This one has “hairy arm pits” while that one is covered in oak apple galls. There’s a couple with lobed leaves, and some others with spiny leaves, while some are deciduous and others are evergreen. Help! It’s time to learn your local, native California oak trees with Docent Naturalists Frances Reneau and Helena Cohen on this leisurely-paced hike. With any luck, many will also be fruiting and covered with nutritious acorns, a mainstay in the diets of many local omnivores, including humans. Homemade acorn bread provided!
Meet at the Jacques Ridge Parking Area near the intersection of Hicks Road and Mt. Umunhum Road in San Jose. Exit Highway 85 at Camden Avenue. (From northbound Hwy. 85 turn left on Branham Avenue and then turn left on Camden Ave. and from southbound Hwy. 85 turn left on Camden Ave.) Travel on Camden Ave. about 1.6 miles. Turn right on Hicks Rd. and travel for about 6.3 miles. Turn right on Mt. Umunhum Rd. The preserve parking lot will be on the right.