Santa Clara Valley Chapter
Santa Clara Valley Chapter
September - October
1st Annual Brenda Butner Memorial lecture Honors Wayne Roderick
T he Santa Clara Valley Chapter is pleased to inaugurate with our September General Meeting an annual lecture series in memory of former chapter 
president Brenda Butner by honoring Wayne Roderick for his lifetime achievements in horticulture and conservation.
The Memorial Lecture Series is an activity of the Brenda Butner fund of donations made to the Chapter in her memory. Horticulture and conservation were two of Brenda's major interests. An avid gardener, Brenda as chapter president founded the Growing with Natives group, organized the Edgewood Docent program, and was a leader in the battle to preserve the rare native plant habitats at Edgewood Park.
Wayne Roderick is a charter member and fellow of the California Native Plant Society. A gardener since the age of five, Wayne has had three plants named in his honor. He was lecturer at the University of California and head of the California Section of the UC Botanical Garden, and went on to become director of the East Bay Regional Park District Botanical Garden, from which he retired in 1983. For the past thirty years he has been a strong advocate for the preservation of the unique botanical region in the Klamath Mountains at Cook and Green Pass. His presentation at our meeting will be Plant Pioneers of the West.
You can join him for dinner at Chef Chu's at 1067 N. San Antonio Rd in Los Altos at 6pm before the meeting if you will make reservations by Wednesday, September 17 with Don Mayall at 650-856-7579.
Directions to Los Altos Youth Center: Take San Antonio Road to the Civic Center near the intersection with Edith. The Youth Center is behind and between the Library and the City Hall, both of which front on San Antonio Road.
As most of you know the chapter has been involved in saving native plant habitats in both San Mateo and Santa Clara counties for ages. Until recently Edgewood Park has been our main focus-- first saving it from becoming a golf course, then making it a preserve, and lately removing various weedy thistles from its meadows. We've expanded to broom removal in Palo Alto's Foothills Park. and now German ivy removal in Rancho San Antonio Open Space. Our thanks go to Elly Hess, Ken Himes, Ellie Gioumousis and Don Thomas for their time in organizing volunteers and to all the volunteers, too. It is hard work but very rewarding to see the native plants without their smothering competition. It is also encouraging to me to see how the park rangers and staff are reacting to our efforts. They are very appreciative and are trying to make it easier for us. Locally we seem to be making friends and getting others involved. Groups from industry and schools and even joggers want to help and have been weeding with Ken.
While pulling weeds is good, the problem of the big invaders is so very widespread that other measures are needed. A few insect predators have been released for Yellow Star-thistle and we are waiting for some results. It will be the only hope for control out in the miles of it in the Great Basin. Currently funding is being sought for research on bio-control of German-ivy. This plant, Sencio mikanioides, is strangling the plants-- trees, shrubs, entire watersheds, in our central coast canyons. It climbs vertical cliffs where no one can get to it, an it defies all removal techniques by sprouting from tiny little parts when pulled. It is not such a problem in its native habitat in South Africa. Biologists believe that natural controls may be found there. Our chapter voted to donate $500 to help support German-ivy bio-control research at the USDA-ARS Western Region Research Center, Albany, CA. This federal facility has heretofore engaged in crop related research. Our contribution, along with those of similar organizations will, hopefully stimulate inquiry into the survival problems of native plants.
Any member who wants to learn more can attend the next Conference of the California Exotic Pest Plant Council (CalEPPC). It will be held here in the Bay Area on Concord on October 10-12. Call me or Don Mayall if you want more information. Several of us have gone in the past and learned a lot about what can be done and what has worked. It is inspiring to know that others are working for the same goals. (Jean Struthers, Chapter President, 650 941-2586)
Our little 70x40' space is currently crammed with plants -- some big, some little. We now have around 3,000 native babies for you to plant in your gardens. Pretty remarkable since this is only our second year. Regulars over the summer have included Cathy Simms, horticulturist extraordinaire, Don Mayall, counter and peripatetic potter, Ray Deutsch, alpine specialist, and Ann Knopf, Debbie Thornley, Judy Windt and me. All of you are welcome to come help. We have a good time. It is quite and peaceful among the Black Phoebes, Red-shouldered Hawks, and Goldfinches, and it helps raise money for the chapter. Our regular workday is Wednesday from about 10 AM to 3 PM. We are located behind the visitor center at Hidden Villa. If the gate is locked, you can walk the short distance in.
On Sunday, September 21, 10 AM to 3 PM we will be having big "pot up" day to get ready for the Fall Sale, and we will need helpers for this activity. Bring lunch, hat, gloves if you want to stay clean, and maybe pruning clippers. Beverages will be provided. We pot, water, write labels, and, of course, socialize while working. Come for some or all of the time and get intimate with the natives. -- Jean Struthers
The balance in the operating accounts on 05/31/97 was $27,721.11. Income for June and July amounted to $1,470.20. Expenses during the period totaled $5,689.78. Major expenses during the period were the purchase of books, payment for the services of a professional botanist for a conservation project on the San Francisco watershed, and space rental for the wildflower show. The balance in these accounts at the end of July was $23,501.53.
