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The Cypress Cone

Volume 36, No 6 www.cruzcnps.org November - December 2011

The newsletter of the California Native Plant SocietySANTA CRUZ COUNTY CHAPTER

General Membership Meeting

Natural Wonders of Henry CowellRedwoods State Park.

Fred Mc Pherson

November 14, 2011Plant Keying Session 5:00 pmSpeaker Presentation 7:30 pm

UCSC Arboretum Horticulture Building

Biologist and naturalist Fred Mc Pherson has produced anew video about the many diverse natural communitiesof Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. It tells a story ofremarkable animal life, rare native plants, geology andspectacular landscapes throughout the seasons, ascaptured over a five year period..

The presentation was well received by the docents ofHenry Cowell. In addition to being featured in the parkstore for the holidays, the video will be available at the

UCSC book store, and will be offered to the 2012 SantaCruz Film Festival.

Long-time county resident Fred McPherson has a Ph.D. inGeneral Studies in Human Ecology, as well as Teachingand Biology degrees. He has taught classes at manyinstitutions, including the UCSC Environmental StudiesDepartment. His CNPS background includes past terms asChapter President. He remains on the Board, and mostrecently has been expanding on his commitment toeducation by creating video projects.

Please come and enjoy yourself in a tour of the features ofHenry Cowell.

The Santa Cruz CNPS Keying ClubMonday November 14 from 5-7PMJust before the General meeting at the UCSCArboretum Horticulture Building.

Our chapter is proud to announce a second keyingsession. Due to the first session’s popularity will behaving another keying club session; we will meet twohours before our general meeting and key native plants.Bring any unknown plants that have been bothering youor we will provide plants. Our focus this time will be theSalicaceae, which has a way of being difficult at first eventhough there are only 6 species in the county. Any otherplants of interest are welcomed. This is a great way tolearn the flora and an exciting opportunity to startlearning the 2nd edition of The Jepson Manual.

No experience is necessary. If you have a hand lens,microscope, Flora of the Santa Cruz Mountains, or TheJepson Manual, please bring them with you. Bring afriend too! RSVP is not necessary but recommended forus to plan accordingly.

Contact: Deanna Giuliano drosegiuliano@yahoo.com or831 335-4902.

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CNPS Request for Pogonip EIR GoesUnheeded: Friends of Pogonip Have anAlternative Solution.A year ago CNPS submitted comments to the City ofSanta Cruz regarding their proposal to construct a newmulti-use trail in the 640 acre Pogonip Greenbelt. Werequested that the city prepare an Environmental ImpactReport (EIR) based on the project's destruction of thestate protected grassland known as coastal prairie(among other biological impacts) and the need to amendtheir own previously approved Pogonip Master Plan EIR.So far it appears the City does not plan to do an EIR butrather submit a revised Mitigated Negative Declaration.We will continue to request that the City do an EIR asrequired under the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) for projects that result in significant andunavoidable impacts to state designated rare habitats andplants.

Part of the value of doing an EIR is that it alwaysincludes analysis of alternative projects that allow agiven project to either decrease or solve entirely thedamage and significant impacts to rare habitats andspecies. In this particular instance there is a non EIRsolution that could be a ready-made win-win solution forthe City. A volunteer group called the “Friends of thePogonip” has been organized to protect Pogonip andkeep it bike free. They are circulating a petition askingthe City to reject the current proposal for a new multi-usetrail through Pogonip and to work instead with theCounty of Santa Cruz to explore a superior route for arail trail – open to bicyclists and pedestrians – adjacent tothe Big Trees Railroad Tracks from Harvey West throughthe Pogonip. This route would provide excellentconnections to Henry Cowell State Park and theUniversity Connector Trail at the northern end ofPogonip. For more information go towww.PogonipWatch.org/.

Pre-Publication Discount On The New JepsonManual - 20% OffThe second edition of The Jepson Manual, VascularPlants of California, thoroughly updates this acclaimedwork, the single most comprehensive resource onCalifornia's amazingly diverse flora. The second editionintegrates the latest science with the results of intensivefieldwork, institutional collaboration, and efforts ofhundreds of contributing authors into an essentialreference on California's native and naturalized vascularplants.This update includes treatments of many newly describedor discovered taxa and recently introduced plants, andreflects major improvements to plant taxonomy fromphylogenetic studies.

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Fall Planting: Yes!How great to be able to say that our chapter had the bestfall plant sale in recent years! Maybe we west coastgardeners are more fully embracing the importance ofplanting at the beginning of the rainy season. Or maybepeople are staying home more since finances havetightened, and we find new pleasure in tending ourgardens. And we had a sunny day in the eucalyptus grovenext to the USCS Arboretum sale.

