Sandstone rocks cap the formation called “Rattlesnake Rock” at Jasper Ridge. This is Eocene sandstone, the youngest rocks at the Preserve: perhaps 50 million years old, since the dinosaurs became extinct. Lichen and moss cover the rocks, gradually turning the sandstone into a more hospitable substrate for plant life; cracks in the sandstone are filling up with leaves and other detritus of life, and even a few small plants. Twisted branches of a coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) fill the sky. Lace lichen (Ramalina menziesii), hanging from the branches at upper right, uses the tree for support but not for sustenance, drawing everything it needs – beyond a place to grow – from the air and sunlight. Shadows of the oak branches lie gently across the sandstone, completing the image. Location: Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve is located off Sand Hill Road above Palo Alto, California. It is owned and managed by Stanford University. Its mission is to contribute to the understanding of the Earth's natural systems through research, education, and protection of the Preserve's resources. See <jrbp.stanford.edu>. Photographer: Dan Quinn enjoys capturing and sharing images showing aspects of the natural world at a special moment. A resident of Portola Valley Ranch since 1977, he is on the board of Acterra, and active with Hidden Villa and with Sempervirens Fund, POST, CGF and other conservation groups. © 2013 Dan Quinn [email protected] <CaptureTheLight.Zenfolio.com>