Amphibian Amble

With winter rains, our remarkable California and rough-skinned newts return to their home ponds to mate and lay eggs. We'll take a nature hike to view these amazing amphibians as they cavort au naturale in Maricich and Sindicich Lagoons.

What does this innocuous-looking little creature have in common with deadly puffer fish? What is the unken reflex anyway? (Hint: It's not a yoga position.) And why are newts proudly aposematic? Join us to find out!

TOTAL DISTANCE

This is a moderate 4-mile round-trip hike with a few hundred feet in elevation change. You may opt for the shorter 2-mile round-trip option.

LEADERS

Liz Watson and Ken Lavin.

WEATHER POLICY

Heavy rain will postpone this outing.

COST

The outing is free, but reservations are required.

WHERE TO MEET

We'll assemble at the gate for the Old Briones Road Trail at the end of Old Briones Road in Briones Regional Park. There is a drinking fountain and outhouse at the trailhead.

NOTES

Bring snacks and water. Dress in layers, bring a rain jacket, and wear good hiking shoes. Bring poles if you normally use them. If you have any questions about this outing, email Ken Lavin at [email protected]

Photo: NPS via Flickr

Liz Watson is a special education teacher at Liberty High School in Brentwood. Liz is a certified California naturalist.

Ken Lavin is the Outing Coordinator for Greenbelt Alliance and has been leading our free educational outings for over a decade. Ken worked as a national park ranger in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and as an instructor for Diablo Nature Adventures, teaching environmental science to school groups in Mount Diablo State Park.

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