5:00pm, Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve [Lupine Quest!]

Let’s kickoff this early wildflower season with a check-in at Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve.

Schedule:
Arrival time is posted, hike departs 10 minutes after that — our departure time will adjust through the season based on sunset.

Our event photo is from the lupine superbloom in 2023. Note: We do not expect a Superbloom this year, but the season has definitely begun. Let's hike the Reserve and get a sense for when peak lupine will hit this year. Expect lupines, Yerba Santa, bush poppies, the endangered Santa Cruz Wallflower, lots of Manzanilla, and other exotic species in this unique sandhill landscape.

Route: 4-6 miles, 500-800’ TEG.
Stream Crossings: We will make one or two stream crossings to explore the newest trail additions to the reserve. The safest, and recommended way to cross streams is by going through the water. There are also rock crossings which you may choose to use, only if you decide yourself if it is safe. If so, hiking poles are recommended for balance (branches are usually available if you don’t wish to carry poles).
No bathrooms, minimal cell signal, no fees!
Carpools always recommended!

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The Reserve was badly burned during the CZU fire … which … fertilized the soil with ash, and triggered the so called “fire followers” to sprout. Tragedy, followed by bounty. The unique Sand Hill ecosystem hosts a variety of rare plant life, including the endangered Santa Cruz Wallflower, which we caught blooming wildly, here.
You can see many of the interesting plants we spotted on an in 2023 by clicking on Photos at the bottom of our event page, here. (Or, view last year's trip, here.)
If you use a plant ID app, or other reference work, please bring them. You can download iNaturalist, which has plant and animal ID tools, here.
For our approximate route (we will add a side trail or two), click here.
By tradition, our musical inspiration for this hike is from Chick Corea: Chick Corea/Stanley Clarke/Airto Moreira et al.

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. Outdoor activities are inherently hazardous. 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 vigorous outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge “Connect Outdoors”, 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.