Visitors 55
Modified 15-Feb-23
Created 13-Feb-20
45 photos
Now is a great time to visit Coal Mine Ridge. I took a quick walk up Lower and Mid Toyon Trails to the Grandmother Tree on the Ridge. Then back down Coalmine Trail, a short section of Old Spanish Trail, and Bay Laurel Trail near the Fire Road. Great weather for hikers -- but the ecosystem would like a little more rain, I think.
The ground remains moist, the flowers are bursting through. Milkmaids, usually the first flowers to show in abundance, have been out for a while; I saw them often. Hound's Tongue have been putting forth leaves for a while; today I saw my first blossoms of the season. Only a few early plants are in flower, but the abundance of shoots promises a wealth of blossoms in the next few weeks.
Also of note on Coal Mine Ridge now: as the season rolls around, the Buckeyes are putting forth new bright green leaves. Fungus abounds, especially Jack-O-Lanterns. Bay trees are in flower.
For a preview of what is in store for the rest of this month and the rest of the springtime, check out my photos from past years in the Coal Mine Ridge collection nearby. Flowers blooming on 2/27/2018: Warrior's Plume (Pedicularis densiflora, formerly "Indian Warrior"); California Man-root; Woodland Shooting Star; and Black Oak blossoms. Maidenhair in profusion, along with lovely Poison Oak (not on the trail!). Trillium is getting ready to appear, along with Madrone and Manzanita blossoms. Larkspur on Mid Toyon Trail. Blue-eyed Grass in the meadows. Keep your eyes and ears open for clouds of Robins (I believe the collective noun is "a gift of Robins"), mobbing the ripe Toyon berries. Or even Cedar Waxwings?
Enjoy your springtime in this beautiful area!
