Since 2014, LTNC has been actively involved in ongoing land stewardship and restoration efforts to remove invasive species and preserve the rare botanical resources at this stunning Land Trust permanent preserve. The Preserve’s serpentine meadows have long been regarded as one the most important botanical sites in both Napa County and the Bay region. “Serpentine” refers to the meadow’s soil type, which is inhospitable to many native plants but supports others that have evolved to cope with high heavy metal content and low nutrient levels. Several of these adapted native species are restricted to serpentine soils in northern California, and are found nowhere else in the world. Wildflower diversity and displays in the serpentine meadows have greatly diminished in recent years due to heavy invasion by an introduced plant from Europe called barbed goatgrass, along with a handful of other highly invasive species.
Working with CAL FIRE, LTNC has implemented several prescribed burns over the years that have successfully helped to stave off invasive plants while adding significant wildfire risk mitigation along with its habitat restoration benefits.
A few weekends ago, our local botanist Jake Ruygt offered members and hikers an opportunity to get first sightings of the preserves early blooms this year after the lengthy rainy season. Spring is sprouting across the preserve and we hope you enjoy a look at some of these gems.
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📷 by Mike Palladini – LTNC staff.
gilia tricolor – platystemon californicus
fritillaria purdyi
lewisia redeviva
serpentinite