How about some more participation? We had twentyvolunteers at the sale, backing up all the work alreadydone by the propagation team. However, we continue toadd more elements to the sale. We are featuring onegenus at each sale (this time it was Salvia) to buildinterest and help make publicity more interesting. Thereare books, posters, a talk for the buyers, and all the usualtasks like cashiering. So we need more people to helpcarry out our sale. If you want to join us at the springsale in April, please phone me to get on the list. I can bereached at 426-1172 – Karen Hildebrand.

New Members Welcome!We are pleased to greet our newest members:

Joe ChristyMegan BontragerBrenna MahoneyColin KortmanJuliet Oshiro

The new Jepson Manual is expected to ship onDecember 22. Pre-order to get the discount price:http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520253124

The CNPS 2012 Conservation Conference IsComing In JanuaryThe statewide CNPS 2012 Conservation Conference, inSan Diego, Jan 10-14, 2012 is an opportunity for all ofus to come together and celebrate everything we do as aleading plant conservation organization in California. Asscientists, decision-makers, and grassroots activistsworking hard on the front lines get toegether we willshare what we know and how we do it. There aresessions and activities for everyone from career botaniststo garden enthusiasts.

Early registration discounts are available until Oct 31,with additional discounts for CNPS members andstudents. Special CNPS conference discounts areavailable at the conference hotel until Dec 16 or until allrooms are taken.

Obtain more info and register for the conference and/orthe hotel through our website at www.CNPS.org/2012.

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Habitat Restoration TeamWe are a volunteer group working to restore native habitatin the parks and protected lands in Santa Cruz County.Our program provides an opportunity for people to learnabout the natural systems that surround them whilehelping to restore special and wild places. No prior workexperience is necessary; just show up. We welcomeindividual volunteers from 8 to 80 years, as well asspecial group projects. Wear comfortable layered clothing,bring something to drink, and lots of enthusiasm! Wework rain or shine, but if things get particularlyunpleasant, we call it a day. Tools provided; bring gloves.

The exact dates of our next projects have not yet beenfinalized. Please call the Program Leader, Linda Brodman831.462.4041, redwdrn@pacbell.net after September 20for the when and where of of the next restoration events.

As always you can also check out ww.cruzcnps.org.October 29, 2011 10 am to 1 pmQuail Hollow Ranch County Park

November 5, 2011 10 am to 1 pmQuail Hollow Ranch County Park

November 19, 2011 10 am to 1 pmYounger Lagoon, UCSC Natural Reserve

December 3, 2011 10 am to 1 pmQuail Hollow Ranch County Park

December 17, 2011 10 am to 1 pmQuail Hollow Ranch County Park

Late Fall Field TripsOur ever-active field trip organizer would like to get somehelp or to pass the baton onto a successor.. If you know ofanyone, training is provided, and one gets to meet reallyfun people! Call or email Ellen 831-750-2365ellen@centralcoastwilds.comThe field trips offered by the Santa Clara Valley chaptercan be found at:http://www.cnps-scv.org/index.php?itemid=119

Native Willows of Santa Cruz CountySaturday Nov 19, 1-3pmWith only six species to deal with, this shouldn’t be toohard, right? Join Dylan Neubauer, Ellen Holmes andDeanna Giuliano in an exploration of the Salix species ofSanta Cruz County. Part I: Tailgate Party: Using collectedspecimens we will look at vegetative characters (Noflowers needed). Bring a hand lens. A key and otherhandouts will be provided to all who RSVP in a timelyfashion. Part II: The intrepid will sally forth, to test theirnew keys in the river channel. Don’t expect a wildlandexperience; rivers have a way of collecting the debris ofcivilization! Meet at 1PM sharp in Santa Cruz, on thelevee at the back of the Gateway Plaza shopping center,corner of River St. and Potrero. (At the intersection ofHighway 1 and River St, turn towards downtown, thenleft at the first light into the plaza.) More info/RSVPellen@centralcoastwilds.com (831) 684-2363 or Deanna831-335-4902. Bring willow branches you are hoping toidentify - Try to collect mature leaves and next year’sunopened buds. (Non-natives may be ignored.) Wearclothes for bushwhacking, unless you plan to only attendPart I. The descent into the river channel is rough going!We should see the 4 most common (and most commonlymisidentified) species. Treasure hunt maps for the 5th and6th species will be provided for the diehards. Raincancels.

