Visitors 31
Modified 15-Feb-23
Created 14-Feb-22
37 photos
The wave of springtime flowers continues to wash over us. On Coal Mine Ridge Nature Preserve of Portola Valley Ranch, the first spring envoys are still evident: white/pink Milkmaids; showy blue/pink Hound’s Tongue; and exuberant flaming-red Warrior’s Plume. The latter is in full glory now, as our naturalized honeybees know. Dark-red Giant Trillium continues to emerge here and there, showing different states of development in different sunny or shady spots – as do all the flowers.
The second wave is also upon us. Vines of California Man-root reach out and up, seeking light and a handhold to climb higher, not waiting to open their flowers. Blue Dicks, Suncups, and California Peas add to the mix.
On a few shady stretches of mid Toyon Trail, above the bridge and still in the Preserve, Woodland Shooting Star makes its brief annual appearance. Now is a good time to visit! But be careful: at least one tick rests on a gaudy flower, waiting for a mammal to brush against it.
The life cycle of the California Buckeye continues. Having just dropped their buckeye seeds, the trees push forth new leaves. Sprouts emerge from the damp earth and unfurl their leaves as well. Some seeds sprout, well on their way to new trees. Others, despite their toxicity, provide food for small animals.
This is a warm pleasant day to hike the trails. I pass a dozen or more hikers and joggers, and no dogs at all! Thanks, everyone, for keeping the Preserve free of dogs. There are many wonderful places nearby that welcome dogs leading their leashed hikers.
