Plant Communities of the South Bay: A Plant Identification Walk for Beginners

Why do plants grow where they grow? In nature, plants grow in readily identifiable communities or associations united by location (soil, topography, and microclimate). Join Arvind Kumar and Ashok Jethanandani as we explore the common plant communities of the South Bay such as grassland, scrub, chaparral, oak woodland, mixed evergreen forest, and riparian. Beginners interested in plant identification are welcome; prior knowledge of native plants or botany is not required.

We will go up the Mayfair Ranch Trail and return via the Longwall Canyon Trail. The distance covered is 4.3 miles with 500’ of elevation gain. Expect to see oaks, bay laurel, madrone, bigberry manzanita, toyon, coffeeberry, buckeye, holly-leaved cherry, and snowberry. Beginners and enthusiasts alike are welcome; prior knowledge of native plants or botany is not required.

Meet in the preserve parking lot at 10 am. Bring a hat, water, a bag lunch, and your favorite trail accessories (camera/smartphone/hand lens/binoculars/field guide/none). Dress in layers, and appropriately for winter weather. Heavy rain cancels.

Directions: The preserve is located at 4289 Casa Loma Rd, Morgan Hill. From Hwy 101, take Bailey Ave west. After 3 miles, turn left on McKean Rd. After 2.4 miles, turn right on Casa Loma RD. In 1.7 miles, arrive at the preserve gate. If the main lot is full, continue along Casa Loma RD to the overflow lot. We’ll meet in the parking lot at 10 am.