Home»Bay Area -- Coast to Hills»Green Foothills»12/7/2024 Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve

Despite the atmospheric rivers earlier in the season, it still feels like summertime in the foothills above Coyote Valley. Creeks are mostly dry, with some puddles; crimson sycamores and deep green bays testify to the wet treasure flowing underground. Though a touch of green grass occasionally peeks through, the grassland remains dominated by last season’s dry, “golden” invasive European grasses. Hillsides above sport a sheen of new light-green: the local Bigberry Manzanita is leafing out again. Deciduous oaks, principally Blue Oaks, turn yellow-orange and prepare to drop their leaves.

Michael Hawk and a local docent lead a group from Green Foothills across Rancho Cañada del Oro. Summertime is nice; we hear springtime is spectacular!