Fabulous Fall Foliage and Seedlings w/ Bob HaleSunday, December 4, 1pmJoin Bob Hale to admire fabulous fall foliage and learn toidentify many different seedlings of the coming springflowers. We will follow the Terrace trail and pass a ridgethat has over 60 species of flowering plants. Our returnwill be alongside Garzas Creek. The hike of about 3 or 4miles has approximately 600 ft. elevation gain. Arriveearly; we depart at 1pm from the Rio Road Park & Ride.Bring a snack and water. Call co-leader, Lynn Bombergerat 375-7777 for a reservation

Fairytale Fly Agarics of Del Monte Forest w/ LynnBombergerSunday, December 11, 9:30amWe’ll zig & zag through the serene pine forest of PebbleBeach hoping to find beautiful Fly Agaric mushrooms. Ifwe’re really lucky, we might see an elf or two under them.

Bring water; lunch gives us the option of purchasing aPoppy Hills sandwich. 5 ½ miles, 750 ft. elevation gain.Arrive early; we depart at 9:30am from the “Haul Road”Gates on Highway 68 in Pebble Beach. Call leader LynnBomberger at 375-7777 for a reservation.

Central California Invasive Weed SymposiumThursday, November 10 8:30 AM – 4:30 PMMonterey and Santa Cruz Counties' Weed ManagementArea Partners Proudly Present “Movin' On Up! – Stagesand Strategies for Weed Control” at Trackview Pavilionin Salinas.The conference (once called “War on Weeds”) willprovide ample information on weed control throughexciting speakers, interactive field expeditions, tooldemonstrations, and continuing education credits. Formore info and to sign up seecciws2011.eventbrite.com/?ref=invite=2072666401

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California Native Plant SocietySanta Cruz County ChapterP.O. Box 1622Santa Cruz, CA 95061Address Service Requested

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First ClassU.S. Postage PAID

Santa Cruz CAPermit # 200

First Class

Join the California Native Plant Society!New members receive a free bag or backpack.

Name:_________________________________

Address:_______________________________

City:___________________ State:___ Zip:____

Phone:_______________________________________

Email:________________________________________

Chapter (County) Affiliation: ________________

Please make your check payable to CNPS andsend to: Membership Chair, CNPS, 2707 KStreet, Suite 1, Sacramento, CA 95816

Student/Limited Income $25 Individual $45 Family, Group or Library $75 Plant Lover $100 Patron $300 Benefactor $600 Mariposa Lily $1500

All dues and gifts to CNPS are tax deductible.

CNPS is a non-profitorganization dedicated tothe preservation of Califor-nia native flora. CNPS has31 chapters throughout thestate and membership isopen to all persons –professional and amateur— with an interest inCalifornia’s native plants.Members have diverseinterests including naturalhistory, botany, ecology,conservation, photography,drawing, hiking, andgardening. Your member-ship includes Fremontia, aquarterly journal witharticles on all aspects ofnative plants; the Bulletin, astatewide report of activi-ties and schedules; and theCypress Cone.

Santa Cruz Chapter Board of DirectorsPresident: Deanna Giuliano drosegiuliano@yahoo.comVice-President: Brett Hall brett@ucsc.eduSecretary: Kris Houser 462-6672, KrisHouser@sbcglobal.netTreasurer: Suzanne Schettler 336-1745, SESchettler@gmail.comAlternate Delegates: Karen Hildebrand, Kris HouserMembership: Jenn Yost jennyost@gmail.comConservation: Chair: Vince Cheap 477-1660,vince@sasquatch.com;Stephen McCabe 336-2141, smccabe@ucsc.edu;Peggy Edwards pegedwards@sierranatureprints.com 566-8471Peggy Waters 336-9283; Brett HallRare Plant Coordinator: R. Morgan 466-0680Habitat Restoration: Linda Brodman 462-4041,redwdrn@pacbell.netFlora: Dylan Neubauer, dneubauer1111@gmail.comDigital Video Outreach: Fred McPherson fredwood@cruzio.comLegislation: openPrograms: Linda BrodmanPublicity/Outreach: Joel Rider edgerider2002@yahoo.comField Trips: Ellen Holmes 684-2363, ellen@centralcoastwilds.comNewsletter: Charles Koester 335-9466, cnps@koester.comHospitality: Angel Guerzon 212-8359, angelguerzon@hotmail.comPlant Sales: Karen Hildebrand 426-1172, Linda Willis 479-1535Plant Propagation: Michael Luther 688-3897, 406 Semple Ave,Aptos; Denise Polk 685-3235, dmpolk@cruzio.comPoster Sales: Peggy WatersBook Sales: Jenn Yost jennyost@gmail.comChapter Publications. Grant/Scholarships: Janell Hillmanemerald@cruzio.comWebmaster: Bill Malone billmalone@pacbell.netBryophytes: Ken Kellman kkellman@sbcglobal.netMembers at Large: Mary Ellen Irons 426-8410, 207 Archer Dr,Santa Cruz; Kim Hayes monkeyflowerkim@aol.com;Ernie Wasson sluggo@cruzio.com