Arabis to Zauschneria, Deer Grass & Monkey-flower, Redbud & Blue-eyed Grass, Orchids, Lilies, Ferns, Sedums, Buckwheats, Bulbs! We will have plenty of healthy native plants in gallons and smaller sizes at our Fall Sale. Check the date on your calendar then pass on the enclosed flyer to a friend or post at a nearby store or bulletin board. We need lots of volunteers to work the show and to help set up on Friday the 24th. Call Don Mayall 650/856-7579.
We've been invited to see and collect cuttings at Georgia Stigell's lovely new Skyline Blvd. home. More info coming from Wendy Winkler on Map, carpooling and materials needed for collecting. Sal1y Casey 408/377-0989
Saturday, October 18, 9-12 (or whenever you get tired or hungry).
Meet at the Park and Ride Lot at Edgewood Road.
Bring sharp hand clippers for removing seed heads, plenty of water, and
snacks. We will provide hard hats, orange vests, and bags.
This is a chance to continue restoring this beautiful stretch of land, to
remove some of the seed bank that continues to sow weeds into Edgewood
Park--and to spend time with congenial CNPS members.
Please call Judy Windt, 650-328-4173 for more details.
Broom removal at Foothills Park wil resume on Sunday, September 14. Last year we cut to the ground about half of the French Broom that is invading the Blue Oak woodlands. Cutting the Broom at ground level in Fall, when the plant's food reserves are at their lowest level, inhibits regrowth of the parent plant. New seedlings will appear in early Spring but will not flower or produce seed for two more years, so our focus this year will to cut the remaining 'old growth' plants. Some are ten or more feet high and eventually they will shade and crowd out the oaks.
Admission to the park is free for this event and you do not need to be a Palo Alto resident. Tell the ticket-taker you are here for the CNPS broom removal and meet at the Orchard Glen picnic area at 9 am on Sunday, September 14 and again on Saturday, September 27. Call Ellie Gioumousis at 650/494-6276 or email at GeorgGms@netcom.com for more information.
The Escaped Exotics Committee of the Santa Clara Valley Chapter is continuing its battle against German ivy. German ivy is invading Permanente Creek in the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. So far, it is only in a small area. By removing it now, we can prevent it from spreading further along the creek.
We are conducting control projects on the following dates:
Sunday September 14 from 10 a.m. to noon and Sunday October 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring hand shears and gloves. We will meet at the lower parking lot (near the rest rooms).
For more information email Don Thomas at DThomas514@earthlink.net or call 408/388-3507.
The invasive exotic eradication effort will continue through October 22, 1997 at Edgewood County Park and Preserve. All work will take place near the kiosk at the junction of the Serpentine Loop and the Edgewood Trail, which is located about 50 yards east of the Highway 280 pedestrian underpass. Bristly Ox-tongue (Picris echioides), which has invaded the Yampah Meadows, will be our target. Bring gloves and meet at 5:30 p.m..
Tuesday and Wednesday evenings:
September 9 &10 / September 16 &17 / September 23 &24 /
September 30 & October 1 / October 7 & 8 / October 14 & 15 /
October 21 & 22
See you at Edgewood (Ken Himes)
Joining this five day event were Paul Heiple, Seiko Izuta, Steve Buckhout, Ken Himes, and Dave Struthers. Marilyn and Bill Bauriedel were present on three days. In addition, their married daughter and husband joined us the first night at Summit Lake, where we also met Rich Robinson and pal Pete. A leisurely 5 mile hike brought us to Summit lake from the Shackleford Creek Trail head. Along the way, the lower meadows were in the greenest condition I have seen for the July fourth week. Of note was the Monument Plant, or Green Gentian, towering 4 to 5 feet. Before leaving the following morning, several people saw the Pacific Giant Salamander, a whopping 18 inches long.
We climbed 600 feet to the ridge top where the numerous rocky locations provided ample opportunity for large blossomed, pink and white Lewisia cotyledon and the smaller, hot rose L. Leana. Several walking hours later, we arrived at Man Eaten Lake, a some what difficult descent but very rewarding. The highlight during our over night stay was watching an Osprey perform. They actually dunk if necessary to reach deep enough to grab their prey!
Departing early the next morning, we continued further south to a series of wet terraces where Pasque flower jumped up from the edge of snow fields. Further back, were their interesting seed bundles. Ken pointed out interesting NW types: Sillodbia and Partridgefoot. We retraced our steps on our way northward to Marble Valley, the many soil changes during this segment brought corresponding flora changes. Lilium Washingtonia first appeared within the barrenest area among stunted Jeffrey pines. Very lush slopes were encountered during our descent to Marble valley, Goatsbeard and Delphinium glabosa were two of the tallest flowers.
