r April 2012 \ The Bay Leaf California Native Plant Society • East Bay Chapter Yq Alameda & Contra Costa Counties V www.ebcnps.org www.groups.google.com/group/ebcnps Bay Leaf suspending printed issues Because of the serious drain the Zoo lawsuit has put on Chapter resources, we are suspending printed issues of the Bay Leaf. Distribution will be by email. The Bay Leaf can also be viewed on the Chapter website, ebcnps.org. Please send your comments to the Bay Leafe ditor, by email to pepel066@comcast.net or US mail to California Native Plant Society, East Bay Chapter, PO Box 5597, Elmwood Station, Berkeley CA 94705. The state office of the California Native Plant Society is asking members to indicate their newsletter subscription prefer- ences by going to http://cnps.org, establishing a user name and password and logging on. Click on Member login and then on My Profile, the second item from the top on the left on the login page. Aside from your mailing address, your Native Plant Society Chapter, and your email address the most important field is Chapter Newsletter. If you want to receive any future printed newsletters by US mail and the rest by email choose Mailed Newsletter. If you want to receive all newsletters by email and and none by post choose Emailed Newsletter. Finally, click on Update at the bottom of the page and you are done. Please let me know if you have any questions about this procedure. Joe Willingham, pepel066@comcast.net. Editor, the Bay Leaf MEMBERSHIP MEETING Restoring Oakland's Historic Population of Presidio Clarkia, an Endangered Annual Wildflower Speaker: Lech Naumovich Wednesday, April 25, 7:30 pm Location: Garden Room, Orinda Public Library (directions below) Presidio clarkia (Clarkia franciscana) is a federally endangered annual wildflower that is restricted to two locations in the Bay Area. Although the Oakland population was probably larger and more robust, the forb now only occupies a fraction of its historic habitat. From the impacts of trees to car exhaust to overuse, the critical habitat for the clarkia was getting de- graded. Creekside Center for Earth Observation was hired by the East Bay Regional Park District to figure out how to help conserve and restore habitat for this emblematic forb at the Serpentine Prairie of Redwood Regional Park. They initi- ated experimental trials and instituted a rigorous monitoring Lech Naumovich and daughter Kaya in Yosemite. protocol. Our speaker. Lech Naumovich, will offer some notable conclusions and insights into managing both clarkia and serpentine grasslands in this presentation. continued on page 2 MEMBERSHIP MEETING continued from page 1 Lech Naumovich is the project manager for Creekside Center for Earth Observation. He works on various habitat restora- tion and monitoring projects throughout the Bay Area. He served as the East Bay CNPS conservation analyst for five years and continues to serve on the State CNPS Conservation Committee. Lech also works as a professional photographer celebrating stewardship and conservation. East Bay CNPS membership meetings are free of charge and open to everyone. This month's meeting takes place in the Garden Room of the Orinda Public Library at 24 Orinda Way (in Orinda Village). The Garden Room is on the second floor of the building, accessible by stairs or an elevator. The Garden Room opens at 7 pm; the meeting begins at 7:30 pm. Contact Sue Rosenthal, 510-496-6016 or rosacalifornica2@earthlink. net, if you have questions. Directions to Orinda Public Library at 24 Orinda Way: Orinda Village), right on Santa Maria Way (the signal after the BART station and freeway entrance), and left on Orinda Way. From the east, take Hwy 24 to the Orinda exit. Follow the ramp to Orinda Village. Turn right on Santa Maria way (the first signal) and left on Orinda Way. Once on Orinda Way, go 1 short block to the parking lot on the southeast side of the two-story building on your right. There is additional free parking beneath the building as well as on the street. From BART (4 blocks): Exit the Orinda station, turn right and cross a pedestrian bridge, then cross a second pedestrian bridge on the left. Go 1 short block on the sidewalk to the third pedestrian bridge. Go 2 blocks on Orinda Way to the Orinda Library. From the west, take Hwy 24 to the Orinda/ Moraga exit. At the end of the off ramp, turn left on Camino Pablo (toward CONSERVATION ANALYST REPORT EBCNPS Submits Comments for Several Projects Since the New Year, I have submitted comments on behalf of EBCNPS for several projects, including a Mitigated Negative Declaration for wetland restoration at Springtown Alkali Sink Preserve in Livermore, an Environmental Impact Report for the Cowell Ranch/ John Marsh State Park General Plan, and a Notice of Preparation for a housing development in Pleas- anton. In the coming months, I will continue to follow these projects, providing EBCNPS input as needed. