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Windmill TrailThe old windmill at FernandezRanch is a reminder of the propertysranching and farming heritage. The

Windmill Trail follows the route ofan old ranch road past the remnantsof a dairy farm that operatedduring the mid-20th century. At itspeak, the farm included a house,dairy barn and ve other buildings. The remaining building foundations can be found at the HomesteadPicnic Area. While the dairy operation ended by1960, ca le continue to graze the land today.

The Windmill Trail crosses Fern Creek, passes thewindmill, and climbs to the ridge. From the ridge,hikers and equestrians with a permit can continue onthe Bay Area Ridge Trail into the East Bay MunicipalUtility Districts Pinole Valley Watershed.

Black Phoebe TrailBlack phoebes are small, black ycatchers with white bellies that feed on insects along Rodeo Creek andabove the grasslands of Fernandez Ranch. Look forsongbirds wearing tuxedos and wagging their tailswhile perched on fence posts. If you are lucky, youwill see one y from its perch to catch a passing insecton the wing.

The ADA-accessible Black Phoebe Trail leads to benches and picnic areas along the edge of the Sou th

Meadow. On this meadow, you may ndwestern fence lizards, California meadow

voles, coyotes, and other species thatprefer open grasslands. At the far end

of the meadow, the Black PhoebeTrail connects to the Trailside

Gathering Area and theWhipsnake Trail.

Fernandez RanchPurchased by the Muir Heritage Land Trust in 2005,Fernandez Ranch is protected open space providinghabitat for a variety of native wildlife. Restoration ofcreek areas and the creation of trails and other visitoramenities were completed before this historic, 702-acre ranch was opened to the public in June 201 0.

PO Box 2452 / Martinez, CA 94553 / (925) 228-5460

MARTINEZFranklin Canyon

Golf Course

FranklinCanyonExit

80

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FERNANDEZRANCH

HERCULES

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Muir Heritage Land Trust welcomes your donations.Find out more on our web site:

www.muirheritagelandtrust.org

Ge ing to Fernandez Ranch1075 Christie Road, MartinezFrom I-80: Head east on Highway 4. Take the rstexit a er the Franklin Canyon Golf Course ontoChristie Road. Use caution; Christie Road is a minorexit off of Highway 4. Fernandez Ranch is .7 milesdown Christie Road on your right.

From Martinez: Head west on Highway 4. Takethe Franklin Canyon Exit. Turn le and merge ontoHighway 4 eastbound. Take the rst exit a er theFranklin Canyon Golf Course onto Christie Road.Use caution; Christie Road is a minor exit off ofHighway 4. Fernandez Ranch is .7 miles downChristie Road on your right.

the story behind each trail nameDiscover

Whipsnake TrailAlameda whipsnakes, or striped racers, have twolateral yellow stripes set against a black or dark brown back. Though they can grow to more thanthree feet long, the elusive animals are difficult tospot. Whipsnakes are fast, efficient hunters whocapture and swallow lizards and small mammalswhole. Fernandez Ranch provides valuable habitatfor these threatened snakes, found only in ContraCosta, Alameda, and Santa Clara counties.

The Whipsnake Trail travelsthrough oak woodlandsand open grasslands, whichare among the whipsnakespreferred habitats. The trailwinds high into the property,offering breathtaking views before descending intooak woodland and pockets of bay forest. Of all thetrails on Fernandez Ranch, the Whipsnake Trailtraverses the greatest variety of habitats.

Woodrat TrailSan Francisco dusky-footed woodrats live in the bayforests of Fernandez Ranch. They build large nests,some several feet tall, out of twigs and branches.Inside their nests, woodrats store nuts, leaves, food,and man-made objects. These avid collectors are alsoknown as pack rats. Newts and other small animalso en move in to share the woodrat nests.

The Woodrat Trail travels through a dense bay forestas it winds up to the ridge that separates the PinoleCreek and Rodeo Creek watersheds. While in theforest, keep an eye out for California newts on the

trail. Also look for piles of twigs and branches on theground and low in the trees;these are likely the nests ofdusky-footed woodrats.

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FERNANDEZ RANCHTRAILHEAD

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HIKING PERMIT REQD (510-287-0459)

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EAST BAY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT

FERNANDEZ RANCH MUIR HERITAGE LAND TRUST

FRANKLIN CANYON MUIR HERITAGE LAND TRUST

(NO PUBLIC ACCESS)

AMENITIESMore than 3.5 miles of multi-use trails, includingADA accessible trailsTrail connections to adjacent protected landsA segment of the Bay Area Ridge TrailThree accessible picnic areasStaging area for horse trailers

INFORMATIONNo potable water or restrooms are available.Garbage service is limited. Please assist the MuirHeritage Land Trust by packing out all trash.Contact the Muir Heritage Land Trust at925-228-5460 for trail conditions.

RULESPark is open from dawn to dusk.All trails are multiple use. Bicyclists yield tohikers. Bicyclists and hikers yield to equestrians.Keep dogs on leash near the picnic areas. Dogsmay be off leash on the trails provided that theyare under control at all times.Due to high re risk, smoking, campres, barbeques and reworks are not permi ed.

Camping, shing and hunting are prohibited. Motorized vehicles are prohibited.You are entering a ca le-grazing area. Do nota empt to touch cows or calves. Keep yourdistance and avoid ge ing between cows andtheir calves. Keep your dog under control or onleash when ca le are nearby.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCYOR FIRE, DIAL 911

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LEGENDMULTI-USE TRAIL

ACCESSIBLE MULTI-USE TRAIL

BAY AREA RIDGE TRAIL (MULTI-USE)

EBMUD BAY AREA RIDGE TRAIL(EQUESTRIANS AND HIKERS WITH PERMIT)

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