Our next day was a morning walk up to Marble Gap. Not very high in elevation but intense exposure to the cold weather. Foxtail pines first appear here, often growing next to Abies Concolor. Along with white ball headed Ipomosis Congesta. We then leisurely walked up to the top of Marble and Black Marble peaks. At the very tops colorful Ivesia sps., Campanulata rhomboidifolia and a delightful silvery Artemesia cana? From the tops, the glaciation of the marble was strikingly apparent, a several acre crevassed sink hole stood in full view. Looking out over the crest at the distant clear vistas, a full 360 degrees, to the Oregon Siskiyous, Mt. McLaughton and Shasta, the tall snow fields of the Trinity Alps and everything to the west over to the tall fog banks of the Pacific. I'm rating this lookout the premier vista of this region.
The trip back out, was down Canyon Creek. This canyon was completely different from the adjacent "Sierran" Shackleford. A prominent understory and ground covers reined here. This was a Northwest forest! Once again, the diversity of this area is predicated on numerous soil types. A result of the complex geologic events in the Klamaths. Oregon Boxwood, Philadelphius sps., Yew, Linnaeius borealis, Ginger among many others were represented here. Six happy packers shuttled back to Shackleford Trailhead to complete the trip.
These mountains are highly recommended for their beauty and diversity. For those people who are unable to pack, numerous trailheads surround the mountains making day hikes easily accessible. My thanks to Ken H. for his friendly expertise. (Joe Cernac)
A few of us made an excursion over the Fourth of July weekend to check out some sites for possible field trips next year. The party, consisting of Carolyn Curtis, Don Mayall, Paul Heipl, Steve Buckhout, Sally Casey, Mary Simpson, Jean and Dave Struthers, and Ray Deutsch, set out for the north country on July 3. We stayed the first night in Yreka.
Early the next morning, July 4, we drove up to Cook and Green Pass, which is north of the town of Seiad Valley and near the Oregon border. There we joined Wayne Roderick and members of the East Bay chapter. We then took 4-wheel-drive vehicles and drove west from the pass. After a few miles, we parked and walked to Lily Pad Lake. Uncommon plants to be seen were Xerophyllum tenax, Eriogonum compositum, Lewisia leana, Penstemon davidsonii, Penstemon anguineus, and Frasera albicaulis. After we returned to the campsite, Wayne took us on a short walk down the road toward Oregon. Here we saw Phlox adsurgens, Campanula prenanthioides, and Nothochelone nemorosa.
The next day we left Yreka and drove up to the Parks Creek parking lot on Mt. Eddy, which is opposite Mt. Shasta, on the other side of Interstate 5. Steve Buckhout, Paul Heipl, and Dave Struthers had set out early to join the Marble Mountains backpack trip (Read the following Trip Report.) Mt. Eddy is the highest peak in the Klamath Mountains. Right across the road from the parking lot was a sort of alpine fell field, filled with lupines, eriogonums, and Ipomopsis aggregata, all in bloom. After marveling at this, we started out on the hike to Deadfall Lakes. Along the path we discovered Darlingtonia californica, Hackelia mundula, Chimaphila menziesii, Calochortus nudus, and Pyrola picta. After lunch, 2 of the party started back to the parking lot early. The rest pushed on, finding a mature mountain mahogany in the form of a tree. On the way down the mountain, Sally and Mary found Anemone drummondii and a possible Lilium shastense. We stayed overnight in Weed.
Sunday morning Carolyn and Don left early, the remaining 4 of us took a short trip up to Castle Lake. This is a mountain lake enclosed by granite slopes on 2 sides, to the north of Castle Crags. A few steps from the parking lot we found Schoenolirion album growing abundantly near a little brook. After a much too short look around, we left for home and reality.
Saturday, September 6, 9 AM. Franklin Olmsted will lead us for a walk in Palo Alto's Foothills Park. The park has extensive hiking trails passing through groves of oaks, Currants, Toyon, Dirca and many other natives. Franklin is a long time member of CNPS and the Friends of Foothills Park and knows its flora intimately. He will show us all the species of oaks found in the park plus several unusual hybrids of native oaks.
Meet at 9 AM at the Orchard Glen picnic site in the park. If you are not a resident of Palo Alto please call Ellie Gioumousis at 650/ 494-6276 for information on how to get into the park.
Bring lunch and water and wear good hiking shoes.
