Date: 4/14/2017

Location: The Presidio (Coordinates: 37.792789, -122.456763 – Elevation: ~50 ft)

Site Description: 

The site we visited in Presidio was near the Arguello entrance. The trail began at the Ecology trail, and looped around. We were able to see many California species that we had encountered previously. Such species included Sagebrush, Yarrow, Monkeyflowers, and of course – we saw the Clarkia species.

Species Description:

Clarkia franciscans, (Family: Onagraceae), known as the Presidio Clarkia, is a rare member of the Onagraceae family found typically only in the Presidio area. While it is deemed rare, we found it in abundance in clusters in certain areas we visited during our excursion. It is endemic to serpentine areas. The stem has some minor pubescence. It is now endangered as it has been subject to invasive species, trampling, and other factors.

It is an erect annual herb. The leaves are narrow, and fairly pointy-lanced shaped. Its petals are a pink-lavender hue, where it darkens near the tips but the color lightens up near the center.

Excursion Narrative:

Me being the runner I am – I decided to run from my place to the start of the Ecology trail. From there, I intersected with Negin, Natalie, Sameer, and Patrick where we began our search of Clarkia. While searching, we found many California species we had encountered previously – proving to be great practice as well!

We ended up finding the Clarkia after a short period of time – because it was found in abundance around a certain slope near the end of the trail. It was hard to to take a photo with it, but I succeeded! Finally, out task complete and with us getting some much-needed practice before the field quiz – we headed back to campus together.