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at Richmond Field Station The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) has selected the University of California Richmond Field Station as the preferred site for its second campus. This is an exciting time for both the University of California and the City of Rich- mond. The Richmond Field Station is, however, part of our "Richmond Shoreline" Botanical Priority Protection Area, and as such, this project will require special attention. EBCNPS is working with Citizens for East Shore Parks and the Sierra Club to ensure that sensitive botanical resources such as the native coastal prairie at the site remain protected as part of the project plan and that any unavoidable impacts to this sensitive natural community are properly mitigated. We have already scheduled preliminary meetings with LBNL and UC reps to discuss the sensitive resources of the site and make recom- mendations for avoidance and mitigation in the botanically valuable areas. This is a project that is just beginning, but the Conservation Committee is anticipating a lot of work will be required in the future to ensure that LBNL's second campus benefits not only the City of Richmond, but also the precious natural resources of our Richmond Shoreline BPPA. Oakland Zoo Expansion We are continuing to push forward with our opposition to the Oakland Zoo's proposed theme park development at Knowl- and Park in the heart of our Foothills of South Oakland BPPA. To put this multi-year project in mountain climbing terms, in the next few weeks will be summiting! We are looking for- ward to our day in court on April 2 nd and will let you know via the conservation blog: http:/ / ebcnps.wordpress.com/ and the Knowland Park Coalition's website: www.saveknowland. org as soon as we get word on the judge's decision on our case. We are arguing that the Zoo and the City of Oakland failed to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act by not preparing an Environmental Impact Report for their 56-acre expansion into Knowland Park. We know that there are better alternatives to the Zoo's current plan that will allow them to expand their facilities while minimizing the impacts to the valuable natural resources and open space of Knowland Park. An Environmental Impact Report requires consideration of these alternatives and we are hopeful that if we are successful in court, the Zoo management will come to its senses. We continue to be optimistic that they will realize the great potential for an expansion that uses the wonderful rare native grasslands, maritime chaparral, and oak woodland habitat as a living exhibit for research and education rather than surplus land to develop. Please visit the Knowland Park Coalition's website at www. saveknowland.org and don't forget to friend us on Facebook 2 THE BAY LEAF April 2012 (Save Knowland Park) and follow us on Twitter (@Knowland- Park) for the most current updates and news on our work to protect Knowland Park. With tax season coming to an end, please consider making a tax-deductable donation to our legal fund. Every bit helps us continue our work to protect the special plants and animals of Knowland Park. NATIVE HERE Native Here will be participating in the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, open for the Saturday "Nursery Ex- travaganza" on May 5, and during the Tour on Sunday, May 6th. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm each day. That's a long day! We will need volunteers to sell books and plants those days. To train for that, come to the nursery anytime we are open in April. You'll get to know the plants and learn how to write up sales. Both will be great preparation for the fall Plant Fair, as well. Native Here is open, weather permitting, on Tuesday after- noons from noon to 3 pm, Friday mornings nine to noon, and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Come in, browse, buy plants, or help us with potting, watering, plant care, etc. You will find a great group of people in a serene wooded setting. The nursery is at 101 Golf Course Drive on the Berkeley side of Tilden Regional Park. As winter came to an end and signs of spring were emerg- ing, John and I spent quite a lot of time revisiting some of our favorite "haunts" to plan for spring seed collecting and to get some winter cuttings. I was appalled at how degraded the vegetation has become in some of these favorite places. Housing development has adversely affected adjacent wild areas: not just the scraping and building when homes were first put in, but the subsequent escape of planted garden exotics, and overzealous "fire control" where beautiful plant communities have been chopped and mowed into oblivion. Grading of fire roads and paths has piled soil and debris off The Conservation Committee is always looking for new volunteers to get involved in our many projects. If you are interested in working with me on any of the above projects or any that you have read about on our blog or in past Con- servation Analyst Updates, please feel free to contact me by phone at (510) 734-0335 or by email at conservation@ebcnps. org. And as always, for more detailed updates on all of our conservation projects, please visit the Conservation Blog at http:/ / ebcnps.wordpress.com. the paths, smothering native vegetation. While this diminish- ing of the wild plant area makes our sources of propagules scarce, it also underscores the importance of Native Here Nursery's mission: preserve