FT 5
McLaughlin Reserve Field Trip - Serpentine Ecology and Mining History

Sunday, August 10, 2014: 7:00 AM-5:30 PM
J Street Entrance, Sacramento Convention Center
Organizer:
Susan P. Harrison, University of California, Davis
Co-organizers:
Catherine E. Koehler, University of California, Davis; and Paul A. Aigner, University of California, Davis
Description: The McLaughlin UC Natural Reserve (http://nrs.ucdavis.edu/McL/)  offers a high diversity of interior Californian habitats, notably the endemic-rich plant communities on serpentine (ultramafic) soils. The Reserve is an active research and educational site for experimental ecology, evolutionary biology, geology/geochemistry, wildlife studies, restoration ecology, and post-mining reclamation.

On serpentine soils, we will visit talus slopes (barrens), small wetlands (seeps), and larger riparian areas that are rich in unusual plants endemic to these environments; some of the herbaceous endemics, like buckwheats (Eriogonum) and jewelflowers (Streptanthus), may still be around in August.  We will also visit more widespread serpentine plant communities such as grasslands, leather oak (Quercus durata) chaparral, and Sargents cypress (Hesperocyparis sargentii) woodlands.  Additional plant communities we will observe include blue oak (Quercus douglassi)  woodland, chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) chaparral, and non-serpentine annual grasslands. We will visit various ecological and evolutionary experiments in the grasslands.

The Reserve was the site of the only gold mine in the Coast Ranges (now inactive).   We will visit the site of the Homestake Mining Company’s late 20th century open pit gold mine and see areas where post-mine reclamation has taken place.   We will also visit recent large-scale experiments in which blue oak and riparian woodland and perennial grassland are being restored to areas affected by 19th and 20th century mercury mining and livestock ranching.

Registration Fee: $45

Equipment and Attire: There will not be strenuous hiking, but there will be some off-trail walking, which can be challenging if it is hot weather. August can be hot, it will be very dry, and dried vegetation can scratch unprotected legs and get snarled in socks. Participants should wear close-toed shoes (hiking boots or footwear with rugged soles preferred), long pants, and clothing that provides protection from the sun (light, loose cotton long-sleeved shirts and wide brimmed hats work well). Participants should also bring a day pack, and carry water bottles, packed lunch, snacks, and any equipment that might be desirable (e.g. binoculars, bird/plant field guides, notebook).

Itinerary: 7:00AM - leave Convention Center for McLaughlin Reserve (26775 Morgan Valley Rd., Lower Lake, CA 95457) for arrival by 9:30 am. 9:30 - meet resident field trip leaders at the McLaughlin field station 9:30-3:00 - various stops within the Reserve, under the accompaniment of field trip leaders. 3:00PM - leave McLaughlin Reserve for return to Sacramento by 5:30

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