same factors and share some of the data and conclusions on how they relate to plant succession and the vegetation patterns we see on the land today. Among other interesting species, we might even find the root-parasitic groundcone (Kopsiopsis strobilacea) rearing its bizarrely beautiful head beneath the chaparral! Come join us for a special opportunity to explore these parts of East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) watershed lands which are not ordinarily open to the public. Our hike will be approximately 2 miles, rising 500 feet on moderate trails with occasional loose footing.
Directions: Meet us at the “EBMUD Valle Vista Staging Area” on Canyon Road, 1.2 miles SW from Moraga Way in Moraga. This location is known in GPS devices.
Bring: Water, a snack/lunch. Dress in layers. Hiking poles if desired. No pets. Rain cancels. Check Meetup for notification.
- If you have not done so already, please sign the CNPS Marin 2026
Waiver - Practice clean trail etiquette. Pocket Guide - Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers
Email Ann Elliott with any questions. Text for day-of-trip questions or issues: 530-521-4402
Limit of 20 attendees.