the native plant gene pools to ensure that the native plant communities endure. Where will butterflies find the appropriate nectar? Bees and flies find the appropriate pollen? Birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals find the appropriate shelter? You and I can share our habitat with those critters by replanting our gardens with local natives. We can also become active in asking our local land managers and fire departments to let the native vegeta- tion flourish. Removal of non-natives in the wildland interface will significantly reduce fire danger. Native habitat does not need to be destroyed, especially on publicly owned lands that were designed to preserve natural habitats. We can join other CNPS members who go out to remove exotic encroachers in our parks (see the notices for Susan Smith's, Elaine Jackson's, Lesley Hunt's, Janet Gawthrop's, and Tom and Jane Kelly's work parties). We can purchase plants from Native Here for schools, parks, and community plantings. October Plant Fair This year's plan is for the Plant Fair to be the 4th weekend in October, October 27 and 28. Members who would like to have some part in the production are urged to contact the nursery nativehere@ebcnps.org. Watch the web site for meeting dates. Charli Danielsen BRINGING BACK THE NATIVES GARDEN TOUR Eighth Annual Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour bringingbackthenatives .net / May 6, 2012 This award-winning, self-guided tour includes 45 showcase Alameda and Contra Costa county gardens that are pesticide- free, water- conserving, provide habitat for wildlife, and contain 60 percent or more native plants. Garden addresses are mailed to registrants in April. Cost: Free, but donations are requested. Registration will close when the tour reaches capacity, or on April 25, whichever comes first. More: Native Plant Sale Extravaganza takes place May 5 and 6. Visit http:/ / www.bringingbackthenatives.net/ view- gardens on the website to read garden descriptions, view photos, and download plant lists. Volunteers are needed. NOTE FROM THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT Friends and fellow conservationists need to know of the recent death of Myrtle Wolf, longtime CNPS educator and activist. She died peacefully at home in her sleep. A remembrance will appear in the next Bay Leaf. Please send your memories and comments to david@hjuliendesigns.com, preferably as a word document or as a printed matter to our Elmwood PO. box. Myrtle will be sorely missed. David Bigham, Chapter President THE BAY LEAF April 2012 3 MEET OUR MEMBERS: MANNY LINDNER Manny Lindner is a native of Chicago. As a youngster, his deep fascination with local forest preserves and with the summers spent at boy-scout camp made an indelible impres- sion on him. By age 15 he became proficient at identification of birds of the Midwest. He was educated at Northwestern University with a major in chemistry, and as a chemist he worked on the Manhattan Project at both Oak Ridge in Ten- nessee, and at Richland in Washington State. It was this last move that made him a confirmed "Westerner", who would never again live east of the Rocky Mountains. Following World War II, he went to graduate school at UC Berkeley, where he received his Ph.D. in the field of nuclear chemistry. After teaching chemistry for three years at Washington State College he returned to the Bay Area. He spent the rest of his career in nuclear chemistry research at the Lawrence Liver- more Laboratory, retiring in 1988. But his love of the natural world never left him, and when he and his family settled in Danville in 1951, the surrounding countryside was an irresist- ible attraction, beginning with the Las Trampas hills west of his home. For many years, every spring on April 20, he would make it a point to hike in Morgan Territory, photographing the wildf lower displays. He still manages to indulge himself in these activities, although on a much reduced scale. Manny continues his story: During the 1960's and 1970's, a strong environmental aware- ness gripped the nation, and our local area was no exception. In the early sixties, A1 and Mary Burton founded the Contra Costa Park and Recreation Council (CCPRC), a citizen activ- ist group that hoped to save some of the county's unspoiled lands for posterity. Although I was unaware of CCPRC at that time, as a resident of Danville I spent many hours hiking in the Las Trampas hills to the west, and was convinced that those hills were of unspoiled beauty that merited preservation. Fortunately, I was able to contact William Penn Mott, who was then gen- eral manager of the EB Regional Park District. He informed me that the Burton group was also interested in the same project, and suggested I join forces with them, which I did. It was about 1965. Our strategy in the CCPRC was manifold. We organized a series of weekend springtime hikes for the public, which became very popular (see photo). We testified before the Board of Supervisors and before the Board of Directors of the EB Park District. We also spoke before any local groups willing to listen to us, and included a photo slide presenta- tion of views of the land and of endemic flora. These