Binomial nomenclature anyone? Join Docent Naturalists Frances Reneau and Helena Cohen for a deep dive into the fascinating world of plant names. Our focus on this leisurely-paced hike will be on the trees lining the Woods Trail on our way to Guadalupe Creek and back. Who decided to bestow the names Torreya californica and Pseudotsuga californica instead of simply calling them California nutmeg and Douglas fir, and why?
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.