Third Saturday Walks in the Elfin ForestDecember 19, 9:30 a.m. – All About the Estuary
What is an estuary and what is being done to preserve and protect the Morro Bay Estuary and adjacent habitats? Shari Sullivan, Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Morro Bay National Estuary Program will tell walk attendees about the work of the MBNEP and the healing of the Morro Bay Estuary. She will lead walkers to the Elfin Forest’s overlooks to view the results of silt buildup in Morro Bay, talk about the effects of pollution on the Bay, and explain the connection between Forest and the Estuary. She’ll also introduce walk participants to “denizens’ of the Bay, and tell us how local residents can help to protect this important natural resource. January 19, 9:30 a.m. – Animal Tracks Walk
Join Evan Albright, an animal track expert, in learning who is“tracking up” the Elfin Forest. Evan will demonstrate how to tell which are the front feet or back feet of a raccoon, and what the difference is between coyote tracks and dog tracks. Visitors will learn to look for other signs that a wild resident of the Elfin Forest has passed that way, such as hairs on a fence or “scoot” marks where the animal squeezed through a fence hole. This walk will open up a complex world of the Elfin Forest’s inhabitants, one that we would never suspect while walking along the boardwalk. February 16, 9:30 a.m. – Fungus Foray
For our annual Fungus Foray in the Elfin Forest, intrepid leader and fungophile Dennis Sheridan will take us on an exploration of the Elfin Forest floor for wood bluetts, black elfin saddles, earthstars, golden caps, boletes, poisonous amanitas and many other fascinating fungi. Bring a magnifying lens and, if you have a mystery mushroom in your yard, bring a sample for Dennis to identify. This is not a mushroom collecting walk, as all plants in the Elfin Forest are protected by law. Only a very heavy rain will cancel the walk, and if it hasn’t rained, Dennis will give us an equally fascinating walk about the lichens that grow abundantly in the 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. Return to Home Revised 11/15/2009 |