activi- ties extended over several years, so the name Las Trampas gradually gained familiarity in the county. Persistence was the answer to that. There were many moments of elation and disappointment, but ultimately the EBRPD Board approved establishment of Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, and the first purchase of 450 acres was made in the late '60s or early '70s. Over the years, many more additions were made. Today, the park area encompasses 5200 acres and extends from the southern boundary of Lafayette to San Ramon. The staging area at the north end of Bollinger Canyon Road has a series of helpful display panels that describe the geology, plant communities, wildlife and trails within the park. The story of Morgan Territory followed a different course. About the time that Las Trampas was established, the CCPRC was aware of this remote area of Contra Costa County. Al- though the land was exceptionally beautiful and had great displays of goldfields in spring, there appeared to be no great threat from developers because of its remote location, so we made no effort to promote a park in Morgan Territory; it seemed safe. Or so we thought. In early 1972 a proposal was submitted to the Planning Com- mission of Contra Costa County to rezone 830 acres of land to establish a Planned Unit Development (PUD) along Morgan Territory road two miles from its junction with Marsh Creek Road. For us, the alarm had sounded. We used our experience with Las Trampas (testimony before official bodies, weekend public hikes, slide presentations) as a guide. Although the hikes were well received, the development was approved by the Commission. However, a re-hearing was scheduled based on new facts, and the decision was reversed. A final denial by the Board of Supervisors, and the PUD proposal was dead. Eventually, the Directors of the EBRPD approved purchase of 970 acres of (Smith) property, and the Regional Preserve was officially established in 1975. Today, the preserve is over five thousand acres, not including hundreds of acres of contigu- ous lands purchased by Save Mount Diablo and by the state park system. At an altitude of 2000 feet, much of the land is relatively flat and easily accessible, a fact almost unique in Contra Costa County. Manny Lindner *i ' i.* l£ ft m > „ ,r m ft • : if- 1 • * ' ’nr' ^ ' Manny is hard to pick out but Las Trampas grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see. 4 THE BAY LEAF April 2012 University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley 2012 Spring Plant Sale Members' Sale and Silent Auction, Friday, April 27, 5-7:30 pm Public Sale, Saturday, April 28, 10 am-2 pm See the web site for plant lists (many California natives) http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu or call 510-643-2755 for information. RESTORATION PROJECTS Saturday, April 7, 9:30 am. Redwood Regional Park Genista rip, departing from Skyline Gate Saturday April 7, 10 am to 2 pm. Point Isabel on the Bay Trail. We meet the first Saturday of every month. We remove in- vasive plants and re-vegetate with native plants grown from plants found at the site. We are located at the end of Rydin Road just off the 1-580 next to Hoffman Marsh. Contact info: e-mail: kyotousa@sbcglobal.net, cell: 510-684-6484. Saturday, April 14, 2012, 9:30 am. Huckleberry Regional Park Meet at the parking lot, where we will decide our work site based on weather and trail conditions. If you need gloves or tools, please e-mail janetgawthrop47@gmail.com or jmanley@ ebparks.org. Sunday, April 15, Sibley Regional Park Meet at the entrance on the Oakland side of the park, at the parking lot off Skyline. We will decide on the work area when we meet, based on trail conditions that morning. We will go out in mist or light rain, but heavy rain cancels. then right onto Evergreen Lane. The entrance is at the end of the street. Wear long sleeves and pants, and sturdy shoes. For further information contact Shelagh at 510-540-1918, garberparkstewards@gmail.com, or visit our blog www. garberparkstewards.blogspot.com. If anyone has questions or needs loaner gloves or tools email Janet Gawthrop atjanetgawthrop47@gmail.com. Saturday, April 21, 2012, 9 am-noon. Celebrate Earth Day in Garber Park. In January the City of Oakland completed a Measure DD funded creek stabilization and habitat restoration project along Harwood Creek. This will be a great opportunity to document and weed out the invasives (especially Cape ivy), and possibly plant some more natives along this incredibly beautiful riparian corridor, from the Loop Trail down to Claremont Avenue. Meet at 9 am at the Evergreen Lane entrance for coffee, tea, and snacks. Wear long sleeves and pants, and sturdy shoes. Saturday, March 17, 2012, Garber Park Stewards For further information contact Shelagh at 510-540-1918, Signs of Spring should be everywhere in Garber, so we need garberparkstewards@gmail.com, or visit our blog www. to continue to eradicate those invasives, especially at our garberparkstewards.blogspot.com. Restoration Site at the Evergreen Lane Entrance, and begin to pull the vinca below Fireplace Plaza. Meet at Evergreen Lane, THE BAY LEAF April 2012 5 FIELD TRIPS Sunday, April 8, 