laurablatt's Journal

4/23/2017

Partly cloudy morning at Sugarloaf.

As a result of our lab on graminoids, I noticed the predominance of Bromus and Avena in grasslands. On Hillside trail, more Sisyrinchium bellum was in bloom near Nemophila menziesii. In sunnier areas, Quercus garryana becomes the dominant tree in Oak Woodland rather than Quercus agricola. (This was not that apparent before since Q. garryana had not yet leafed out.)

Parts of Creekside and Hillside trails remain closed. The park is building some workarounds for visitors, but I was not able to eat lunch at a bench under my favorite spreading Q. kelloggii tree.

4/10/2017
I arrived at Sugarloaf at 10 am on a cloudy day (temp in 60s) and decided to take the Lower Bald trail. The Ceanothus are in bloom! Several bushes of C. jepsonii (leaves opposite, 7-8 teeth, purple flowers) grow on serpentine soil, one near Pseudotsuga menziesii and Quercus agrifolia. Also found C. cuneatus or White Buckbrush (white flowers) as well as C. sonomensis. From what I have read, although C. sonomensis is rare in California overall, it is more common in Sonoma county. I identified it because of its 5-toothed leaves and small whitish-purple flowers. I will return, as there may be other species of Ceanothus that I missed.

I spotted Sanicula bipinnatifida (Purple Sanicle), Sisyrinchium bellum (Blue-eyed Grass) and Calystegia (morning glory). Lupinus now covers the meadows, and Ranunculus appears in semi-shady places as well as sunny grasslands.

Arrived around 10:30 am with my friend Ruth. We parked at the white barn and walked Meadow trail and parts of Hillside to collect samples. Many more wildflowers in bloom since March, including species of Lupinus and Ranunculus. Also spotted Lithophragma and Iris. I will return to rekey a Ceanothus found off trail, as it appears to be a rare species.

3/23/2017
I arrived at 10 am in sunny weather and parked near the white barn. I hiked the planet walk (Meadow trail) and returned via Hillside/Creekside and meadow. Wildflowers in bloom included Ranunculus species, Nemophila menziesii, and Dichelostemma capitatum. Acer macrophyllum continued to leaf out along Meadow trail. At the Heritage tree picnic area, several Alnus rhombifolia showed off new leaves and Woodwardia fimbriata, once yellowed, is now a nice shade of green.

3/19/2017
I arrived at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park at 10 am on a partly cloudy day. Beginning at the amphitheater, portions of Creekside and Hillside trails are closed due to recent rains. Trail repair could take over a month, according to staff at the Visitor Center. Therefore, I have rerouted and expanded the area that I will study. Instead of walking beyond the Neptune trail marker, I will add Lower Bald Mountain trail.

Today, I followed Lower Bald, Meadow and Hillside trails and returned through the campground. Plant communities are Grassland, Oak Woodland , Mixed Evergreen and Riparian (Hillside, Creekside trails).

In grassland along Lower Bald trail, wildflowers are blooming, including Nemophila menziesii var atomaria, Ranunculus, and Primula hendersonii. As I hiked uphill, I noticed signs of serpentine soil. Trees and shrubs included Quercus durata, Quercus agrifolia, Arctostaphylos, Ceanothus, and Umbellaria californica. Toxicodendron diversilobum (Poison Oak) was quite healthy and abundant, sporting an attractive red sheen for spring.

Dichelostemma capitatum and Nemophila menziesii var manziesii grew in semi-shade to sunny, open places near Quercus agricola. Along the shadier moist Hillside and Creekside trails, I found Claytonia, Delphinium, and Cynoglossum grande.

I took herbarium samples as well as photos for iNaturalist.

3/2/2017
I arrived at 10 am at Sugarloaf in sunny, mild weather. Along Sonoma creek, the trails were muddy, the soil saturated. Walkways and embankments had washed away in parts, especially on the Nature trail. Several CCC, state crews, and volunteer groups were busy adjusting sandbags, putting down gravel and repairing trail damage.

Trees have not yet leafed out, but Arctostaphylos and Baccharis pilularis are in bloom. I climbed to the top of the small hill at marker 11 to view a large Quercus kelloggii.. The understory contained Umbellaria californica, Pteridium aquilinum, and fallen leaves of Q. kelloggi.

I keyed out ferns near the bridge at marker 13--Polypodium californica and Dryopteris (likely Dryopteris arguta) predominate. I will leave a walk on Brushy Creek trail for another day.

The area covers parts of the Nature trail, and the Creekside, Hillside and Brushy Peaks trails to just beyond the Neptune marker (2.7 miles one-way). Elevation gain is about 600 ft. Coordinates: 38 19 86 N 132 40 46 W.

Plant communities include riparian, grassland, and oak woodland. The first mile or so is riparian and dominated by ferns, low shrubs and California Bay Laurel. Manzanita and madrone come in as the area becomes more open and less shaded. Then oaks, Doug fir, Coyote bush and various grasses.

I chose this route because I lead hikes here and want to provide more information to park visitors. I added the picnic area next to the Heritage tree because it is a good close-up example of a riparian environment and includes an impressive Giant Chain Fern (Woodwardia fimbriata).

After heavy rain this week, the sun was out today. Sonoma creek overflowing. Puddles and mud everywhere. Minor landslide on Nature trail, which is partly blocked off. But all in all, a glorious day!

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