Please note: The start time and meeting location have been modified from the original as of 12/20/2024; reservations are now required. Join Docent Naturalists Frances Reneau and Nancy Weintraub for mid-winter romp through the chaparral along the Montevina Ridge and Aquinas trails. You'll learn about binomial nomenclature (woohoo!) with a focus on chaparral plants like chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), California sagebrush (Artemisa californica), coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), and various manzanitas (Arctostaphylos sp.). Where do all these names—both common and scientific—come from, and what do they mean? (Note: You’ll meet at the Northside Lot Free Parking in Los Gatos and carpool to Montevina Roadside Parking.) Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after January 4 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close January 17 at 2:00 p.m.
Meet at the parking lot located at the northeast corner of Highway 9 and Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos. The sign at the lot says: “Northside lot - Free Parking.” Take Highway 17 south toward Los Gatos. Exit at Hwy. 9-Los Gatos/Saratoga and continue west on Hwy. 9 (approximately 0.33 miles) to the parking lot, located on your right just before Santa Cruz Ave. Participants will carpool to the activity location.