Dust off your magnifying loupe —and your high school biology!—to get a hands-on look at the sex lives of some familiar spring wildflowers. Led by Docent Naturalists Frances Reneau and Helena Cohen, this is a leisurely-paced exploration along the flower-studded Zinfandel Trail. You’ll likely see an abundance of species such as blue-eyed grass, western columbine, and hound's tongue displaying their “come hither” reproductive organs to the pollinators. What is the purpose of the diverse array of colors, sizes and shapes, if not just to delight our eyes? (Note: A couple magnifying loupes may be available but please bring yours if you have one.)
Meet at the preserve parking lot on Montebello Road. From the intersection of I-280 and Foothill Expressway, go 3.5 miles southwest (toward the mountains) on Foothill Boulevard/Stevens Canyon Road. Turn right on Montebello Rd. The preserve is 0.5 miles up Montebello Rd. on the left.