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Field Journal 2

Journal Entry 2

 

February 23, 2017

Location: Presidio

(37.800008, -122.479518)

(Approximate elevation: 179’)

Coastal Trail (Marine Headlands)

(37.833616, -122.4945576)

(Approximate elevation: 572’)

Site Description:

The Presidio is a park that is southern to the GG bridge. The batteries to bluff trail has an incredible view of the Marin Headlands and the GG bridge. One can hear the crashing waves below as you descend to the remnants of the old U.S. Army base. A lot of the plants in the area are shorter in stature since the chilly winds of Pacific Ocean scale the hill gradient. This area is home to several endemic native species that are within the Central Western Region of the California Ecoregion. During different times of the year, different flowering plants are coming into bloom. Be mindful that it may be difficult to find a parking spot during the weekends or other busy times.

The Coastal Trail, that is tucked to the northern side of Hawks Hill is a perfect place for a mild hike. After walking away from the Hawks Hill Parking lot, one has views of Rodeo Beach and the Pacific Ocean. The ecosystem is supported by coastal prairie and scrub in which an endangered species resides. The mission blue butterfly has become a charismatic species for conservation efforts within this area. The plant life consists of many endemic species that are also within the Central Western Region of the California Ecoregion. This is a good location to bring a group of people because the trail is wide, but keep a heads up for the shirtless bikers!

 

Species Descriptions/Digital Collections:

            Frangula Californica, commonly known as California coffee berry, is a shrub that grows to be less than 5 meters in height. At the Presidio site, this California coffee berry was about a meter in height; it is most likely shorter due to its proximity to the ocean. The forest green glabrous leaves have observable reticulation and tiny . This California native shape is elliptic and folds slightly upward creating an esthetic crease on the central vein. The creamy yellow flowers are very small and have five petals with clustering inflorescence. When producing fruit, there is a red berry that is extremely noticeable in contrast to the leave color. This shrub can thrive in coastal shrub areas that produces a lot of fog. This individual was witnessed 20 ft. from the start of the Battery to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio.

      Ribes sanguineum, commonly known as red-flowering currant, is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be 4 meters in height. The stem is brownish red with nodal spines. The simple palmate alternating leaves offer a matte like to the eye.Enjoy the reticulation! If you are to touch, the leaf is soft and flexible due to a lack of rigidity. The pink and slightly purple flowers dangle down in a set of 5 petals, which can provide nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds. This plant will grow blue to blackish berries in the middle of the growing season. The berries are edible but they have an irritable taste, so not generally recommended.  This specie thrives in areas that are well drained, so it needs to be in a dry or a hillside habitat so that doesn’t drown. Interestingly, this specie has a wide range along the California, Oregon and Washington coast ranges. There have also been some small populations in Idaho, which makes sense with its drought resistant qualities. This particular individual resided very near to the cement remnants of the artillery base. If you go to examine this cheeky plant, be aware of the poison oak that has been making an appearance within the area.

     

 

 

 

 Castilleja franciscana, or commonly known as longleaf Indian paintbrush, is quite a little beauty. This perennial herb can grow to be just over a meter in height and its leaves can be from 3 cm to 8 cm. The leaves are lanceolate in shape and have a slightly droopy stature. The flowers are strongly two colored (red and yellow), with the corolla taking on a magnificent yellowish orange. This coastal shrub has pubescence between its bracts creating a slightly fuzzy appearance. This specie is endemic to the California Coast! However, it can also reside in nearby forests and grasslands if given enough light. We came across this gem about a mile from the Hawks Hill Parking lot on the Coastal Trail that heads towards the ocean. These particular groupings were on a steep hill that was facing North before shifting North West.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trip Narrative:

            The Botany class rolled out in two of USF vans on Feb. 23 at approximately 12:55 pm. After navigating mediocre traffic, we found a great parking spot right in front of the Battery to Bluffs trail head. Immediately after dishing out the clip boards, Professor Paul immediately fired off plant species within 20 feet of the vans. This set a heavy tone for the rest of the outing because we were able to learn about and identify over 30 species. We certainly didn’t waste any time, well besides enjoying the view from time to time. The Battery to Bluffs trail was in good condition up top, but due to recent weather events the trail that led to the serpentine soils was closed down. We were also able to witness a red tailed hawk patiently hovering above the cliffs for a midday snack. The uplift off of the coastal ridge must have been more than sufficient for the predatory bird to hover all day long. I was wondering if the bird could ever fall asleep while effortlessly soaring. I know that I would certainly have a hard time staying awake, that is if I wasn’t hungry. It was hard to choose these plants to identify for the blog because there were so many unique species!

After turning and burning through our Botany vocabulary at the Presidio, we all took a pleasant drive across the bridge. I won’t ever take a trip across the bridge for granted, we are very lucky to have such opportunities. The species on the coastal trail were in immense numbers, some blooms were more shy than others; however, we look forward to seeing some flower in the coming weeks. We finally came across my species! The Castilleja franciscana made a beautiful showing alongside the North facing and North West facing slope of Hawk Hill. I incorrectly identified the specie initially because I didn’t see the yellowish corolla’s. Professor Paul filled in the rest of the detail that I wasn’t able to offer. The next time we come across this Indian paintbrush flower, I won’t make the same mistake. I also really liked the California manroot, firstly because of its name. Secondly, I liked the tendrils that either were curly-cued or straight, now I can see why they enable aggressive climbing! I look forward to the next outing, it feels so good to get up from a chair and out of the classroom.

 

Additional Photos:

mjackson5

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