Redwoods and Ladybugs Hike

Oakland is named for the coast live oak, but it was once home to some of the world’s largest redwoods. As we walk beneath the “youthful” descendants of those ancient giants, we’ll share some forest folklore and fascinating facts about California’s state tree.

Our route takes us past a ladybug slumber party (clusters of overwintering ladybird beetles on logs and ferns). Why are these insects here, and what are they doing? Could it be the slumber party needs a chaperone? We will find out!

TOTAL DISTANCE

Participants can choose a fairly easy 3.5-mile there-and-back hike along the Stream Trail or a longer hike of 5 miles round-trip loop with several hundred feet of elevation gain.

LEADER

Carolyn Schour

WEATHER POLICY

Rain cancels.

COST

There is a $5 per vehicle park entrance fee, but it may not be collected in the winter months.

WHERE TO MEET

We'll assemble at the Canyon Meadow Staging Area. Enter the park at the Redwood Gate entrance off Redwood Road. Drive to the paved parking lot at the end of the road. If that lot is full, you can circle back to one of the overflow lots along the entrance road. There are restrooms near the beginning of the hike, and also along the way.

NOTES

Bring lunch and water. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Bring poles if you normally use them. If you have any questions about this outing, email Ken Lavin or phone him at 415-543-6771 x321.

Photo: Steve Jurvetson via Flickr

Carolyn Schour was born in Oakland and has been hiking in the East Bay Regional Parks for many decades. She has led Greenbelt Alliance outings since 2015. When not hiking in the redwoods, Carolyn is the finance director at Multiplier, a nonprofit organization with projects that focus on protecting and fostering a healthy, sustainable, resilient and equitable world.

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