9:30 am. Toy on Canyon at Briones Regional Park Gregg Weber leads this trip to a floristically rich area of Briones Regional Park. The canyon trail descends nearly 300 feet, and a 300 foot gain follows. However, the rewards may include unusual plants in flower such as Viburnum ellipticum, Eschschholzia caespitosa, Lomatium californicum, Helianthella castanea, and Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia, plus many more familiar plants such as coyote mint, Wyethia, clematis, hop tree, Dutchman's pipe, and osoberry. This trip will last about half a day, but more time may be allowed for extra wildflower viewing. Directions: From west of the Bay hills, go east on 24 and exit at Pleasant Hill Road. Go north on Pleasant Hill Road 0.5 mile and then turn left onto Reliez Valley Road. Go 4-5 miles on Reliez Valley Road to its end at the junction with Alhambra Valley Road. Ignore the entrance signs on Reliez Valley Road and continue straight on Alhambra Valley Road to the first left turn, which is Briones Road. Go about 1.5 miles to the end of Briones Road and park on either side of the road. For the Pinole/ Martinez area, just proceed down Alhambra Valley Road and follow the directions to the end of Briones Road. Saturday, April 14, 9:30 am, Mitchell Canyon at Mount Diablo State Park This year Gregg Weber will lead the hike up the canyon during the mid-spring abundance of oak woodland and grassland flowers, including buttercups, larkspurs, owls clover, blue dicks. Mount Diablo globe lily and other Calochortus. Bring your state parks pass or $10 for parking. A couple of good books that describe the plants of this area are Barbara Ertter's updated Flora of Mount Diablo (from Mary Bowerman's earlier version), and Yulan Tong's photo book on Calochortus. Directions: From west of the Oakland/ Berkeley hills, take 24 east and continue to the 680 interchange. Follow the lanes marked for 680 north, but then move immediately to the Ygnacio Valley Road exit, and turn right at the traffic light at the end of the ramp to go east. Stay on Ygnacio Valley Road for several miles (past John Muir Hospital, through suburbs, past the Lime Ridge entrance and a Cal State campus) to Clayton Road, where you turn right at another traffic light. Go through several intersections on Clayton Road, and then turn right again at Mitchell Canyon Road. Go to the parking lot at the end (there is a fee). Meet at the start of the trail near the visitors' center. Saturday, April 21 9:30 am, Burma Road at Mount Diablo State Park Meet at 9:30 am at the Burma Road crossing of North Gate Road in Mount Diablo State Park. We will walk Burma Road from Camel Rock to Moses Rock Spring. We will see a variety of spring flowers and some uncommon plants as we pass 6 THE BAY LEAF April 2012 through woodland, grassland and chaparral areas. There is a 1000-foot elevation gain on the way out, and downhill on the way back. The round trip is about 4 miles and should take about 4 hours, so bring lunch and water. We will not be deterred by rain and will proceed regardless of weather. Call Gregg Weber at 510-223-3310 if you have questions about this or other Mt. Diablo field trips. Directions: Take the North Gate Road entrance to the park. State parks charge $10 for cars. Continue on North Gate Road for about 2-3 miles and park at the Burma Road trail crossing. Sunday, April 29, 9:30 am. East Trail at Mount Diablo State Park Meet across from the Divide Reservoir sign on Marsh Creek Road in Clayton. This trip goes through some very nice native plant habitat on the northeast side of Mount Diablo, with an interesting live oak forest. This walk has 1600 feet elevation gain on the way out, and downhill on the return. The round trip is about 6 miles. Figure on returning to the parking lot around 3-4 pm. Bring lunch and water. We will take 3 Springs Road, Olympia Trail, East Trail and Zippe Trail. Directions: Take 24 or 680 to Ygnacio Valley Road. Continue on Ygnacio Valley Road several miles from Walnut Creek into the city of Clayton, and turn right onto Clayton Road at its stoplight intersection with Ygnacio Valley. Take Clayton Road past the first intersection with Marsh Creek Road, and in about a mile it becomes Marsh Creek Road. Continue straight on Marsh Creek Road, and go about 2 miles past Regency Drive. As you go uphill, look for the Divide Reservoir sign (not the Nob Hill Reservoir sign). Park on the right side of the road across from the Divide Reservoir sign, where there is plenty of space to park. Call Gregg Weber at 510-223-3310 if you have questions. Sunday May 6 at 10:00 am. Brooks Island (west of Point Richmond) Dolphin Charters and the East Bay Regional Parks District have a tour boat reserved for an East Bay chapter field trip, which will depart the Berkeley Marina at 10:00 a.m. The cost is $72.00 for residents of the park district, and $80.00 for non-residents. To reserve a space and for payment and logistics details, you should call (888) 327-2757, and be sure to tell them the reservation number, 29606, and the "course name": CNPS BOAT TO BROOKS ISLAND. Because of the very shallow water around the island, the trip is planned around a higher tide to allow for landing, with a