Quail Hollow: Unique sand hill ecosystem [Ben Lomond]

Join us for a trip into one of our rare Sandhill ecosystems. The terrain and views are quite nice, but not as spectacular as the natural history and flora. The pygmy redwood forest is fascinating, while the tiny fern that saved us from the age of dinosaurs and fever swamps at the poles is mind blowing.

This is a relatively gentle hike, so those who want to stop for a quick photo or plant ID will be able to stop briefly and then catch up with the group.
3 to 4 miles, 600’ elevation (map).

Parking does get quite full on weekends, so carpooling recommended!

Natural history: "The Sandhills–exposed remnants of an ancient seabed now four miles from shore. Here in the Sandhills, an ecosystem has developed that is remarkably different from the surrounding habitats of mixed evergreen forest, with plants and animals that have evolved to survive in the porous, nutrient-lean sandy soil. Some of those creatures are found nowhere else in the world. And ponderosa pines grow here but are virtually never seen elsewhere in California at such low elevations. Once covering 6,000 to 7,000 acres, the Sandhills are now down to 4,000 (including only 2,500 that are completely undeveloped), displaced by home building, mining, and the introduction of nonnative animals and plant like acacia. Today the Sandhills, once contiguous, are cut into several fragments, owned and managed by different entities, including a state and a county park, and also separated by houses and a mining operation. Despite the fractured nature of the habitat, pieces of it still persist and, with a little help, just might survive".
From Bay Nature magazine

We will also be looking for the four species of Manzanita that we identified a last year in the related sand hills ecosystem of the Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve.

After hiking some of us may stop for food or happy hour. Options include The Trout Farm down the road, Tavern in Felton, or someplace you suggest.

Links

FRIENDS OF QUAIL HOLLOW RANCH

Endangered Santa Cruz Wallflower

A Pygmy Redwood Stand

AllTrails Map

Protecting yourself from ticks

Legal Disclaimer: The organizers and hosts in this group are not professional guides, and each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests and property. By signing up for this hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers and event hosts of this Meetup group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. As always, this is a “Participate at your Own Risk” event.