By BARBARA BEUCHE
March 14–Walking the Trail of Time: A Geologic Walk on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve with David Chipping
The walk will go from south to north along the bluffs. Walkers will examine the exposed geology and discuss the history of the area in the light of plate tectonics. Two plant communities will be identified, as defined by soils from ancient sand dunes and alluvial sediments seen along the trail.
March 28–Lives in Darkness and Lives in Light: A Forest Walk on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve with Brian Morgan
Explore trails through the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve forest as each twist of the path takes attendees into a different room…filled with Mother Nature’s wonders. Discover life forms that live in darkness and the life that lives in sunlight. Which critters enjoy the dark and which critters embrace the light? Roll a log back to observe the antics of slender black salamanders and glistening ensatinas.
Listen to the chatter of grey squirrels as they live their lives on the skinny branches of the beautiful local Monterey pines. Search the sky for soaring red shouldered hawks and teetering turkey vultures. Is it a turkey vulture? Or, just maybe, a majestic California condor. Learn about the beauty of seasonal mushrooms and how they help the native flora. Share experiences with your fellow walkers and naturalist guide as the forest teaches the ways of nature.
Walks typically are about two miles with little elevation gain. Wear comfortable shoes and be aware there are no restroom facilities on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Children are welcome with adult supervision. No dogs please. Rain cancels any event. Walks are 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. unless noted. Register here for the walk: Docent Walks | Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.
