California Native Plant Society -- Marin Chapter Meetup

Vegetation Time Traveling!
Exploring Plant Succession over the centuries at Loma Alta & Roy’s Redwoods Preserves.
Leader: Kurt Rademacher
Ever wondered what our natural vegetation looked like a century or two ago,.. or in the future? Though few wildflowers yet grace the February hillsides, come join us for an intriguing 2-mile stroll to piece together clues in today’s woodlands, meadows, chaparral, and forests which reveal the succession of these vegetation types, each modifying the conditions it initially found suitable, until they are replaced in turn by other plant communities, and those by yet other plants. See the evidence of ancient events like fires or floods which set it all back to the earlier stages to start over yet again—or in some cases, have held one plant community in place for many centuries!
We’ll begin near Woodacre and then drive to Roys Redwoods Preserve. The trip will involve two miles of moderate hiking with about 300 feet elevation gain and return. Trail may be muddy in some places.
Directions: Meet us at the intersection of Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and San Geronimo Valley Road (about a mile east of Woodacre). https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xj2kprSE8VStYnxC8
Later, we will drive about 1.3 miles to re-convene at Roys Redwoods Preserve.
Bring: Water, a snack/lunch. Dress in layers. Sturdy footwear.
Rain cancels.
Email Ann with any question.
Text for day-of-trip questions or issues: 530-521-4402

If you have not done so already, please sign the CNPS Marin 2026 Waiver
Limit of 15.

Join CNPS and Friends to weed the Alder Creek Preserve restoration site in Inverness.
In 2023, the Inverness Association (IA), cleared the site of a large acacia forest. Since then, an enthusiastic group of IA members, neighbors, and SPAWN volunteers have planted a mix of native trees and shrubs and watered them throughout the summer.
Now the focus turns to tackling the weeds: acacia seedlings, poison hemlock, vinca, African veldt grass, and others. We'd love to have your help!
Location: The site is located about a 1/2 mile north of Inverness village, at the corner of Sir Francis Drake Blvd and Vision Rd. For more information, contact Carolyn Longstreth at cklongstreth@gmail.com.
If you have not done so already, please sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2026
Bring: gloves, kneeling pads, and your favorite weeding tool.
Late registrants and walk ins are welcome.

As part of an on-going program to improve Monarch butterfly habitat, Marin County OSD and One Tam have planted hundreds of narrow-leaf milkweed plants (Asclepias fascicularis) along Bowman Creek. As the host plant for Monarch butterflies, milkweed is essential for breeding habitat. At this volunteer workday we will focus on removing non-native invasive species which crowd out the milkweed, including thistles, curly dock, and a suite of annual, European grasses. Removing the invasive species gives the milkweed a chance to thrive and expand along the stream bank, providing more habitat for Monarchs and food for many other pollinator species as well.

While our focus will be on removing invasives, we will also take some time to walk into the serpentine grassland area and see which spring wildflowers are blooming. We may see tuberous sanicle (Sanicula tuberosa), blue dicks (Dipterostemon capitatus), and owl’s clover (Castilleja densiflora ssp. densiflora ) amongst the rock-strewn hillsides*.*

We will meet at the San Andreas Drive entrance to Mt. Burdell. From there, we will have a 20-minute walk (uphill) to the work area along Bowman Creek. Expect some uneven ground while working along the creek, as well as an adventurous approach to the site including ducking under a barbed-wire fence (which we’ll hold up with a pool noodle!). We will be working along the wet margins of Bowman Creek, so wear heavier shoes or hiking boots.

Marin County staff will provide tools. Bring a reusable water bottle, sun and wind protection, long pants, sturdy close-toed shoes, and work/garden gloves (gloves provided if you don’t have them). We will work in light rain, please bring rain gear if it’s a wet day**.**

Heavy rain will cancel. (Cancellations will be posted on Meetup).
Limit: 15 attendees
Directions: Meet at the San Andreas Drive entrance to Mt. Burdell Open Space Preserve. There is plenty of parking along San Andreas Drive.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bx3pLWiQy8hA1DEo7
Please:

• Sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2026, if you have not done so already.
• Practice clean trail etiquette. Pocket Guide – Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers
• Email marincnpsvolunteers@gmail.org with questions.

Sorry, no dogs on this trip.