Location: 37.923824, -122.596207

Site Description: Located up north past the Golden Gate Bridge. Abundance of California Bays and Douglas Firs. Tan Oak trees were diseased with sudden oak death. Vegetation of ferns and other shrubs along the trail and cataract creek.

Species Description:

Family- Dryopteridaceae; Species- Western Sword Fern (polystichum munitum); Long, linear fronds that are 1-2 pinnate. The most common fern we will see. Often found in Doug Fir or Redwood forests. Sori are brown in color in rows of 2.

Family- Lilyaceae; Species- Slink pod (scoliopus bigelovii); Perfect monocot flower, mottled leaves; Smell is somewhat akin to rotting flesh to attract flies.

Family- Pteridaceae; Species- Goldback fern (pentagramma triangularis); Fronds are wide at the base but not that long; Stem is black and feels like plastic; Has recurved false indusia.

iNaturalist Link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/149354686

Narrative:

We started walking downhill towards the forest. We first came across a diseased oak tree and then made our way down to cataract creek and then some. It was a windy day but the trees provided protection. A classmate found a tiny salamander as well. Crossing the stream was fun and we made our way to the waterfall after Professor Paul talked about the different species of ferns. Afterwards, we made our way back up the mountain and took a group picture at a scenic spot nearby.