tour of the bay enroute to the anchorage. Passengers will then land on Brooks Island in several shifts on a 17-foot skiff, which will take several trips (You should be mobile enough to climb in and out of the skiff without aid.) The environmentally sensitive island includes salt marsh and northern coastal CHAPTER DIRECTORY Officers President David Bigham david@hjuliendesigns. com, 1 544 La Loma, Berkeley, CA 94708, 510-843-4247 Vice President and Chap- ter Council Delegate Bill Hunt wjhunt@astound.net Recording Secretary Tina Wistrom cmwistrom@yahoo.com, 510- 207-0370 Corresponding Secretaiy Robert Sorenson rls@sorensonvision.com Treasurer David Margolies 510-654-0283 dm@franz.com Committees Bayleaf Newsletter Bay Leaf Editor and Web- master, Chair Joe Willingham 510-788-4177 pepel 066@comcast.net Bay Leaf Assistant Editor David Margolies 510-654-0283 dm@franz.com Bay Leaf Mailing Holly Forbes hforbes@berkeley.edu h 510-234-2913 w 510-643-8040 Conservation Chair (vacant) Conservation Analyst Mack Casterman conservation@ebcnps.org 510-734-0335 Funds Development Carol Castro, Chair carolbcastro@hotmail. com Field Trips Janet Gawthrop, Chair janetgawthrop47@gmail. com Hospitality Howard Julien Arendt- son, Chair 510-548-7400 howard@hjuliendesigns. com Information Infrastruc- ture Peter Rauch, Chair peterar@berkeley.edu Membership Co-Chairs Tim Kask timkask@yahoo.com Carol Castro 510-352-2382 carolbcastro@hotmail. com Volunteer coordinator Delia Taylor volunteer@ebcnps.org Programs Sue Rosenthal, Chair rosacalifornica@earthlink. net Publicity (vacant) Rare Plants Heath Bartosh, Chair 925-957-0069 hbartosh@nomadecol- ogy.com Bryophytes John Game, Chair 510-527-7855 jcgame@stanford.edu Unusual Plants Dianne Lake, Chair 510-741-8066 diannelake@yahoo.com Vegetation Megan Keever, Co-Chair megan@stillwatersci.com Nicole Jurjavcic, Co-Chair nicole@stillwatersci.com EBCNPS Sponsored Activities Native Here Nursery 510-549-0211 Manager — Charli Dan- ielsen nativehere@ebcnps.org Sales — Margot Cunning- ham bunchgrassmarg@gmail. com Plant Fair Charli Danielsen, Chair 510-549-0211 nativehere@ebcnps.org Lesley Hunt, Native Here/ Plant Fair-East Bay Chapter Board liaison 925-937-6791 ldhunt@astound.net Restoration Projects Leaders: Huckleberry — Janet Gawthrop Point Isabel — Tom and Jane Kelly 510-704-8628 (w) 510-684-6484 c) kyotousa@sbcglobal.net Strawberry Creek — Tom and Jane Kelly Officers arid Commit- tee Chairs serve on the Board. California Native Plant Society East Bay Chapter P.O. Box 559/, Elmwood Station Berkeley CA 94705 FIELD TRIPS CONTINUED scrub, plus over 18 species of birds nesting on the island. We'll eat lunch on the island and hike around it. Bring lunch and all the liquid you will need, plus all-weather clothing. A storm will cancel the trip, but not light rain. Sunday May 13, 10:00 am. Blue Oak Trail at Briones Regional Park Gregg Weber will lead on this trail that includes views of some unusual plants, such as Myrica califomica and Pickeringia montana (think pink), and Calochortus pulchellus in bloom. We will see a lot of diversity in grasslands, oak woods of several species, chemise/ black sage chaparral. The Blue Oak loop has a 700 foot elevation change and quite a few ups and downs. The round trip is about 5 miles. Directions: Take Highway 24 to Lafayette, and exit at Pleasant Hill Road north. Go about one mile north on Pleasant Hill Road, and turn left onto Reliez Valley Road. Stay on Reliez Valley Road for about 3.5 miles. The parking lot is on the left, after Withers Ave. Do not go into the park entrance farther north on Reliez Valley Road or you will miss the field trip. Sunday May 20, 10 am. Mount Diablo State Park North Peak trail from Devil's Elbow to Prospector's Gap Meet at the Devil's Elbow parking lot at 10 am. This trial is packed with native plants and relatively few alien species. There may be Calochortus venustus, C. pulchellus, Chorizanthe membranacea, Hydrophyllum occidentale, Arnica discoidea, a few areas of Collinsia tinctoria, Clarkia concinna, plus native Cirsium (thistles), lupines, and Lomatium. There are also large areas of Quercus chrysolepis (canyon live oak). This trip will be most of the day, so bring lunch and water. We should arrive back at the parking lot around 3 pm. The trip leader is Gregg Weber, and you can call him at 51 0-223-331 0 if you have questions. Directions: Take 680 to the Diablo Road exit, and go east on Diablo Road At Green Valley Road, only one lane goes straight ahead. After Green Valley Road, go on and do not turn at the Diablo Country Club sign. In about a mile, turn left at the Mount Diablo State Park sign. Continue to the end of Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard, which becomes South Gate Road as it enters the park. Pay the $10 gate fee at the entrance station (or have your state parks pass visible). Continue to Junction Ranger Station, and turn right. About 34 mile past Juniper Camp's large parking area is a small parking area at Devil's Elbow, where we will meet at 10 am. Sunday, June 10, 9:30 am. Mount Diablo State Park, Falls trail. Middle trail, Bruce Lee Spring trail, Wasserman trail continued on page 8 THE BAY LEAF April 2012 7 continued from