Join Docent Naturalist Nick Yatsko, Nancy Weintraub, and Bobbie Riedel as you look for the rare winter-flowering Western Leatherwood, a shrub endemic to the Bay Area. You'll learn a bit about its puzzling story and gain an understanding of the impact of climate change on the local environment. As you focus on searching for its delicate yellow blooms, you’ll also get a chance to zoom out for fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. Other early-blooming plants may also be seen as you hike along the Lower Meadow and Wildcat Loop trails in this well-known preserve.
Meet near the restroom at the bottom of the hill in the preserve parking lot farthest to the right. From I-280, take Foothill Boulevard south and turn right almost immediately onto Cristo Rey Drive. Continue about 1 mile, veer right around the traffic circle, and turn left into the park. After entering the preserve, turn right and drive approximately 0.3 miles to Lot 6.