Join ecologist Peter Warner on an informative hike to view and identify the wildflowers of Austin Creek.

Peter will talk about different vegetation types along the route, noting more important “characteristic” plants in different types, and assist participants in identifying many of the herbs and grasses along the way, or any other plant of interest. Grassland, oak woodland, Douglas-fir and redwood forest, and a bit of chaparral, and some riparian woodland, will be among the plant communities explored and discussed. Based on recent walks and the time of year, we can expect to see 150 species or more, with perhaps about 60-80 flowering plant species in bloom.

Group meets at 9:00 AM at the Armstrong Redwoods Visitor Center and will share rides up to Austin Creek Fire Road parking lot by 9:30 AM.

The route will follow the fire road, with a few short detours into grassland and oak woodland, and go down to Gilliam Creek. The group will then hike back up Gilliam Creek and break for a 1/2 hour lunch. The group will return to the parking lot by 3:30 PM, with a slower pace and more stops coming back uphill.

Participants are encouraged to bring local plant or wildflower guides, cameras, binoculars, lunch, plenty of water (1/2 gallon min. for average temperatures), sturdy boots, and otherwise dress for weather and potentially rough (hiking poles!) and wet trails. The pace will be moderate, the complete walk moderately strenuous, especially after lunch.

Instructor(s): Peter Warner (Botanical Consultant & former National/State Parks ecologist)
Meets: Armstrong Redwoods Visitor Center carpool to Austin Creek, 17000 Armstrong Redwoods Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446

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