Location + Site description:
Steep Ravine’s geographic coordinates are 37.8852043°N, -122.6285919°W. The elevation gain is approximately 1,300 feet surrounded by giant red wood trees and many different ferns. Dominant species consisted of Pteridaceae, Apiaceae, and Rosaceae. The hike consisted of a steady incline with trails of bridges and rock stairs, leading up to a ladder near streams of water. This was a beautiful location such that it gives off fairytale vibes! Overall, Steep Ravine offers beautiful views of a wide variety of greenery surrounding you and also the coast of Stinson beach right across the street.
Species description + Digital collections:
1. Urtica Dioica
Urtica Dioica is commonly known as the stinging nettle from the Urticaceae family. It is a herbaceous annual flowering plant that is found in temperate areas such as open patches in light. It is called as the ‘stinging nettle’ because there are many stinging hairs (trichomes) on the leaves and stems than produces a stinging sensation upon contact. DO NOT TOUCH! It has opposite nodes, bilateral flowers on square stems, and spade shaped leaves.
2. Athyrium filix-femina
Athyrium filix-femina is commonly known as the western lady fern from the Woodsiaceae family. It is abundant in damp, shady woodland environments and is often grown for decortication. It is referred to as ‘lady fern’ because it is quite delicate to the eye and to touch due to its graceful appearance. The shape of the fern is pretty large in size consisting of feathery pinnate fronds from a cluster of rhizomes. Sori is also commonly found on the underside of these ferns!
3. Rubus parviflorus
Rubus parviflorus is commonly known as the thimbleberry from the Rosaceae family. This plant has very large hairy leaves and no thorns, but it produces edible red fruits similar in appearance to a raspberry. The flower is typically a white, 5-petal flower and numerous pale yellow stamens. It often grows in large clumps which spread very tall in height. The flowers are not quite in bloom yet, only a few, which is most likely due to the unusual weather in California.
Narrative:
We left the USF campus at around 1:00pm and came back at exactly 5:00pm. The hike was about a 3 mile roundtrip (which felt longer) that was a completely different environment than the past hiking locations. This area was quite the ‘fairytale’ scene where it had bridges, huge redwood trees, waterfalls, rock stairs, and different plants that enhanced the scenery. As much as it was pretty scary at times due to the closeness of the edges and slippery rocks, it was an enjoyable hike where we got to see off the coast of Stinson beach. It was breathtaking! Such a great way and bittersweet to end our last field trip here!
