Jean Wheeler
Coyote Brush
Coffeeberry Plant
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Elfin Forest Activities
By Jean Wheeler
When parking near the Elfin Forest while visiting, please avoid blocking driveways or mailboxes.
Saturday, August 6
The volunteer work party known as the "Weed Warriors" will meet from 9 am to about noon. Anyone is welcome to join in and help pull obnoxious, invading weeds and work on projects to reduce erosion. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, long pants and sleeves, and park at the north end of 15th Street in Los Osos.
Third Saturday Walk—August 20, 9:30 a.m.
Geology Walk: Take a journey through time with Jeff Grover, Cuesta College Geology instructor. Jeff will focus on the geologic history of the Morro Bay area from the formation of the ancient morros, or Seven Sisters, to the recent development of the dunes that form the Elfin Forest. He may even give us a glimpse of what the Elfin Forest and Morro Bay will be like in the geologic future. Of course, he will describe our local earthquake faults and talk a little about earthquakes in general. Jeff brings rock samples and draws diagrams of local geologic action. Join us for a lively and informative walk and talk.
Park at the north end of 15th Street (16th Street for wheelchairs) off Santa Ysabel in Los Osos. Walks begin on the boardwalk at the end of the 15th Street sand path. Wear comfortable shoes, long sleeves, and pants to avoid poison oak and mosquitoes.
Besides docent-led events, visit the Elfin Forest any day. Experience the quiet natural beauty of this small wilderness area. Park at the north end of any street from 11th through 17th streets off Sta. Ysabel in Los Osos and take a sand path to the boardwalk or the wheel-chair accessible boardwalk entrance at 16th Street.
Coming Up in the Elfin Forest
August is one of the driest months of the year, yet white and yellow flowers dominate the shrubs in the Elfin Forest. Coyote brush has both, the yellow flowers being male and the white ones female. This is the middle of a very long blooming season for them and for the white flowers of the California Sagebrush. California Croton has pale green leaves with small white flowers. Dune Buckwheat flowers start out white, but age to pink and ultimately darken to a rust color.
The signature flower of this season is the bright yellow of Mock Heather, which is widespread in the Elfin Forest and blooms almost exclusively in August and September. California Goldenrod is also in bloom. Pink flowers that may be seen are Pink Everlastings, California Asters, and California Hedge Nettle.
This is also the season to look for fruit. That of the California Coffeeberry is especially attractive along the boardwalk between Bush Lupine Point and Siena's View. The colorful berries appear yellow at first, darken to red and finally turn a richly beautiful black. Another bright red berry growing in the same area is Hollyleaf Cherry.
Reptiles are most active in the warmest months, so look for Garter, Gopher, and California King Snakes, but be alert as a rattlesnake has been seen recently for the first time in the Elfin Forest. Enjoy the amusing pushups by the Western Fence Lizards along the toe rails of the boardwalk. And look for tracks of animals in the sand next to the boardwalk, especially in early mornings, when raccoon tracks are very commonly seen.
Among our resident birds active now are White-crowned, Chipping, Lark, Savannah, and Song Sparrows; House and Purple Finches; Lesser and American Goldfinches; Bushtits; Bewick's Wrens; and Annas's Hummingbirds. Fairly common but usually staying low in the bushes are California and Spotted Towhees, Cllifornia Thrashers, and Wrentits. The blue flash and noisy screams of California Scrub Jays are everywhere, and California Quail can be seen scurrying through the underbrush.
Photo of Jean by Ron Ascher.
Unless otherwise attributed, all other photos, including the Spotted Towhee banner image, are taken by Jean. |