page 7 This is a moderate round trip of 5 miles with 1200 feet elevation gain on the way out. It will be mostly downhill on the return trip, and we expect to be out 4-5 hours. Bring lunch and at least 1.5 liters of water. We will start on Clayton Oaks trail, and proceed from there to Bruce Lee Spring trail, lower Donner trail, and on to Wasserman and Falls trails. Expect to see Monardella douglasii and Collinsia tinctoria in flower, along with several paintbrush species, Clarkia biloba, Sedum radiatum, Campanula exigua, Silene califomica, Pickeringia montana, Asclepias califomica, and lots of common plants. We should arrive back at the parking lot around 3 pm. The trip leader is Gregg Weber, and you can call him at 510-223-3310 if you have questions. Directions: Take 24 or 680 to Ignacio Valley Road, and continue on Ignacio Valley Road several miles into the city of Clayton. At the intersection of Ignacio Valley and Clayton MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE We have three upcoming events for which we need volunteer assistance. Our chapter attends a number of local conserva- tion related happenings and tries to attract new members by presenting our mission to the public. Either all day or part of the day. April Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness Sunol Spring Wildflower Festival April 14, 11:00 to 4:00 John Muir National Historic Site, Martinez John Muir Birthday Celebration April 21, 10:00 to 4:00 June Borges Ranch/ Shell Ridge Open Space, Walnut Creek Heritage Day Event June 16, 11:00 to 4:00 Road, turn right at the stop light onto Clayton Road. Stay on Clayton Road past the first intersection with Marsh Creek Road; in about a mile, Clayton Road becomes Marsh Creek Road. Continue straight on Marsh Creek Road to Regency Drive, where you turn right. Go 3 blocks on Regency Drive, and then turn left on Rialto Drive. Go to the end of Rialto Drive and park. Do not go to the end of Regency, because that is a different access point. Sunday, June 17, 9:30 am. Mount Diablo State Park, Knobcone Point Road and Blackhawk Ridge Road We will go through woodland, grasslands, chaparral areas, with Pickeringia, Salvia, Arctostaphylos, Garrya, Calochortus splendens, and lots of oaks and Clarkia mbicunda. This can be a very hot walk, so dress for heat and bring at least 1.5 liters of water, and lunch. We are interested in members who wish to share their ex- perience and interest in native plants and habitat. Please contact me if you are willing to contribute a brief story about yourself. Tim Kask timkask@yahoo.com or 510-552-6168 Announcement Still looking for join dates prior to 1986 • Outreach Coordinator position still vacant • Restoration Chair, vacant • Be sure and visit our updated membership page at http://ebcnps.org/ index.php/ membership/ Membership Application and Renewal Form Name Address Zip Telephone Email Membership category: Individual, $45 Family, Library, Group or International, $75 Plant lover, $100 Patron, $300 Benefactor, $600 Mariposa Lily, $1500 Limited Income or student, $25.00 Other I wish to affiliate with: East Bay Chapter (Alameda and Contra Costa Counties) Other Mail application and check to: California Native Plant Society, 2707 K Street, Suite 1, Sacramento CA 95816 8 THE BAY LEAF April 2012 ALBIN BILLS AND SAMANTHA MACKEY WlLDFL ERS a Naturalist’s Guide Oroville's Table Mountain is one of the premier wildflower locations in all of California. Each spring thousands of nature enthusiasts make the pilgrimage to this unique mesa to experience its dazzling array of flowers, rare vernal pools, and plunging waterfalls. Have you ever wondered how Table Mountain was formed, or why it has such spectacular wildflower displays? Would you like to learn more about its hidden canyons and beautiful waterfalls? Are you still having trouble telling the difference between owl's clover and cow bag clover? Then you should know that co-authors, Albin Bills and Samantha Mackey, and illustrator Larry Jansen, have just finished their completely revised and expanded version of Wildflowers of Table Mountain, A Naturalist's View, which is now in full color. Albin Bills has been exploring and interpreting the natural history of Table Mountain for over 30 years, while teaching biology at nearby Butte College. Drawn to special places, he and his wife Jeri now divide their time between the island of Kauai and the mountains of California. THE BAY LEAF April 2012 9 GARBER PARK EVENTS Saturday, April 7, 10 am-1 pm Citizen Science Workshop Sudden Oak Death: The Current State of Understanding & Strategies for Facing the Pathogen: This 3 hour workshop, lead by Lech Naumovich, Golden Hour Restoration Institute, www.goldenhour.org, will lead participants through Garber Park, a location with confirmed Sudden Oak Death. In this portion of Claremont Canyon (a particularly mesic portion of Claremont Canyon) the impact on oaks can be catastrophic. This workshop will talk about how to recognize infected oak trees, possible treatment, and typical losses in the whole community. The workshop is based on information and on-site consultation with UC Berkeley's Garbellotto lab specializing in SOD research. Bring a lunch and join