Field trip with Larry Ballard

New date: Saturday, May 9, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Participation limited to 15.
Advance registration begins April 9 at synature@west.net
or 805/ 693-5683
Members $10 / Nonmembers $25 / Children $5

The Thomas Fire in late 2017 and the Montecito debris flow in early 2018 left much of the Cold Spring Canyon area unrecognizable. Those disturbances opened up areas for both fire-followers and flood-followers.

On this trip we’ll discuss some of the geomorphology and geology that have shaped this watershed and examine the rebounding biodiversity along the stream. Canyon wrens hop along the boulder-strewn creek bed where we’ll see red-rock skimmers, California tree frogs, downy monkey flowers, and several species of Phacelia. Single colonies of California lace fern and summer holly grow farther along the trail.

This hike along lower Cold Spring Trail is not too strenuous, although we plan to cover about three miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 700 feet. The trail has been reconstructed in places, but also includes some narrow and uneven spots. Bring snacks or a light lunch. There are no facilities at the trailhead.

Larry Ballard is a naturalist with a focus on botany and has been a popular field trip leader for the Natural History Society and other organizations for more than 20 years.