On Tuesday 10/25/2019 at 02:00 PM, we took a ride with Alec to a location nearby Mt. Tamalpais (37°53’22.0″N, 122°37’46.7″W). Here, we observed a perennial mimulus population next to a fresh water source. We talked about the possible benefits of this wet habitat for the survival and reproduction of the species and we analyzed an opened mimulus flower.

After filling our bottles with fresh spring water, we took another short car ride to a different location (37°52’37.5″N, 122°34’52.2″ W). We walked along a creek that brought us to a shady environment that was surrounded by trees. Our task was to find another mimulus population, but the plants in this area didn’t blossom at the time which made the task more difficult.

While looking for the mimulus, we discussed that the mimulus population in this environment can survive only for a few months because floods take place in the area during winter. After someone found a mimulus, Alec was able to collect leaf samples from the plant, thus, our goals for this trip were accomplished and we made our way back to campus.