A second oak trip will be on Saturday, September 20 - 10 AM in the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. Rod Myatt of San Jose State University will be our leader for this hike. We will see all seven species native to California including Quercus garryana. Meet in the parking lot of the preserve. From Hwy 280 take the Page Mill Road exit and go west on Page Mill almost all the way to Skyline Blvd. The parking lot has a sign and is on the left side of the road. The trip will last until 2:30 pm. Thanks to Stella Yang from our chapter and Grey from the Santa Cruz Chapter for arranging this trip.
Bring lunch and water and wear good hiking shoes.
Saturday 27 September 1997, 9 AM Co-sponsored by CNPS Yerba Buena Chapter and Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter, led by Julia Bott and Jake Sigg. When Highway 380 was conceived, it was proposed to continue on west past Highway 280, up Crestmoor Canyon and on to the coast. Citizen action stopped it. Now the city of San Bruno is proposing a golf course in this heavily-wooded canyon dominated by oaks and including buckeye, madrone, bay, and elderberry. The proposal to build a course is still at an early enough stage that we may have some effect on the outcome. We will enjoy the plants and discuss citizen participation in the planning process, which at time of writing was not clear but should take form by late September.
Take Sneath Lane exit from Highway 280, go west (toward ocean) on Sneath Lane. There are two intersections with traffic lights. If you are coming from the north, you will turn left at both lights; if coming from the south, you will go straight through the first light, turning left at second light. The road at second light is unnamed, but a sign says "201 Sneath Lane", another sign says "San Bruno School District Maintenance Yard". Go down this street approximately 500 feet (about one block) and park here along the road. We will meet at the cyclone fence gate.
Sunday 5 October 1997, 10 AM Every year Greenbelt Alliance arranges a series of trips called Peak Experience up several prominent Bay Area high places. This year's trip up Montara Mountain can be a time to contemplate contrasting potential scenarios that could unfold for this natural resource, almost half of which is privately-owned. After several years of relative inactivity on the land acquisition front, forces are beginning to stir and this may be a propitious time to begin planning for acquisition of such superlative lands. If nothing else, views should be spectacular. Jake Sigg leads. Info: Brian Lamberg, 415 543-4291.
Two days of pruning, Fall clean-up and planting at the native plant garden at Foothill College in Los Alto Hills are scheduled for Sunday, October 17 and Saturday, November 22. Come and help maintain this demonstration garden. Meet at 9 am; parking passes will be provided. The college is located just off Hwy 280 on El Monte Rd. Go west on El Monte, enter the campus, turn left at the entrance sign, then continue past parking lot B to Staff parking lot 2. The native plant area is ahead and to your left. Bring pruners, gloves, lunch or food to share. Call 650/494-6276 or email GeorgGms@netcom.com for more information.
Do you want to see California Native Plants in our major urban parks? If you do, come help guide the planting of over 3,000 plants by 50 volunteers at the Guadalupe River Park in San Jose. Supervising the volunteers is needed for September 22, 1997. A Monday, planting from 9 AM to 12 Noon. Come join in making San Jose beautiful. Call Glenn Rogers 408/371-1988 for details.
Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 AM to 1 PM. Strybing Arboretum Soc. Natives featured, with a wide selection of native shrubs, trees, grasses, bulbs, iris, shade, sun and butterfly plants. Especially nice Toyon, Snowdrop bush, and Western azalea. Also general selection of non-native plants and OPEN NURSERY. Sale at the nursery, Strybing Arboretum, 9th Ave. & Lincoln Way. San Francisco. Information: 415/661-3090.
Oct. 4 & 5, Sat. & Sun. 10 AM - 2 PM. Native plant sale at Merritt College Landscape Horticulture Department, 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland. Cash and Personal checks , no credit cards. Bring boxes to bring home purchases. More info call 510/559-9269 or 510/376-4095
The Regional Parks Botanic Garden has a new Friends organization dedicated to supporting the garden with its extensive representation of California's native plants. Benefits of membership include a newsletter, The Four Seasons Journal, programs, and discounts at native nursuries. For information, please call 510/841-8732.
Have you seen these programs on public access cable television? They are produced by volunteers from CNPS, Audubon, the Sierra Club, the Committee for Green Foothills and other local environmental groups. Following are the programs planned for this fall:
Where and When to See Common Ground:
| Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, Stanford | Every Mon. at 10 PM |
| East Palo Alto Ch 6 | Every Thurs. night at 8pm |
| Mountain View Ch 6 | Every Thurs. at 4pm |
| San Jose, Campbell Ch 15A | Every other Thurs. at 4pm ( 8/14, 28 9/11,25 10/9,23) |
| Los Altos, Cupertino Ch 26 | Every Fri. at 10:30pm |
| Saratoga Ch 6 | 2nd, 4th, & 5th Weds at 8pm |
Recording Hotline for CNPS Events 415/853-5634
Deadline for the next newsletter is October 9 1997.
Jerome Domurat, editor, 15 Loma Alta Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95032 Phone 408/395-0449
eMail: jerome@powerTV.com
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