Special "Summer Secrets" Hike at Edgewood Natural Preserve

Rainfall varies from year to year, and all but disappears during California’s long summers. Edgewood's plants and animals have different strategies for living with our ‘feast or famine’ climate. Some plants retreat underground, others have developed tough drought resistant leaves, and still others lose their leaves altogether. There are wildflowers that have seeds which can sleep for years until conditions are right. Larvae of the Bay checkerspot butterfly curl up in cracks of dried earth and nap for several months until the rains come again. Other animals, such as the dusky-footed woodrat, are active at night, avoiding the heat of the day. Join us as we explore these and other summer secrets to surviving a California summer at Edgewood.

This hike is geared toward adults and older children. We’ll cover about 3 miles at a moderate pace. Elevation gain is approximately 400 feet.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Consider sunscreen, a hat, and snacks. Restrooms and water are available only at the picnic area near the Sylvan Trailhead. Please plan ahead.

All participants must be registered individually and have approved the liability waiver through Eventbrite.

Group size is very limited. Please cancel your reservation if you are unable to attend so others may have a chance to join us.

We ask folks to register for our hikes in order to keep group sizes manageable, but often we have a few last minute spots. If you’d like to take a chance, you are welcome to drop-in 10 minutes before the beginning of the hike to see if there is extra room to join this hike. Unfortunately, we cannot confirm whether there will be space for drop-in hikers in advance. Thank you for your understanding.

We will still hike in light showers, but heavy rain cancels this hike.