Third Saturday Walks in the Elfin Forest

May 19, 9:30 a.m. – Wildflower Walk

In spite of our sporadic rain this year we finally got enough moisture and the wildflowers have responded. Dirk Walters will take us on a delightful tour of almost every blooming species that can be seen from the boardwalk. There will be bright yellows of Fiddle- necks, Rush-roses, Deerweed , Golden yarrow and of course California poppies. White Popcorn flowers, Pearly everlasting and Yarrow plants are in abundance too, as well as pink Cobweb- by thistles and blue Wild Hyacinths. The Silver dune lupines at Bush Lupine Point should be covered with pale blue blossoms, and alive with honeybees and Moro blue butterflies. Treat your- self to a springtime experience of Nature’s own garden.

June 16, 9:30 a.m. – Sketch Walk

Join artist and naturalist Barbara Renshaw for a stroll along the Elfin Forest boardwalk. Take in views of the Morro Bay Estuary, oak groves, expanses of coastal sage scrub and chaparral, and the volcanic Morros beyond. You’ll stop in the Rose Bowker Oak Grove to enjoy the ancient gnarled coast live oak trees. Barbara will tell you a bit about the native plants that you see along the way and will choose a few favorite places for sketching. No drawing experience is necessary. Bring a pad of drawing paper, colored pencils or pastels, and some drinking water. Bring a camera too. You’ll be pleased to discover the artist hidden inside of you.

July 21, 9:30 a.m. – Literary Stroll

Do you enjoy being read to? Would you enjoy strolling around the Elfin Forest boardwalk and hearing the words of famous natural history writers?? Then this walk is meant for you. Caltrans historian Robert Pavlik will share selections from the works of such authors as Robinson Jeffers, Wallace Stegner, Rachel Carson, Gary Snyder and others from this and past centuries. As you follow Bob along the boardwalk, stopping here and there for a reading, he will provide you with a delightful menu of descrip- tions and impressions that can be enjoyed in the Elfin Forest envi- ronment. He’ll also provide us with a list of his readings for those who want to read further.

August 18, 9:30 a.m. – Small Mammals & Rodents

Dr. Francis Villablanca, Curator of Birds and Mammals at Cal Poly, will lead a walk in the Elfin Forest focusing on small mam- mals that inhabit the Forest, including the Dusky-footed Wood- rat. There are about twenty species of small mammals known to live in the Forest, but few are seen because most hunt and feed at night. Dr. Villablanca will point out evidence that they are there, and share stories and information about the part they play in research being done at Cal Poly, and how they survive in a small wilderness like the Elfin Forest.

When and Where?

Walks in the Elfin Forest begin at times stated above. Park at the north end of 15th Street (16th Street for wheelchairs) off Santa Ysabel in Los Osos. Walks begin on the boardwalk at the end of the 15th Street path. Wear comfortable shoes, long sleeves and pants to avoid poison oak and mosquitoes. Please park carefully, avoiding driveways and mailboxes. Please leave pets at home. The easy paced walks last 1-1/2 to 2 hours. For more information call (805) 528-0392.