us after the workshop as we continue our conversation about Sudden Oak Death. For more information and to register contact garberparkstewards@ gmail.com. Saturday, April 21, 9 am-noon Earth Day Celebration Join your neighbors and friends for a morning in beautiful Garber Park. After coffee, juice, and snacks we will walk along the Loop Trail to Harwood Creek where we will weed and monitor the recently completed City of Oakland Measure DD creek stabilization project. We will remove the rapidly growing invasive weeds surrounding over 200 newly planted native plants along the creek to give them a good chance of survival. On Saturday, April 28, volunteers attend a one-hour training and get materials: 10 am at the Orinda Community Center or 1 pm in 159 Mulford Hall on the UC Berkeley Campus. Volunteers survey where they choose - organizers can advise on likely areas, but your own back yard is fine. Samples are turned in at a drop box at the training site by 7 pm Sunday evening, April 29. To sign up for the UC Berkeley training, go to http:// sodblitz2012.eventzilla.net or contact Susan Schwartz, f5creeks@aol.com for information. This event is sponsored by Friends of Five Creeks, Friends of Sausal Creek, and Garber Park Stewards. Wear long sleeves and pants and shoes with sturdy soles. We provide snacks and drinks, tools and gloves, but do bring your own gloves if you have them. Directions for all Garber Park Events: The nearest address is 144 Evergreen Lane, Berkeley. From Alvarado Road, take Slater Lane, then Right onto Evergreen Lane. The entrance is at the end of the street. For more information contact us at garberparkstewards@ gmail.com. To learn more about Garber Park and the Garber Park Stewards restoration work visit our blog www. garberparkstewards.blogspot.com. Saturday, April 28 at 1:00 pm to Sunday, April 29, at 7 pm Sudden Oak Death Syndrome — East Bay Bioblitz Help with the East Bay 2012 Sudden Oak Death survey - a chance to lessen damage and save some trees. Last Spring's late warm rains may have helped spread the pathogen that threatens our beautiful Coast Live Oaks, vital to our area's wildlife, watersheds, and beauty. 10 THE BAY LEAF April 2012 The California Native Grasslands Association presents: Fifth Annual Field Day at Hedgerow Farms Friday, April 20th, 2012 □ 8:45 am-4:30 pm (check-in 8 am) 21905 County Road 88, Winters Fees: $60 / CNGA members, $75 / Non-members, $35 / Students w ID Join CNGA for an "up-close and personal" opportunity to learn about California native grasslands and grassland ecology. The event is set at Hedgerow Farms, a renowned Northern California native grassland seed production farm and home of numerous restoration sites. This full-day event features: . alifornia afclvc rasslands fiBM ssodation • New this year: field talks on grassland ecology topics, including pollination, ethnobotany, soils, and botanical monitoring • Hands-on field ID instruction on dozens of native grassland species and an overview of their characteristics and applications • Expert-led tours of restoration sites that demonstrate the functionality of native species on roadsides, hedgerows, canal banks, and landscape designs • T alks by experts including Chad Aakre, Vic Claassen, Jessa Guisse, Rachael Long, Andrew Rayburn, and Melanie Truan. • A wonderful occasion to network with experienced native grassland restoration practitioners, educators, and enthusiasts Instructors: John Anderson, David Amme, Bryan Young, Hedgerow Continuing Ed credits: DPR and SRM CEU's are pending. Morning refreshments and lunch are included in registration. Field Day Sponsors: Hedgerow Farms, Delta Bluegrass Company, Pacific Coast Seed, and Dow AgroSciences Registration Form: CNGA Field Day at Hedgerow Farms I April 20, 2012 Mail to: CNGA, P.O. Box 8327, Woodland, CA 95776 Secure Fax to: 530-661-2280 Participant's name (print or type please) Participant's organization or agency Mailing Address: Street City State Zip Preferred phone Preferred eanail Registration Fees: [ ] $60 / CNGAmembers [ ] $75 / non-members [ ] $35 / students (include copy of student ID) [ ] Payment by checkmade payable to California Native Grasslands Association [ ] Payment by credit card (please check type) [ ] Visa [ ] MasterCard [ ] American Express Card Number Exp. Date / Street Address for Card Zip Code for Card Registration questions? Contact CNGA Administrative Director Judy G-Scott at 530-661-2280, or E-mail: admin@cnga.org. THE BAY LEAF April 2012 11 California Native Plant Sale Saturday, April 21, 2012, 10 am to 3 pm Organized by the Volunteers of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden The Botanic Garden is at the intersection of Wildcat Road and South Park Drive near the Brazil Building in Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley. Photos by John Rusk California shrubs, trees, perennials Find many plants that are not available in a commercial nursery. Horticultural advice gladly given. Come and explore the garden. Buy some plants to take home. Proceeds directly benefit the Garden. Please bring boxes to carry home your treasures. Refreshments available. bgarden@ebparks.org 510-544-3169 http://nativeplants.org 12 THE BAY LEAF April 201 2