Sunflowers and Other Summer Flowers

Starting at 6am from the side of Pine Flat Road just past Red Winery Road across from some houses, we'll drive 6 miles up the road past cliff s and into Pine Flat. We'll park just before the Little Sulphur Creek Bridge, then hike onto private property (All Lands Ecology) along the winding dirt road that veers westerly over the ridge. Our route'll head north along the grassland edge below the chaparral, till we enter a large stand of serpentine sunfl owers (Helianthus exilis) that'll face us and the morning sun. We'll explore here for an hour or so, fi nding other summer fl owers as we go. Back to the cars, we'll visit a few more wildfl owers near the road, perhaps with a short walk to see redwood keckiella on the side of a big rock.

Yes, it is early! We will stay together as a group, so please be on time. Carpool options: Meet at the River Road park and ride, west of Highway 101 in Santa Rosa at 5:25 am. From north 101: take Lytton Springs Road east then Alexander Valley road to Pine Flat road. Park on the side of the road. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection and bring water and a lunch.