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South Bay Accent - Apr/May 2016

48 South Bay Accent FROM TOP: R. PHILIP BOUCHARD; SUE DEKALB Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve PALO ALTO/PORTOLA VALLEY MORE THAN 3,000 ACRES OF ridgetop paradise awaits at Russian Ridge, culminating at the top of 2,572-foot Borel Hill, the highest named point in San Mateo County. Every spring, these high, verdant grasslands bust out in a fireworks display of mule’s ears, California poppies, blue-eyed grass, owl’s clover, and several varieties of lupine. To maximize your flower-viewing, follow this gentle 3.4-mile loop: From the Skyline/Alpine Road parking lot, take Ridge Trail uphill across the flower-dotted slopes of Borel Hill. At the top, your westward view extends over a sea of Douglas firs and redwoods to the fog-enshrouded Pacific. Continue on Ridge Trail, then loop back on Charquin Trail and Ancient Oaks Trail. Pick up a free map at the parking lot to guide you along your way. While the spring flowers steal the show here, Russian Ridge offers a wide variety of natural delights, including an enchanting grove of ancient oaks. It also affords a prime opportunity to spot raptors such as red-tailed hawks, Cooper’s hawks, sharp-shinned hawks and golden eagles. A wheelchair-accessible viewing platform has been erected at the newly opened Mindego Gateway Trailhead on Alpine Road, a short distance from the park’s main entrance. INFO: No fee; openspace.org GETTING THERE: From I-280 in Palo Alto, take the Page Mill Road exit west. Drive 8.9 winding miles to Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35). Cross Skyline to Alpine Road, and drive 200 feet to the Russian Ridge entrance on the right. Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve REDWOOD CITY THIS TINY PARK TUCKED IN between I-280 and Edgewood Road packs a big botanical punch. Its 467 acres host an unusually rich biodiversity, including 500 plant species—a mother lode for flower lovers. Edgewood’s prairie-like grasslands produce an overflowing bouquet of tidy tips, goldfields, blue-eyed grass, owl’s clover, dwarf brodiaea, California poppy, cream cups, royal larkspurs and much more, including 13 rare species. Carry an identification book and you’ll pick out dozens of species in a short walk. Or join a free docent-led walk, held on weekend mornings at 10 a.m., and learn from an expert. The preserve’s serpentine soil is responsible for the flowery abundance. Serpentine’s unique chemistry (high in magnesium, low in calcium) creates ideal growing conditions for a wealth of native flowers. The 2.8-mile Serpentine Loop offers the best vantage points. From the main park entrance, take Edgewood Trail 1.1 miles to Serpentine Trail. Turn left and follow Serpentine Trail for 0.7 miles, then turn right and loop back on Sylvan Trail. Another good petal-peeping path is the 0.8-mile Clarkia Trail, which leads through meadows to Cañada Road, the park’s back entrance. You can’t miss this trail’s namesake, the ruby chalice clarkia. It’s an eye-popping pink flower with bright red spots. While you’re wandering, keep an eye out for the bay checkerspot, a federally protected butterfly. Dependent on serpentine grasslands for its survival, this rust- and cream-colored butterfly is slowly making a comeback. INFO: No fee; smcoparks.org or friendsofedgewood.org GETTING THERE: Edgewood Park is located off I-280 at Edgewood Road in Redwood City. From the off-ramp, drive 1.5 miles east to the park entrance. Shooting Stars JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARK Tidy Tips EDGEWOOD COUNTY PARK AND NATURAL PRESERVE


South Bay Accent - Apr/May 2016
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